Marieke Penterman was born and raised in the Netherlands
Marieke Penterman's journey into the world of cheese began on her family's dairy farm in the Netherlands, where she spent her days surrounded by cows and the rich aroma of dairy. Her love for quality dairy products only deepened when she moved to Wisconsin with her now business partner, Rolf, who had established a 350-cow dairy farm in Thorp.
In this new land of opportunity, Marieke found herself missing the taste of authentic Gouda cheese from her homeland. Determined to fill this culinary void, she embarked on a quest to become a licensed cheesemaker. Armed with her bachelor's degree in Dairy Business, Marieke delved into the intricacies of cheese production and researching cheese-making techniques.
Her passion led her back to the Netherlands, where she immersed herself in the art of traditional Dutch Gouda cheese-making. Under the guidance of seasoned cheesemakers, Marieke honed her skills and absorbed the secrets of crafting premium Gouda cheese with unparalleled flavor.
With newfound expertise and unwavering determination, Marieke returned to Wisconsin and founded her own company. In the heart of America's dairyland, she combined her Dutch heritage with the finest ingredients to create Gouda cheese of exceptional quality and taste.
In 2024, Marieke earned the coveted Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification. Notably, she is only the fourth woman to earn this highly respected title, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the art of cheesemaking.
Today, Marieke Gouda shows her commitment to excellence and tradition. Each wheel of cheese bears the mark of her passion, crafted with the same care and dedication that began on her family's dairy farm in the Netherlands.
Just four months after Marieke crafted her first batch of Gouda in November 2006, she captured a gold award at the US Champion Cheese Contest in 2007. Dozens of awards followed including her biggest win thus far, the United States Grand Champion in 2013. On January 24th 2015, Marieke won the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Award. She is the first female to win this Award! You can see all our awards hanging on display in our store in Thorp!
Becoming the US Grand Champion was the key that unlocked the door to the American dream for Marieke.
Her victory not only earned her the prestigious title but also paved the way for her to obtain her green card through the exceptional ability award. This unexpected triumph opened up a world of growth and opportunity, far beyond what she had ever imagined when she first embarked on her journey.
In November 2013, Marieke Penterman and Rolf Penterman celebrated the grand opening of their cutting-edge facility along Highway 29 in Thorp, Wisconsin. This state-of-the-art establishment was more than just a place of business; it was a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft.
Complete with a storefront and viewing windows offering glimpses of the farm and cheese-making process, the facility was a dream come true for Marieke and Rolf. It provided them with a platform to not only produce their renowned Marieke Gouda but also to share their love for modern family farming in an open and educational setting.
Visitors were always welcomed with open arms, invited to witness firsthand the meticulous art of handcrafting the finest cheeses and to learn about the values that drove Marieke and Rolf's vision. For them, the facility was more than just a place of business; it was a beacon of community and passion, inviting all who entered to share in the joy of their craft.
Marieke is one of the many
Marieke's journey has been shaped by the resilience of the women who came before her. From her Oma, a pioneer in their small town who fearlessly obtained her driver's license when few women dared to. Marieke was surrounded by a legacy of strength and determination.
The image of her Oma pedaling alongside her children to milk the cows on the distant side of town speaks volumes about the indomitable spirit that runs through her family. It's a reminder that with perseverance and a willingness to embrace challenges, there's no limit to what one can achieve.
As Marieke stepped into the world of dairy farming and the cheese industry, she found herself inspired by the many remarkable women she encountered along the way. Their stories of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers fueled her own ambitions.
Through hard work, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Marieke has carved out her own path in the industry. From winning prestigious awards to making her mark as one of the few female cheesemakers in Wisconsin, she embodies the power of determination and the beauty of daring to dream big.
