Arethusa Farm - Bantam | Local Farm in Bantam, Connecticut

About the Farm

Arethusa Farm stands as one of Connecticut’s most iconic agricultural revivals—a testament to preservation, craftsmanship, and quality. In 1999, George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis, renowned in the fashion world, purchased the historic Arethusa Farm to protect the land from development. Originally established in 1868 by the Webster family, the land had long since fallen into neglect. What began as an act of stewardship soon blossomed into a full-fledged agricultural renaissance, reawakening its dairy roots with just five cows and a vision of uncompromising excellence.

Today, Arethusa is home to more than 300 cows and operates a state-of-the-art dairy plant where every product—from their old-fashioned chocolate milk to their award-winning cheeses—is crafted with meticulous care. Using vat pasteurization and small-batch techniques, they preserve the natural richness of their milk, producing butter, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream that harken back to a purer time. Their butter, for instance, is cultured over two days before churning, creating an unmatched depth of flavor. Each dairy product begins with milk from their own herd and is finished with artisanal precision.

But Arethusa is more than just a dairy. The brand has expanded into culinary excellence with Arethusa al Tavolo, an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, and Arethusa a Mano, a bakery and café offering elegant pastries and specialty coffee. With retail stores in Bantam, New Haven, and West Hartford, Arethusa shares its values of sustainability, taste, and tradition with communities across the state. Every element of their enterprise, from the barns to the butter, reflects a deep love for the land, a respect for the animal, and a celebration of food done right.