Cheese tourism has emerged as a delightful culinary trend, captivating food enthusiasts and wanderlust travellers alike. With its unique blend of cultural immersion and gastronomic adventure, visiting cheese regions and dairies offers an experience like no other. Let’s embark on a cheesy journey and discover the secrets behind some of the world’s most renowned cheeses.
What is cheese tourism?
Let’s start this wanderlust-filled blog post with a quick definition. Cheese tourism is much more than simply visiting regions that are famous for their cheesemaking exploits.
As a cheese tourist, you can immerse yourself in hands-on cheesemaking workshops, guided dairy tours, and exquisite cheese tastings. As you step into legendary dairies and maturing cellars, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sights and smells of freshly crafted cheese.
Without a doubt, cheese tourism is an experience caters to all your senses, making this type of travel truly unforgettable.
Understanding the artisan’s craft
At the core of cheese tourism lies the art of cheesemaking. The process begins with meticulous milk collection and fermentation, where expert hands skilfully curate the unique flavours. During the ageing process, the cheeses develop their distinct character, shaped by the local environment and traditions.
As you wander through these cheese regions, you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of traditions and local culture. Engaging with cheese artisans and farmers allows you to appreciate their dedication and passion for their craft. Conversations with these experts provide a glimpse into the heart of the community.
Traditional cheese regions (Old World of Cheese)
Now that I’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get to the real reason why you’re here. So, you fancy yourself to be a cheese tourist, but where should you travel to?
Let’s start this enthralling journey with some of the more traditional cheese destinations around the world.
France
Unsurprisingly, our first stop is in France. Often regarded as the mecca of cheese, France is a must-visit destination for cheese enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the world of cheese. The country’s diverse geography and culinary heritage have given rise to an extensive array of artisanal cheeses, each with its distinct character and history.
One of the most iconic cheese regions in France is Normandy, renowned for its Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque cheeses. A cheese tour through Normandy allows visitors to explore picturesque dairy farms and witness the time-honoured cheesemaking process.
Further south, the region of Auvergne will treat cheese tourists to the flavours of historical French cheeses such as Bleu d’Auvergne and Cantal. Auvergne’s cheesemaking heritage is deeply rooted in its volcanic landscape, where traditional cheese cellars dot the countryside.
Some other famous cheesemaking regions in France include Ile-de-France, Provence and the Pays Basque.
Italy
Venturing south to Italy, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the slow food movement. And when it comes to a slow lifestyle, there are few foods that stand out the way cheese does. With a plethora of regional cheeses that vary from north to south, Italy offers a delightful cheese tourism experience that allows visitors to savour the rich diversity of its fromage.
Starting in the region of Emilia-Romagna, the city of Parma is synonymous with Parmigiano Reggiano, one of Italy’s most celebrated cheeses. A cheese tour through this area introduces travellers to the traditional cheesemaking facilities.
And you must stop at a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy to witness skilled artisans carefully using age-old techniques to make cheese.
Moving southwards to Tuscany, the region’s iconic Pecorino cheese takes centre stage. Made from sheep’s milk, Pecorino cheeses come in various styles, including Pecorino Toscano and Pecorino Romano. A cheese tour in Tuscany offers a chance to witness the pastoral landscapes where sheep graze and to learn about the traditions of producing this flavoursome cheese.
Some other Italian regions worthy of a mention include Lombardy, Veneto, Lazio and Sardinia.
Switzerland
Next, we have the small land-locked nation of Switzerland. Without a doubt, this is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming Alpine villages. But it is also celebrated for its world-class cheese.
Swiss cheese varieties have earned international acclaim for their exceptional quality and unique flavours, making cheese tourism in Switzerland a captivating experience for food enthusiasts.
One of the most famous cheese destinations in Switzerland is Gruyères, home to the beloved Gruyère cheese. This pressed cooked cheese, with its sweet and slightly nutty taste, has been produced in the region for centuries. The quaint village of Gruyères, with its medieval charm, provides a picturesque backdrop for savouring this iconic Swiss cheese.
Another renowned cheese region in Switzerland is Appenzell, where the traditional Appenzeller cheese originates. This cheese is notable for its spicy and robust flavour, attributed to its unique secret herbal brine recipe. A cheese tour in Appenzell allows travellers to learn about this remarkable cheese and to experience the vibrant traditions of this Swiss canton.
In addition to those two regions, Vaud, Bern and Valais are also worth a visit.
Netherlands
Our final Old World of Cheese destination is The Netherlands. With its iconic windmills and tulip fields, this western European country is also a cheese lover’s paradise, making it a noteworthy addition to the cheese tourism map.
Dutch cheese has a rich history that dates back centuries, and the country boasts several unique cheese regions that offer an authentic and captivating cheese tourism experience. One of the most famous cheese destinations in the Netherlands is Gouda, a picturesque city renowned for its namesake cheese.
Beyond Gouda, the countryside of North Holland is dotted with dairy farms and cheese producers that offer an authentic glimpse into the cheesemaking process.
In the town of Alkmaar, visitors can experience the centuries-old tradition of the cheese weighing ceremony at the Waagplein square. The town’s vibrant cheese market allows tourists to interact with local cheese traders and gain insights into the intricacies of cheese production.
The New World of Cheese
Beyond those traditional cheese tourism regions, there are several destinations that are gaining recognition among cheese enthusiasts and intrepid travellers. Let’s have a look at some of our favourite ones.
Oregon, USA
One such destination is Oregon, USA. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s cheese scene has flourished in recent years, with artisanal dairies crafting unique cheeses that reflect the region’s terroir.
With its lush landscapes and commitment to sustainable practices, Oregon’s cheese scene has flourished, attracting food enthusiasts and travellers seeking a unique culinary experience.
The state’s cheese offerings are diverse, with a focus on artisanal and small-batch productions. The Willamette Valley, famous for its vineyards, is also home to several renowned cheese producers. Here, visitors can explore dairy farms and creameries that produce an array of delectable cheeses.
One of the shining stars of Oregon’s cheese scene is the Rogue Creamery. Located in Central Point, Rogue Creamery is a celebrated artisan cheese producer with a rich history that dates back to 1935. Specialising in organic, handmade, and award-winning cheeses, Rogue Creamery has earned international acclaim for its dedication to quality and innovation.
As a matter of fact, their signature cheese, Rogue River Blue won Best Cheese at the World Championships in 2019.
Québec, Canada
Also in North America, we find Québec, Canada’s largest province. Trust me when I say that Québec is a hidden gem for cheese tourism, offering a delightful blend of French-inspired culinary traditions and unique local flavours.
Known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history, Québec also boasts a thriving cheese industry that has been gaining recognition worldwide.
In the heart of Quebec, the Eastern Townships (Cantons de l’Est) region stands out as a cheese lover’s haven. Home to numerous artisanal cheese producers, this area produces a diverse range of cheeses, including European classics and Canadian originals.
Some of the standout local cheeses are Bleu d’Elizabeth and Louis d’Or from Fromagerie du Presbytère.
Tasmania, Australia
In the southern hemisphere, Australia is putting its hand up very eagerly as an underrated New World of Cheese destination. While the state of Victoria has the fastest growing artisanal cheese industry Down Under, I want to shine a spotlight on Tasmania here.
Tasmania, the island state of Australia, has been steadily garnering attention for its burgeoning cheese culture and innovative cheese producers. With its pristine landscapes and commitment to sustainable practices, Tasmania offers a delightful cheese tourism experience that captivates both locals and visitors.
The fertile lands and clean air of Tasmania provide an ideal environment for dairy farming, resulting in high-quality milk and exceptional cheeses. The island’s cheese regions boast a variety of cheeses, from farmhouse goat cheeses (Big B) to robust sheep’s milk blue cheeses (Sapphire Blue).
One of the standout cheese producers in Tasmania is the Bruny Island Cheese Company, situated on Bruny Island, just a short ferry ride from the Tasmanian mainland. Founded by renowned cheesemaker Nick Haddow, the Bruny Island Cheese Company has become a beacon of excellence in the Australian cheese scene.
This artisanal creamery takes pride in crafting raw milk cheeses using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
Azores & Serra de Estrela, Portugal
Lastly, Portugal is emerging as a hidden gem for cheese enthusiasts seeking a more modern cheese experience. While Portugal has a long history of cheese production, a new generation of cheesemakers is revitalising the industry with creative and contemporary offerings.
Regions like Azores and Serra da Estrela are redefining traditional Portuguese cheese. Small batch cheesemakers are experimenting with different ageing techniques and exploring unique flavour profiles.
A cheese tour through Portugal unveils a delightful world of artisanal cheeses, complemented by the country’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Tips for planning a cheese tour
Now that you know where to start your cheese tourism adventures, let’s go through a few organisational tips.
When planning your cheese tour, research local guides and reputable dairy visits to ensure an enriching experience. Many cheese regions offer guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of cheesemaking techniques. However, some of those dairies only operate seasonally. So, be sure to do your research first.
Additionally, consider coordinating your visit with local cheese festivals and cultural events to enhance your itinerary. Some great examples of this are Le Mondial du Fromage in France and the Bra Cheese Festival in Italy.
Culinary pairings and beyond
Of course, the wonders of cheese extend far beyond the dairy. Explore the perfect pairings with regional wines, artisanal bread, and other local delicacies.
Beyond the world of cheese, these regions boast historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, adding a touch of magic to your cheese tourism adventure.
Conclusion
As you can see, cheese tourism is definitely a trend that I can get behind. So, read up, choose a destination and embark on the sensory journey of a lifetime.
By embracing sustainable practices and supporting local artisans, you become a part of preserving the timeless craft of cheesemaking for generations to come. So, pack your bags, and let cheese tourism whisk you away on a culinary escapade like no other!
Did I skip your favourite cheese destination? Do you have an off-the-beaten-path cheese region you’re dying to share? Drop me a comment below.
