This AP story (via SFGate) tells about small, family-owned California dairies where

farmers add new twists to old traditions, or create California originals with local flavors. Many welcome visitors for a tasting, sometimes within view of the cows that produced the milk.

“California cheese is where wine was in the 1970s,” said Nancy Fletcher of the California Milk Advisory Board. “It’s really gaining recognition for its quality.”

The article closes with an extensive list of cheesemakers.

All of which reminds me, I need to buy a lottery ticket tonight. If I won, I could afford all this cheese…