About Our Farm

Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij was established by Annelies Van Gaalen in 1994. The farm is situated at the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains in a small community called Skeerpoort near the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Annelies decided to learn the art of cheese making because she wanted to introduce Dutch cheese to the South African market that was mostly familiar with Cheddar or "rooi skil kaas". Due to her Dutch heritage, Annelies made Gouda cheese from the very beginning. It only seemed natural to follow the principles of cheese making from her country of origin.
Today Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij still produces Dutch Gouda in the traditional way, staying true to the authentic methods of cheese production. Fresh milk is collected from local suppliers ensuring that high quality ingredients go into the Van Gaalen range of artisanal cheese. Our cheese is matured on the farm and a wide variety of ages and herb cheeses are available.
Our cheese tours started in 1996. What started as a small group visiting under the trees next to a small production facility, has grown into an educational activity for school groups and an informative morning for individuals and family members of all ages. 
In 2000, the building with the production side, cooler room, shop and restaurant was established which is where you will find yourself when visiting today. 8 years later, Annelies's husband, Erik Schipper, started developing trails over 50 private properties for mountain biking, hiking and birding. The manicured routes took many years to build and maintain and the farm now offers over 100 kilometers of ever changing trails, much of which is single track. Several sports events, corporate and private functions have been held on the farm since 2000.