Wegmans' Professor's Brie earned a second-place Best of Show finish among more than 1,700 entries at the American Cheese Society's 2019 judging and competition.

The Rochester, New York-based retailer partnered with David and Sally Galton, owners of Old Chatham Shepherding Company in Old Chatham, New York, to create Professor's Brie, which is named in honor of David, a retired Cornell University animal science professor.

“Dave Galton was one of my professors at Cornell,” says  Cathy Gaffney, Wegmans vice president of cheese, deli and cheese caves.  “We reconnected after he and Sally acquired Old Chatham, and about five years ago, decided to create a cheese together, hence the name. Professor’s Brie is a special cheese deserving of a special name. It is also proof that this model of collaboration and production can create phenomenal American artisan cheeses.”

The cheese also won gold in the Soft-Ripened Cheeses Made from Mixed Milks category. 

Two other Wegmans-developed cheeses also won in their individual category —We Be Chivin' won a gold in the Soft-Ripened Cheeses with Flavor Added, and Sweet 16 won a bronze in the Original Recipe Made from Goat's Milk category.