- 753 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield, NSW 2164
- (02) 9609 6333
Sam Montalto’s cheesemaking journey is one of tradition, dedication, and an unwavering love for his craft. Born in Solarino, Sicily, he was immersed in the art of Italian cheesemaking from an early age. His father, Salvatore, brought the family’s skills to Australia in 1959, introducing ricotta to a market that had never seen it before.
Growing up in this world, Sam’s path was clear. He spent his childhood watching his parents create cheese with precision and passion, absorbing every detail of the process. By 1976, he was working at Brancourts, one of Sydney’s leading cheese manufacturers, where he continued to hone his craft.
After decades of experience, Sam was determined to create something of his own – a brand honouring his family’s traditions while delivering exceptional quality. 2015, after two years of renovations and meticulous preparation, Monte Fresco Cheese opened its doors in Smithfield, Sydney.
For Sam, cheesemaking isn’t just a job – it’s an art. He believes in crafting cheese with heart, feeling every step of the process rather than just following a recipe. His goal is simple: for people to not just buy his ricotta because they need it for a dish, but to crave it, to eat it straight from the basket, savouring its pure, fresh taste.
Today, Sam runs Monte Fresco Cheese alongside his family, just as his father did before him. And with every batch of cheese, he continues a legacy that started generations ago in Sicily—a legacy of passion, authenticity, and an unshakable love for the craft.
