Judy Schad is a pioneer in the world of artisanal cheese-making, particularly renowned for her work with Capriole Goat Cheese. Her passion for research and dedication to quality make her a legend in the industry.

Judy began her journey in the early 1980s, when she and her husband Larry decided to try their hand at making goat cheese on their small farm in Indiana. *The property had been owned by Larry’s great, great, great grandparents since 1850. Inspired by the traditional methods used in Europe, they embarked on a quest to learn everything they could about cheese-making. Judy devoured books, attended workshops, and even traveled to France to study under some of the best in the business.

Armed with this wealth of knowledge, Judy set out to create her own signature cheeses under the Capriole Goat Cheese label. She experimented with different recipes, aging techniques, and flavor combinations, always striving for perfection. Her dedication paid off, and soon Capriole cheeses were winning awards and gaining a loyal following from consumers and chefs alike.

From those humble beginnings, Judy went on to create a wide range of award-winning cheeses, each one a testament to her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. Her cheeses have been featured in top restaurants across the country, earning her a reputation as one of the leading figures in the artisan cheese industry.

ENTREE’s favorites of her creations are Tea Rose, which sings of fragrant herbs, flower petals, and a touch of fennel pollen , a bright chevre; Sofia, a surface-ripened goat’s mild cheese with a wrinkled rind, a traditional flavorless vegetable ash underneath the rind and marbleized throughout; Julianna, an aged semi-firm goat milk cheese with a natural rind dusted in wildflowers and herbs; and O’Bannon, a fresh goat’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves marinated in bourbon. These are works of art, totally delicious, pretty on the outside, and packed with flavor on the inside.

But Judy’s legacy goes beyond just her delicious cheeses. She has been a mentor to aspiring cheesemakers, always willing to share her knowledge and expertise. She believes in the power of research and education and encourages others to constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cheese.

Her vision is still based on family, and that family now includes Capriole’s team of passionate cheesemakers and employees, as well as her grandchildren, all of whom love the family farm and the cheeses that form its legacy.

Judy has taken on her grandson, Sam Schad, as general manager, and her granddaughter, Piper Schad, marketing and branding, making it a full-circle as a generational business. Her cheeses will continue to delight palates and her influence will be felt for years to come.

Today, Judy Schad’s influence is felt in the cheese-making community. Her commitment to quality, her thirst for knowledge, and her generosity have inspired a new generation of artisans to carry on her legacy. Judy’s spirit lives on in every wheel of Capriole cheese, a testament to her enduring impact on the world of artisanal cheesemaking.

Judy Schad and Capriole Goat Cheese stand as a shining example of the beauty and power of artisanal craftsmanship. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to quality have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come.  https://www.capriolegoatcheese.com/