THE NETHERLANDS, THE NORTHWOODS & NETFLIX. Marieke Penterman (pictured), founder of Marieke Gouda, will be a familiar face for locals who tune into America's Test Kitchen's new Netflix show, "On the Road." Internationally and nationally recognized as one of the best cheesemakers, Penterman gives the show's host, Bryan Roof, a tour of the Thorp farmstead and talks traditional cheesemaking. (Submitted image)

Wisconsin’s queen of cheese – and owner of Thorp-based Marieke Gouda – Marieke Penterman hit the international streaming stage this month thanks to America’s Test Kitchen and its new Netflix-exclusive TV show, “On the Road.”

Episode four of the show, hosted by chef Bryan Roof, introduces foodie viewers to Wisconsin farmers and cheesemakers, including Marieke Gouda and Penterman. 

The episode follows Roof as he explores the Thorp farmstead creamery and learns about traditional cheesemaking from Dutch-born Penterman.

“Cheese has always been a connection to home for me,” Penterman said in a recent media release. “When I came to Wisconsin from the Netherlands, I missed the Gouda I grew up with. I wanted to bring that tradition with me but also make it my own here in Wisconsin.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to have that story shared with viewers across the country,” she said, “and now around the world through Netflix.”

“We’ve always believed that making great cheese starts with great milk, great cows and a respect for tradition.”

MARIEKE PENTERMAN

CHEESEMAKER & FOUNDER OF MARIEKE GOUDA

Marieke Gouda's retail storefront, House of Gouda, is now located within Chippewa Falls' Market On River (128 W. River St.). 

Marieke Gouda – which recently relocated its charcuterie-focused storefront, House of Gouda, in Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls’ Market On River (128 W. River St.) – has seen its cheeses ranked and awarded among the world’s best, as affirmed by judges at the World Championship Cheese Contest, World Cheese Awards, the United States Champion Cheese Contest and others.

“We’ve always believed that making great cheese starts with great milk, great cows and a respect for tradition,” Penterman said. “Wisconsin has such an incredible cheesemaking story to tell and we’re proud to be part of it.”

From the Netherlands to the Northwoods

Penterman grew up on her parents' dairy farm in the Netherlands, sowing the seeds of what would become an incredible career in the dairy industry – via cheesemaking. 

After earning her bachelor's degree in dairy business, she started her career as a farm inspector before following her now-husband to the United States. Rolf Penterman, Marieke's husband, emigrated to Thorp and started a 250-cow dairy in 2002, where Marieke joined him one year later. 

In the fall of 2006, Marieke crafted and released the first batch of her Marieke Gouda. Four months later, in 2007, it won the gold at the U.S. Champion Cheese Contest. Marieke Gouda now has well over 160 awards to its name.

Learn more about Marieke Gouda online at www.mariekegouda.com. "On the Road" debuted on Netflix on Aug. 18 with a total eight episodes.