Marieke Penterman, founder and owner of Marieke Gouda, has achieved the prestigious Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification. Penterman is only the fourth woman to earn this highly respected title.

When I began making cheese, my dream was to recreate the gouda I grew up with in the Netherlands," Marieke shared. "Becoming a certified Master Cheesemaker is a true honor and a reflection of my unwavering commitment to crafting the highest quality cheese that I am proud to put my name on."

"This certification is not easily earned," noted Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. "Only a select few achieve the title of Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, making it a mark of unparalleled expertise and dedication."

Marieke's cheeses have garnered international acclaim, earning more than 270 national and international awards, and have become synonymous with world-class quality, combining traditional Dutch methods with Wisconsin's rich cheesemaking heritage.

The journey to becoming a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker is rigorous, requiring at least 13 years of professional cheesemaking experience and advanced training.