Submitted
The Grafton Village Cheese Company (GVCC), a subsidiary of The Windham Foundation, recently announced the move of its retail store and cut and wrap operation from Brattleboro to the Okemo Valley. A long-time fixture at 400 Linden St. 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 remarked, “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 added that, while GVCC had hoped to continue at its 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 its 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 cheesemonger team have built in Brattleboro. “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,” Alpeter said. “The move to Okemo Valley is another piece of the restructuring and revisioning for the Company … 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 Route 103 in Proctorsville. The company plans a soft opening at its new location on March 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular operations will continue 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers will find great selection of artisan cheeses, accompaniments and gifts — and, as always, free cheese tasting.
