Small Town,

Big Flavor

A wacky one-block wonder, Harmony, California is a bustling blend of quirk and culture from plucky artisans to friendly foodies. Nuzzled near the Pacific off Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Cambria, our family Creamery has a colorful dairy history dating back to 1869.

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History of

Harmony Valley Creamery

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    Way Back When (1869)

    Dairy has always been at the heart of Harmony Valley. The bite-sized town origins date way back to 1869, when our Swiss-Italian dairy-farming founders were yodeling across the pastures far and wide.

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    Under Construction (1875-1900)

    As Harmony Valley expanded, so did dairy farming families. A simple one-room schoolhouse named Harmony was built in 1875 near the original Excelsior Cheese Factory. Butter and cheese were the products of the time. In the 1970s the old butter and cheese storage room became a wine and cheese shop, in the shape of a giant wine barrel, before being transformed into the Harmony Chapel where couples now exchange “I dos”.

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    Harmony Valley Creamery Association (1913)

    In 1913, with the help of pioneering dairy families, dairyman M.G. Salmina established Harmony Valley Creamery Association with an initial 20 members. A thriving economic engine, the cooperative eventually included 400 members and served as an integral part of the area for nearly 90 years.

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    End of an Era (1958)

    Technology took its toll on our tiny town – progress in supplemental feeding methods caused pasture fields to become less important in dairy operations, and Harmony Valley Creamery halted processing dairy products in 1958.

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    The Wonder Years (2014)

    Fast forward to 2014—Alan and Rebecca VanderHorst became vibrant stewards of the 2-acre town. The family actively preserves the quirky charm that made Harmony a California landmark, while revitalizing a legen-dairy legacy.

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    Udderly Awesome Ice Cream (2015)

    Our Scoop Truck made its debut in 2015 at the California Mid-State Fair to the delight of eager ice cream enthusiasts everywhere.

Our

Mission

To craft extraordinary dairy products while honoring our heritage, embracing our oddity, and pledging a commitment of stewardship to our neighbors, customers and the planet.

Giving Back

Harmony Valley Creamery is family owned and operated. Our kids, parents, and partners are dedicated to contributing to the coastal community we call home, along with supporting causes beyond our backyard.

Giving Back

Harmony Valley Creamery is family owned and operated. Our kids, parents, and partners are dedicated to contributing to the coastal community we call home, along with supporting causes beyond our backyard.

Harmony Valley Creamery is proud to support: