Grafton Village Cheese Announces Move of its Retail Store to the Okemo Valley
Move opens up new markets and streamlines operations.
The Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC), a subsidiary of The Windham Foundation, announces the move of its retail store and cut and wrap operation from Brattleboro to the Okemo Valley. A long-time fixture at 400 Linden Street in Brattleboro, the Company lost its lease when the building was sold to Retreat Farm in late 2022.
The Company found it challenging to find an adequate space for both the retail store and the cut and wrap operation around Brattleboro, hence the move. Store manager Sherry DiBernardo remarks, “Brattleboro has been a great community to have been a part of the past 11 years, and we are very appreciative of the support from the town and the local patrons.” DiBernardo notes that, while GVCC had hoped to continue at their current location, she understands the need to make room for the Retreat Farm. GVCC does not rule out a return to Brattleboro, but for now, the focus is on getting established in their new location on Route 103, just east of downtown Ludlow.
Grafton Village Cheese CEO Curt Alpeter also expressed his appreciation for the loyal following that DiBernardo and her cheese monger team have built in Brattleboro. Alpeter comments “The Company faced tough decisions after Covid, including the downsizing and streamlining of our operations. Most of our cheese is now being produced at the main plant in Grafton. The move to Okemo Valley is another piece of the restructuring and revisioning for the Company. Alpeter continues, “I am excited that we have the opportunity to put down roots in another vibrant community and we look forward to our Brattleboro customers visiting us at our new location. I do hope for some kind of a retail presence again in Brattleboro.”
The new retail store location is 2568 VT Route 103, Proctorsville. The Company plans a soft opening at its new location March 9th, from 10am to 6pm. Regular operations will continue 7 days a week 10am to 6pm. Customers will find the same great selection of artisan cheeses, accompaniments and gifts the Brattleboro shop offered, and as always, free cheese tasting!
About The Windham Foundation
Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable, and educational activities. Since its inception in 1963, its mission has been to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs. Its subsidiaries, the Grafton Village Cheese Co. and the Grafton Inn, contribute to these endeavors as mission-driven businesses.