Rural and sustainable tourism offers a wide variety of activities for those who practice it. Accommodations surrounded by nature with hiking options, visits to farms and crops, experiences with animals… And among all of these, there’s also room for activities related to food production.
This brings us directly to a product: cheese. Some time ago, we explained how to tell if a cheese is artisan-made, and today we want to take things a bit further. To do so, we’re going to talk to you about a concept you might not be familiar with and that, from our point of view, is well worth discovering. We’re talking about the countryside cheese dairy—a place where artisanal cheeses are made and where you can learn a lot during a visit.
Countryside Cheese Dairy: What Exactly Is It?
If you’re looking for the highest quality in artisan cheese, then countryside cheese dairies are exactly where that search leads you. But… what are they exactly, and what sets them apart from other dairies? We could say that these dairies are defined by their commitment to a manual production process. They also avoid additives and preservatives, preserving traditional production methods.
Unlike large industrial dairies, countryside cheese dairies are usually family-run or small-scale businesses with just a few workers. Their production is also small-scale. When it comes to the cheese itself, it’s common for them to preserve the cheese’s natural rind. But up to this point, the description might also apply to any artisan dairy. So what makes it different?
In artisan dairies, the milk is typically sourced from local herds, whereas in countryside dairies, they usually raise their own livestock. Moreover, the countryside cheesemaker takes care of the cheese even before making it—by carefully choosing what the animals eat. This diet influences the milk’s flavor and overall quality.
Cheeses Made by Hand with Natural Ingredients
Visiting a countryside cheese dairy can open up a whole new world for those unfamiliar with artisanal food and livestock farming. You’ll typically find a farm with different animals whose milk is used to make cheese. So, in addition to watching firsthand how artisan cheese is made, you’ll also get to see the close, caring treatment the animals receive.
As for the cheese-making process, it is entirely handmade and follows a natural process. That means it’s not standardized and contains no colorings, preservatives, or anti-mold agents. Only natural ingredients are used, and the production method relies on traditional techniques adapted to today’s standards.
Conclusion: A Perfect Plan for the Whole Family
Now that you know what a countryside cheese dairy is, you can understand why visiting one is such an interesting experience. It’s a different way to travel and enjoy time with your family while learning about animal care, the environment, and respecting rural life. So if you’re looking for new activities to do with your loved ones, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll tell you about all the options available.