Destinations for Cheese Lovers Around the World

From small villages to bustling cities, cheese lovers can find special places dedicated to this delicious dairy product. They can visit local markets, attend cheese festivals, and even join cheese-making workshops. With each destination, there are stories to uncover and flavours to savour.

Pack your bags for a tasty adventure. Discovering these cheese-loving hotspots will surely inspire future travel plans and satisfy any craving for creamy delight.

Europe’s Cheesy Delights

Europe is home to some of the most famous cheeses in the world. Each country offers unique flavours and textures, making it a paradise for cheese lovers. Here’s a look at three standout destinations known for their cheesy treasures.

France: A Brie-lliant Adventure

France is famous for its diverse cheese varieties. From soft and creamy Brie to tangy Roquefort, there’s something for everyone.

Top Highlights:

• Brie de Meaux: This soft cheese is made from cow’s milk. Its rich taste pairs well with crusty bread and fresh fruit.
• Camembert: Another soft cheese, it’s known for its earthy flavour. It’s perfect with a glass of red wine.
• Comté: This cheese, aged for several months, is nutty and sweet. It’s great in sandwiches or melted-in dishes.

Italy: Beyond Parmesan

Italy is not just about pasta and pizza; it’s also a cheese haven. Each region offers specialities that highlight local ingredients.

Key Cheeses:

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: This hard cheese has a strong flavour. It’s often grated over dishes or enjoyed in chunks.
• Mozzarella di Bufala: Made from buffalo milk, this cheese is creamy and fresh. It’s often used in salads or on pizzas.
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese with a bold taste, it makes a delicious addition to pasta or salads.

Netherlands: Gouda’s Old-World Charm

The Netherlands is known for Gouda, a cheese loved worldwide. It comes in many ages, each offering a different flavour experience.

Gouda Types:

• Young Gouda: Creamy and mild, this cheese is great for snacking.
• Aged Gouda: This has a stronger, more complex flavour. It often features crunchy crystals and makes for a luxurious treat.
• Smoked Gouda: With its distinctive smoky taste, this cheese adds depth to sandwiches or cheese boards.

The Americas’ Cheese Destinations

The Americas have some amazing cheese spots that every fan should explore. From the diverse flavours in the United States to Canada’s classic dishes, there’s something for everyone.

United States: The Melting Pot of Cheese

The United States boasts a rich cheese culture. Different regions produce different types of cheese, reflecting local tastes and traditions.

• Wisconsin: Known as “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin is famous for its cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda. Visitors can tour cheese factories and taste fresh cheese curds.
• California: This state offers a variety of artisanal cheeses. Goat cheese is popular here, with many farms inviting tours and tastings.
• Vermont: Known for its sharp cheddars, Vermont hosts the annual Cheese Festival, celebrating local producers.

Craft breweries also pair well with local cheeses, creating a food scene that is hard to resist.

Canada: Poutine and Beyond

Canadian cheese shines bright in various forms. Cheese lovers will find unique flavours and dishes all over the country.

• Quebec: This province is the home of poutine. It combines cheese curds, fries, and gravy—an indulgent treat. Quebec also produces high-quality cheeses like blue and brie.
• Ontario: With a focus on local farms, Ontario offers fresh cheeses. Cheddar and gouda are popular, with cheese trails leading visitors to tasting experiences.
• British Columbia: This area is known for small-scale cheesemakers. Their goat and sheep cheeses are unique, often winning awards.

Aussie and Kiwi Cheese Encounters

Australia and New Zealand offer a delightful variety of cheeses. Cheese lovers can explore unique flavours and styles that reflect the local culture and produce.

Australia: Unique Cheeses Down Under

Australia prides itself on its diverse cheese landscape. From creamy bries to sharp cheddar, the country has something for everyone.

• Tasmanian Brie: Known for its smooth texture and earthy flavour.
• Maffra Cheddar: Aged for distinct sharpness with a lovely bite.
• King Island Dairy: This region produces rich, flavourful cheeses like Roaring Forties Blue, famous for its creamy, tangy profile.

Many Aussie cheesemakers focus on using local ingredients, creating cheeses that reflect the unique climate and landscape. Visiting local dairies can give cheese lovers a taste of the freshest produce.

New Zealand: Sheep Cheese and More

New Zealand is famous for its sheep cheese, which has a unique flavour and creamy texture.

• Mongrel Blue: A popular sheep’s milk cheese with a rich, tangy taste.
• Whitestone Cheese: Known for its artisan cheeses like the delicious Cabernet Sauvignon Cheddar.

The country’s lush pastures provide quality milk, making New Zealand’s cheeses stand out. Cheesemakers often experiment with various flavours, adding herbs or local wines, creating a wide range of options for cheese enthusiasts.

African Cheese Safaris

Cheese lovers can enjoy unique experiences in Africa, especially in regions famous for their milk and cheese production. South Africa stands out for its excellent cheese tours, where visitors can indulge in local flavours and pairings.

South Africa: A Cheese Tour in Wine Country

South Africa is home to some fantastic cheese-making regions, particularly in the Cape Winelands. Here, visitors can explore various cheese farms, each offering its specialities.

Popular stops include:

• Fairview Cheese: Known for its goat cheese and a variety of others, this farm also features a tasting room.
• Klein River Cheese: Famous for its artisanal cheeses made from cow’s milk.

Many farms offer guided tours, which provide insight into the cheese-making process. Pairing cheese with local wines is a highlight, making for an unforgettable tasting experience.

Cheese Festivals Worth Travelling For

Cheese lovers can enjoy many amazing festivals around the world. These events celebrate all things cheese and provide a great chance to taste different varieties.

Popular Cheese Festivals

• Cheese Rolling Festival (Cooper’s Hill, England)
  This quirky event takes place on the last Monday in May. Participants chase a round of cheese down a steep hill. It’s fun, and the cheese is delicious!
• Fromage Festival (Montreal, Canada)
  Held in October, this festival showcases local and international cheeses. Visitors can take part in cheese tastings and workshops.
• International Cheese Festival (Bra, Italy)
  Taking place in September, this festival features cheese from all over the globe. It’s a great place to meet cheese makers and learn about their crafts.
• The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival (Little Chute, USA)
  This festival occurs in May and includes cheese tastings, cooking demos, and a grand parade. It’s all about celebrating Wisconsin’s cheese-making heritage.
• Cheese Festival in the Alps (Switzerland)
  Held each summer, it features traditional Swiss cheese. Guests can enjoy cheese-making demonstrations and local food.

Attending any of these cheese festivals will surely delight cheese enthusiasts. With tastings, activities, and the chance to meet fellow cheese lovers, they offer unforgettable experiences.