FAQ’s
Where is the Grey Barn and Farm?
The Grey Barn and Farm is located at 22 South Rd. in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, just off the coast of Cape Cod.
When are you open?
Summer Hours: 8am to 6pm, Closed on Tuesdays
We will close at 2pm on July 4th.
What is your phone number?
508.645.4854
What does it mean that the Grey Barn is “Certified Organic?”
Organic certification is issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. It guarantees that our treatment of the land, of our animals, and of our produce does not involve antibiotics, industrial pesticides and herbicides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or growth hormones. Organic practices maintain soil and land health and keep food clear of unwanted pesticides. Our certified organic breads and farmstand products use only organic ingredients.
Are all products at the Grey Barn certified organic?
Almost all Grey Barn products are certified organic. However, certain products use ingredients that are not certified organic – like the spices in our sausage and the butter in our pastries. All meat, dairy, and produce grown or raised at The Grey Barn is certified organic, and our farmstand only works with producers who we trust to deliver honest food.
Can I take pictures on the farm?
Certainly! Feel free to take pictures of anything you see on the farm. Tag us: @thegreybarnchilmark. We ask that no photography on the farm be used for commercial purposes.
Can I place an order for pick-up?
Give us a call on 508.645.4854 for pick-up orders. If we are super busy you might just have to swing by but we will do our best to accommodate you. Please swing by between 8-5 daily (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays for the winter) for all your bread, meat, cheese, and vegetable needs.
When will a certain product that you’ve had in the past be back in stock?
This question has no easy answer. Certain products, like jams and flagship cheeses, are restocked regularly. However, we rotate many of our offerings seasonally, meaning the produce, cheese, and meats we keep in the farmstand are often only available when you see them. New products will pop up in their place in the following weeks and months. Our limited scale means that we’re often forced to choose between bringing back an old product or trying something new, and part of what makes the Grey Barn an exciting place to work and shop is the constant change and search for new, interesting products.
Are the photos in your farmstand for sale?
Yes! All the photographs are taken by farm co-founder Molly Glasgow. You can talk to any farmstand employee about art inquiries, or reach out to Molly directly at molly@thegreybarnandfarm.com. You can see more of her work at mollyglasgow.com.
If we stop by, can we see any animals?
Usagi, the farm’s floppy-eared pet rabbit, hangs out outside the farmstand in the summer months. We also milk our dairy herd twice daily, and we’re open for the 5ish PM milking. Any farm-goers are welcome to take a quiet peek from the viewing window into the milking parlor. They can also take a look at the creamery. Other animals, like ducks, chickens, guinea hens, calves and cats are sometimes visible from the farmstand, but no promises.
If I’m shopping for a pregnant woman, what dairy products should I avoid and which products are safe?
Generally, steering clear of raw milk products (including raw milk itself) and soft cheeses aged under 60 days is recommended for pregnant women. Joe Alstat, our head cheesemaker, recommends the Banneker cheddar for anyone who is mindful of particular health concerns.
Can I purchase manure or compost?
Unfortunately, we do not sell any manure or compost. We use all the manure & compost we generate to fertilize our gardens and keep our fields healthy.
How do I schedule a farm tour or cheese tasting?
The easiest way to book a private tour or tasting is currently to email us. Farmer@thegreybarnandfarm.com
Do you lease the property for or host private events?
No, we do not currently host weddings, parties, or other private events on the property. You can reach out to us if you have an idea and we can talk about it.
Where can I find out what breads you have available today?
Our daily bread schedule will give you our daily bread. It changes frequently, so be sure to check before coming into the farmstand if you're looking for a specific product.
Do you make a sourdough bread?
Many of our breads are sourdough – meaning they rely on a live sourdough starter culture instead of standard baking yeast. This traditional technique helps boost the nutritional profile of the bread, offers a richer, rounder flavor, and provides the bakery crew with an additional source of control over the final product. Our whole-wheat boule is closest to a traditional “sourdough” bread.
When will your bread CSB return?
Every winter! Sign-up now for Winter 2024. Be sure to stay posted and watch our regular emails for updates.
Where else can we find your cheese?
Our cheese is available in dozens of specialty food shops, grocery stores, and restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and across the northeast United States. Even if your favorite local cheese shop doesn’t have Grey Barn cheese in stock, you can certainly ask and they can order our products through one of their wholesale distributors.
We’re a local nonprofit hosting an event. Does Grey Barn donate to local events?
The Grey Barn loves to work with local nonprofits and charities. If you’re looking for a donation or to work directly with the Grey Barn, please contact olympia@thegreybarnandfarm.com with your request. We cannot host private events, charitable or otherwise.
Can we order your cheese online?
Yes! Saxelby Cheesemongers carries a selection of our cheeses and you can order directly from them.
I’m interested in purchasing your products wholesale – how can I do that?
We work with a number of specialty food distributors. You can inquire here.
Are you hiring?
Yes we are, for a variety of positions across farm departments. You can see more details and job descriptions through our work with us page.
