Forge authentic connections with locals as you transform humble curds into culinary wonders
A food tour is a wonderful thing. Better still is a hands-on food experience. Europe’s cheesemaking workshops and festivals are the answer. They give you a unique way to connect with local culture, learn about the places you visit, and meet people deeply connected to their European heritage. Here’s why learning how to make your own cheese in Spain, Slovenia, and Sweden will upgrade your travels to a whole new level.
In the heart of Spanish cheesemaking
Spain’s cheeses are world-renowned. The best way to truly experience them? Take your trip to a totally new level and make them yourself at a workshop in La Mancha, the birthplace of Manchego. Learn how to make this iconic sheep’s milk cheese, following the process from fresh milk to final aging. In doing so, you’ll discover how the region’s dry landscape influences the cheese’s distinctly nutty flavor. For more cheese exploration in Spain, consider the Trujillo Cheese Fair in Extremadura, where artisans present specialty cheeses like the sinfully creamy Torta del Casar. The fair will also give you the chance to learn the delicate technique of cutting open the round to scoop out its rich interior.
Alpine cheeses in bucolic Slovenia
Mohant is a soft, pungent Slovenian cheese that’s been made by hand for generations. Its key ingredient? Milk from cows that graze on alpine herbs. The best way to dive into Slovenia’s undiscovered yet remarkable cheese traditions is to attend the Cheese and Wine Festival in the Bohinj Valley. Talk with farmers, learn about their ancient techniques, and taste the bold flavors of their creations. Another excellent idea: a workshop at the Triglav National Park, a gorgeous place that sidesteps the hotspots and elevates your journey as a result. This is your chance to immerse yourself in traditional cheesemaking. Follow herders on their morning milk routes. Learn how they curdle it, press it, and age it in rustic mountain huts.
Farmhouse cheese in the Swedish countryside
Sweden is home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Europe. For thousands of miles, there are rolling hills, dense forests, tiny shimmering lakes, and hardly any people. These great expanses are perfect for raising dairy. It’s no surprise that Sweden has some excellent traditional cheeses, which you can discover at Ostfestivalen in Stockholm, a celebration of small-scale dairy producers. One highlight is Grillost, Sweden’s version of halloumi. Made from traditional farmhouse methods, this firm, salty delight is perfect fried or grilled.
Whether it’s crafting Manchego, Mohant, or Grillost, experiencing Europe’s cheese traditions is the perfect way to unlock an unexpected upgrade. Go beyond the usual tours to meet the makers, learn their craft, and hear their stories. This simple act will upgrade your journey, elevate your experience, and give you a front-row seat to this continent’s spectacular heritage.
