Beau Schoch
Schoch Dairy
Salinas Valley, California -
Beau Schoch is a Monterey native, born and raised on his family’s dairy in Salinas where his grandparents had originally laid down roots after emigrating from Switzerland. He remembers the Big Sur lands as an integral part of his childhood as a favorite destination and an easy way to WOW his visiting friends and family from foreign lands.
Beau is a self proclaimed “foodie” though admittedly he says he was never much of a cook. Growing up on a dairy he was milking cows from an early age but didn’t really begin his cheesemaking profession until about 15 years ago. The journey has been interesting and challenging for him but he says it’s helped ensure the viability of his small family owned dairy, one of the last on the entire central coast of California.
The Schoch dairy was founded in 1944 and when it began there were hundreds of small dairy farms spread throughout the Salinas Valley where rich soils and temperate climates are ideal for grazing and milk production. Today, Beau and his family continue the tradition, milking the cows before dawn and producing some of the finest cheeses in California. Beau has an interest in the conservation and sustainability of animal-based agriculture and it’s natural relationship with the landscape. He hopes to continue to educate people on the importance of small-scale dairy farming and would like to eventually offer tours at the dairy to help people learn about it.
When we asked Beau about what he loves about coming to the festival he said it’s a combination of the stunning locale, the interesting people and the food and wine. Once on the topic Beau revealed his big dream is “to own a small ranch/dairy farm in Big Sur. I would let my 6 milk cows graze the surrounding hillsides and isolated meadows before bringing them back for a quick milking. The small creamery would have a big window facing West. I’d make an Alpine-style cheese that distilled all that beauty into a single bite. Passersby could step off the beaten path. If they found me with the brim of my hat down during a midday siesta – they could give me a poke. We would have a sip of wine, share a story or a gift, if there is a difference, and I would send them on their way with a piece of cheese to nourish them on top of the ridge.” Sounds lovely! We would love to have him in the community!
