We can’t imagine the world without cheese. We believe it is holding the world together. It is there with grilled sandwiches, fine wine, French baguette, Italian pizza, exquisite jamon, and many a times all by its own. There is nothing more delightful than a slice of cheese when it comes to culinary world. The best thing about it being that it has number of varieties so you never have enough of it. Be it mozzarella, cheddar, feta, Gouda, or brie, Cheese will always be the highlight of a good meal. Some people eat to travel, while some travel to eat, no matter which one of them you are, we have best destinations to travel to if you love Cheese.
Normandy, France – It is blessed with serene coastline, historical towns, picturesque landscapes, apple orchards, and quality dairy products. It produces creamy Camembert,pungent Livarot and crumbly Neufchâtel. Your trip should include visit to town of Camembert to see Cheese Museum, Manor house of Marie Harel (Creator of popular cheese),Héronnière Farm and the President Farm. You will also want to visit the Cheese Factory in town of Livarot.
Netherlands Cheese Markets – The medieval cheese markets of Netherlands are delight to any cheese lovers. Don’t worry if you aren’t a great aficionado of cheese, you will still love these. Be it Gouda Cheese Market of South Holland or Edam Cheese Market, the Alkmaar, or Hoorn cheese market, all come with joys of life. Gouda is best experienced in fairy like Gouda Kaasmarkt. You can also see the Dutch Cheese Museum during visit to Alkmaar Cheese Market.
Waterbury, Vermont – From award winning gorgonzola to high quality Greek feta to famous white cheddar, this quaint state produces some of finest artisan cheeses. It has long history of cheese making, but it was recently it all commercialized. The place is studded with markets, farms, and factories for sneak peek into home grown cheese. Waterbury also has Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, for a little more appeasing travel experience.
Gruyères, Switzerland – This medieval town is a dose of Swiss landscapes and Swiss cheese. This place is immensely famous for the cheese made by its name Gruyère, from centuries. This cheese is usually cured between three and 10 months. You can savour this wonderful cheese in the local restaurants, or visit the cheese diary La Maison du Gruyère, or drop by the Thursday market in Bulle, or cherish the galleries of cheese making at Les Ponts-de-Martel.
Madison, Wisconsin – The city popular for Cheddar. In Madison Formagination is a must visit for cheese sampling, tastings raclettes, learn about cheesemongery, buy cheese baskets. Madison has an evolved scene of commercial cheese production, but still boutique farmers their shops haven’t lost charm. Wisconsin cheese curd is another must eat in restros. Other must visits are Brennan’s Market, Babcock Hall Dairy Store, MousehouseCheesehaus andEhlenbach’s Cheese Chalet.
La Mancha, Spain – Home to Don Quixote, El Greco, and Spain’s most beautiful towns Cuenca and Toledo, La Mancha Region takes pride in producing the fabulous Manchego Cheese. It is a buttery cheese made from Manchega sheep found in provinces of Toledo, Cuenca, Ciudad Real, and Albacete. La Mancha also is a wine producing region, making a perfect couple to savour cheese with. Artequeso in Tembleque is a must visit, if you’re keen about cheese making.
Emilia Romagna, Italy – This Italian beauty is home to your favourite cheese Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano or ‘King of all Cheeses’. This region is a culinary heaven along with balsamic vinegar, and Parma’s famous ham. Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma, and Bologna are all studded with caseifici the cheese factories. Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano in Soragna is a must visit to learn about Cheese making. Squacquerone di Romagna and Provolone Valpadana are also must try.
Asturias, Spain – Also known as ‘El Pais de losQuesos’ or Land of Cheese, this region is popular for Asturian Cheese, Cabrales that has pungent, and strong flavour. It is a blue cow cheese. It’s strong, fatty, and aged in natural mountain caves. Small scale farmers have specialisation of its production. Other cheeses to try in here are Afuega’lpitu, the oldest Spanish cheese from Grado, Casin of southern Asturias and Gamonéu a delicious lightly smoked cheese.
Somerset, England – This part of south west England comes with charming villages, rural landscapes, old pubs, traditional farms, food markets, gastronomic festivals, and award winning restaurants. It is the place that deserves your holiday. Somerset is popular for Traditional, Blue, and new cheeses. The highlight of trip in here will be visit to Village of Cheddar (Hometown of most popular British Cheese), and paying a visit to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company.
French Alps – The best place you could be at for some adventure, picturesque scenery, and whole lot of delicious cheeses. The best of French alpine cheeses are Reblochon, Beaufort, Abondance, Bleu de Sassenage, and Tomme de Savoie. They are still produced with traditional recipes. There are factories and artisan cheese producers spread across the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions. You can also savour these cheeses through the local alpine cuisines.
You can’t make everyone happy. You’re not Cheese!
