Wensleydale
Traditional Yorkshire cheese made by Cistercian monks since 12th century. Saved from extinction by Wallace & Gromit films. Traditionally paired with fruit cake or apple pie.
Aging Time
21 days – 6 months
Typical Weight
2.5 kg
- Style
- Hard
- Milk
- Cow
- Origin
- England · Yorkshire Dales (Wensleydale)
- Ripening
- ≥ 21 days
Tasting Board
Texture
Crumbly, moist, flaky
Flavor
Mild, slightly sweet, honey-like, clean, refreshing
Aroma
Mild, slightly sweet
History & Origins
Brought to Yorkshire by Cistercian monks from Roquefort in 1150. Made in Wensleydale valley for 800+ years.
Cultural Significance
Nearly extinct until Wallace & Gromit films revived popularity. Traditional Yorkshire Christmas cheese.
PDO — What the Designation Requires
Yorkshire Wensleydale has EU PDO since 2013. Must be made in designated area of North Yorkshire. Traditional Cistercian monks' recipe.
Pairing & Serving
What to Pair It With
Traditional: fruit cake, Christmas cake, apple pie. Modern: cranberries, ginger.
How to Serve It
Serve with fruit cake (Yorkshire tradition), apple pie, or cranberry sauce.
Nutrition (per 100g)
| Calories | kcal |
| Protein | g |
| Total Fat | g |
| Saturated Fat | g |
| Sodium | mg |
| Calcium | mg |
Tasted it? Add your notes.
Notes are saved to your personal cheese library, next to the recipes you’ve bookmarked.
If you like Wensleydale
Browse all cheeses
Add to Your Library
Save Wensleydale to your personal cheese library. Track your tasting notes, bookmark recipes, and build your collection.
Sign Up FreeStart Your Cheese Making Journey
Join thousands of cheesemakers who use Curd Lab to discover, make, and perfect artisan cheeses.