🧀 Martha's Vineyard Activity Spotlight: Grey Barn Cheese Tasting
Everything you need to know about booking an up-island, garden communal tasting
Last summer I visited Grey Barn & Farm for their Splendid Communal cheese tasting and farm tour, and it was both charming and informative. New bookings for the 2025 season are now open, and spots fill up fast. Here’s what to know before you book this artisanal experience:
🧀 About Grey Barn
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Chilmark, Grey Barn & Farm is a certified organic farm known for its handcrafted cheeses and sustainable practices. With lush pastures, an on-site bakery, and a celebrated cheese-making program, this farm embodies dedication to quality, community, and environmental stewardship.
🌍 The Cheese Tasting Experience
Our tour began with a visit to the dairy cows, where we watched the milking process and learned about the farm’s organic approach. Afterward, we settled in a scenic garden setting to enjoy five signature cheeses, paired thoughtfully with fresh bread, shortbreads, salami, jam, and honey. Our knowledgeable guide shared the history of the farm and each cheese’s background, making the tasting not only delicious but educational. The communal setup allowed us to bring as many friends as we liked without needing to book the entire space, and the tasting’s BYOB policy made it feel like a relaxed gathering. We were eligible for a discount at the Farmstand after the tasting, so it was a treat to browse the latest offerings.
The setting of the gardens is unlike anywhere else on Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s an experience I feel that every returning visitor should experience at least once. It’s also such a unique, welcoming experience for large groups to feel private.
🗒️ Visit Planning
📍 Location: 22 South Road, Chilmark, MA
This is a tricky location to get to by bus, I would suggest driving or doing a rideshare, it’s a bit far from the down-island towns (~15-20 minute drive)
⏰ Tour Duration: Approximately two and a half hours
💲 Pricing: Tickets are available individually or for groups, making it flexible for any party size.
Communal Tasting: $88 per person
Private Tasting: $649 total (afternoon) or $885 (evening) for up to 8 people.
🧀 Farmstand and Public Tours: If that’s not in your budget, you can visit Grey Barn any day or time of year without doing the cheese tasting! Their farmstand offers their goods for purchase, and they often do public farm tours (without the tasting) for about $10 per person once the season starts up. Keep an eye on MVacay Weekend Updates for their special events as well!
📞 Booking
For more information on schedules and reservations, visit Grey Barn’s website or contact them by email at tours@thegreybarnandfarm.com.
The first private tastings of the 2025 season begin May 16 for the season, and the first communal tasting of the season is June 16.
✨ Pro Tips
If visiting during the summer, consider booking up to a month in advance, as spots fill quickly. Wear closed-toed shoes for the farm tour, BYOB, and bring home some pastries or a limited edition cheese from the farmstand.
A visit to Grey Barn is a must for anyone who loves farm-to-table food, sustainable farming, and good cheese.
