Can children participate in the cheesemaking class?

Yes, the experience is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.

Do I need to bring any supplies?

All materials and ingredients are provided, so you only need to show up ready to learn and get involved.

Is the cheesemaking process difficult?

Not at all—guides walk you through each step, making it accessible for beginners.

How long does the cheesemaking class take?

The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on group size and participation.

Are there dietary restrictions or allergies to consider?

Please inform staff beforehand if you have allergies or dietary restrictions; they can accommodate most needs.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring and summer offer the best weather and farm activities, but the farm operates year-round.

Farmstead Food & Craft at Jireh Hills Family Homestead | Food Tour

Located in the scenic countryside near Jireh Hills, the Jireh Hills Family Homestead offers a distinctive hands-on experience that combines agricultural tradition with culinary craft. This farmstead, renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, transforms the everyday act of cheesemaking into an immersive adventure. Guests will step into a rustic farmhouse setting, where the air hums with the sounds of milking goats and bubbling cheese curds. The experience begins with learning to milk the goats, a charming and integral part of the farm's operations, leading into a guided tutorial on creating various cheeses like feta, cheddar, and kefir from scratch. The guided process demystifies cheese production while allowing participants to get their hands dirty, making it perfect for families, food lovers, and aspiring cheesemakers alike. An emphasis is placed on using farm-fresh ingredients, ensuring each batch is rich with authentic flavor. Staff also share insights into sustainable farm practices, emphasizing the importance of local food systems and environmental stewardship. Beyond the kitchen, visitors are encouraged to explore the farm’s grounds, which are dotted with blooming gardens and pastures alive with grazing goats. The farm’s commitment to community is palpable, with part of the proceeds supporting local children’s programs, adding a meaningful dimension to the visit. This unique experience at Jireh Hills is not just about cheese; it's about connecting with the land, history, and local community — making it a memorable and impactful outing. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a curious family, this farmstead offers a rare glimpse into rural food craft in a welcoming setting that encourages learning and fun.

About Jireh Hills Family Homestead

Jireh Hills Family Homestead is a family-run farmstay and education homestead located in Alvinston, Ontario. It offers a mix of overnight stays, hands-on workshops, and animal encounters designed for families, groups, homeschoolers, and learners of all ages. Accommodation options include two nature lodges — “The Slumbering Alpaca,” a newly constructed lodge with modern comforts, and “The Sleepy Goat” — plus a 32' glamping RV called the “House on Wheels” available mid‑April through late October. Overnight guests can also choose farm camping with BYO RV or off‑grid sites.

Onsite experiences focus on practical skills and farm connection: hands‑on cheesemaking classes teach fresh feta, cheddar, and kefir and include traditional goat milking; a goat’s‑milk soap workshop offers “farm to tub” crafting; and goat‑keeping classes introduce basic animal husbandry. Animal encounters include goat snuggles, alpaca meet‑and‑greets, pony rides for children, equine encounters for adults, and the family favorite “Whiskers, Hooves & Paws” farm immersion tour.

Educational programming includes the Little Farmers fall session (four weekly classes) and the “Kindred Co‑op” homeschool farm school experience. Several programs are customizable for special needs and support local children’s programs. Jireh Hills emphasizes hands‑on learning, small‑group experiences, and authenticity—combining comfortable lodging, practical workshops, and supervised animal interaction in a rural Ontario setting. The homestead provides safe, guided interactions with animals, clear pre-booking information, and optional add-ons like goat milk soap making and adult equine grooming sessions. Visitors often combine an overnight stay with daytime classes to maximize learning and family bonding on the property. Bookings are available seasonally online.