ABOUT PLOUGHGATE CREAMERY

Marisa got her first taste of dairy life at age 15 as a farmhand near her hometown in Southern Vermont. Over the years, she honed her craft while building notoriety in the industry. Marisa saw an opportunity to add value to milk through the art of cheesemaking, which set her on a journey from Vermont to California and back again working alongside dairy leaders. At the fresh age of 23, Marisa founded Ploughgate Creamery in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, crafting her own cheese. She was one of the first producers to work with the Cellars at Jasper Hill. In honor of her contribution, Jasper Hill Creamery still produces her award-winning Hartwell and Willoughby today. 

As her growth continued, Marisa landed on a historic picturesque hilltop farm in the Mad River Valley in 2012. Inspired by the landscape and the opportunity to explore dairy further, Marisa took Ploughgate into a new chapter—cultured butter! At the time there were not many producers making small-batch butter. It was important for Marisa to focus on the old-school craft of cultured butter. Most producers utilize machines from beginning to end, while at Ploughgate we use our hands at nearly every step. It’s one of the many ways Ploughgate stands on its one–where butter lovers are making delicious butter. 

After over a decade with Marisa being solo at the helm and earning nationwide recognition, she knew it was time to evolve the brand. Ploughgate had reached a point where there was more demand for Ploughgate’s delicious butter than could be produced at her farm; she knew that the brand could benefit from having a team. She reached out to her old friend Mike Scheps, co-owner of Maplebrook where they had the expertise and type of facility that would allow Ploughgate to expand production while keeping the product true to its high quality and artisan roots. Both brands were rooted in Vermont and told a story about the traditions from which they came. 

In 2022 Ploughgate Creamery joined Maplebrook Farm in North Bennington. Mike has known Marisa since she was a teen. She and her family frequented Al Ducci's in Manchester, the Italian deli owned and operated by Mike’s father Al. Marisa visited often for focaccia sandwiches and their freshly made mozzarella–the Scheps were from an Italian cheesemaking family and they had earned a reputation for their mozzarella. Their friendship was one of the inspirations behind Marisa’s desire to build a life in dairy. The partnership has given Marisa time and space to focus on product development, which as an artisan she truly loves. Along with mentorship from Mike and his dad Al, who at 83 years old is still sharing hard-earned dairy wisdom with the new generation.

Thank you to all of the friends and family who have supported

Ploughgate Creamery.  The continued support of all of you have made this project possible and a burden of love. I have always wanted to make butter, just for the fact that I love it. -Founder, Marisa Mauro