Main Ridge Dairy Capony | Mornington Peninsula, VIC | Goat’s Milk | Washed Curd, Semi-Hard
Capony is Main Ridge Dairy’s flagship semi-hard goat’s cheese—washed-curd, aged, and quietly complex. Made from the milk of their own herd of Saanen and Toggenburg goats, it’s a farmhouse cheese that balances sweetness and savoury depth. The curd is washed mid-process to reduce acidity, preserving the milk’s natural sugars. The result: a smooth, supple texture and a flavour that lands somewhere between cultured butter and toasted caramel. It’s porcelain-white, sliceable, and deeply satisfying.
This is not a cheese that shouts. It hums—warm, clean, and quietly rich.
Capony is Main Ridge Dairy’s flagship semi-hard goat’s cheese—washed-curd, aged, and quietly complex. Made from the milk of their own herd of Saanen and Toggenburg goats, it’s a farmhouse cheese that balances sweetness and savoury depth. The curd is washed mid-process to reduce acidity, preserving the milk’s natural sugars. The result: a smooth, supple texture and a flavour that lands somewhere between cultured butter and toasted caramel. It’s porcelain-white, sliceable, and deeply satisfying.
This is not a cheese that shouts. It hums—warm, clean, and quietly rich.
Capony is Main Ridge Dairy’s flagship semi-hard goat’s cheese—washed-curd, aged, and quietly complex. Made from the milk of their own herd of Saanen and Toggenburg goats, it’s a farmhouse cheese that balances sweetness and savoury depth. The curd is washed mid-process to reduce acidity, preserving the milk’s natural sugars. The result: a smooth, supple texture and a flavour that lands somewhere between cultured butter and toasted caramel. It’s porcelain-white, sliceable, and deeply satisfying.
This is not a cheese that shouts. It hums—warm, clean, and quietly rich.
Origin: Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
Milk: Pasteurised goat’s milk (single herd: Saanen & Toggenburg)
Rind: Natural, thin, edible
Weight: ~150g wedge; ~4kg wheel
Style: Washed-curd, semi-hard goat’s cheese
Texture: Supple, smooth, sliceable
Maturation: Minimum 4 months
Awards: Australian Food Awards – Gold (2019, 2016), Bronze (2017); Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards – Gold (2015)
What It Is
Capony is a washed-curd cheese, meaning the curds are rinsed mid-make with purified rainwater to lower acidity and preserve lactose. This technique, common in Alpine styles, results in a cheese that’s sweeter and more elastic than traditional lactic-set goat cheeses. The milk comes from Main Ridge’s own herd, milked just metres from the make room. Aged for at least four months, Capony develops a mellow, caramelised profile without losing the clean brightness of goat’s milk.
Taste and Texture
Rind: Thin, natural, and edible. Minimal bloom, slightly dry.
Paste: Porcelain-white, smooth, and supple. No eyes, no crumble.
Flavour Profile:
Sweet cream and cultured butter
Toasted hazelnut and light caramel
Subtle goat tang, clean finish
The washed-curd process reduces acidity, allowing residual lactose to caramelise during aging, contributing to its distinctive flavour.
Pairing Logic
Capony’s sweet-savory balance pairs well with:
Wines: Chardonnay (lightly oaked), Pinot Gris, or dry rosé
Beers: Amber ale or Belgian-style tripel
Fruits & Nuts: Fresh figs, roasted almonds, or dried apricots
Breads: Wholegrain sourdough or walnut bread
Non-Alcoholic Options:
Sparkling apple cider
Cold-brew chamomile tea
Pear and ginger shrubc
Avoid: Highly acidic accompaniments like pickles or citrus, which can overshadow Capony’s delicate sweetness.
Serving Guidance
Bring to room temperature 30–45 minutes before serving to enhance flavour and texture. Slice thinly for cheese boards, melt over roasted vegetables, or incorporate into sandwiches and salads.
Storage
Wrap in cheese paper or waxed paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best consumed within 10 days of opening. If the rind darkens slightly, trim before serving.
Waste-Conscious Use
Grate into omelettes or frittatas
Melt into creamy polenta or risotto
Cube into grain salads or pasta dishes
Use rinds to enrich broths or sauces
Capony is a versatile cheese that brings depth and sweetness to a variety of dishes.