United States 

 

1. California 
   Valley: Surely you’ve seen the commercials advertising California’s 
   milk industry with its "happy cows." Those happy cows don’t only help make milk, 
   but ultimately cheese as well, which is flourishing all over California and can 
   make quite the nice accompaniment for those also interested in tasting fine Napa 
   Valley wines. Since 1995, the number of cheeses produced in California has risen 
   from 70 to over 250 and many are refined specialty artisanal 
   cheeses. Take highway 99 between LA and San Francisco or travel the Northern 
   California wine country to pass by some of California’s best dairies. From 
   Monterey Jack to St. Jorge and prize winning Cheddar, California’s sunny 
   climate, plentiful wineries and geographic beauty make it a great cheese 
   destination.


2. Wisconsin 
   Cheese: When you think of cheese produced in America, chances are 
   pretty good that Wisconsin is the first thing to come to mind. And it’s no 
   wonder, as the state produces 35 percent of the cheese made in the United 
   States. There are hundreds of cheese makers both large and small dotted across 
   the state, many of whom are more than happy to give you a tour. Try stopping off 
   at Simon’s Specialty Cheese to sample 
   over 100 varieties of cheese, learn how they’re made, and even get to see a bit 
   of cheese making history. Or if you’re into more organic foods, sample the 
   cheeses of the Bass Lake Cheese Factory. 
   The cheeses made from goat, cow and sheep’s milk are all natural and made from 
   recipes handed down through generations. And if you get tired of living off a 
   diet of pure cheese, you can always make a side trip of one of Wisconsin’s 
   numerous breweries 
   and vineyards to wash it all down.


3. Beechers 
   Cheese, Seattle: If you’re willing to get your hands dirty for a 
   few days on your next vacation you could just score a spot on a VocationVacation 
   working in, what else, a cheese factory. You’ll work with cheese making experts 
   at Beechers Cheese in downtown Seattle to create some delicious cheeses 
   including Monterey Jack and the company’s own flagship cheese. Your duties will 
   include everything from heating the milk to creating the curds and whey to 
   tasting the cheese you made. When you’re not hard at work making fancy cheeses, 
   you can explore the other culinary delights of Seattle, including the nearby 
   Pike’s Place Market where you can buy seafood, produce, flowers and of course, 
   cheese.


4. Cheese School of San 
   Francisco: What better way to celebrate your love of cheese than to 
   learn to better appreciate it. The school states that its purpose is to "help 
   people maximize their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese" which shouldn’t be 
   hard if you’re already a die-hard cheese aficionado. Classes range from Cheese 
   101 for beginners to more specialized classes like Ga-Ga for Goat and Extreme 
   Cheese. For about $60 a class, you can learn about everything from the cheeses 
   of Spain to the intricacies of sheep cheese. And when you’re done with 
   class, San Francisco has loads to offer you, from the famous Golden Gate Bridge 
   to Chinatown to an afternoon trolley ride, there’s something to please 
   everyone.


5. The 
   Homestead Heritage School of Homesteading, Texas: If pioneering is 
   more your style, head down to Texas for a schooling in the old fashioned ways of 
   making cheese. You’ll have the option of learning to make hard or soft cheeses, 
   or both if you’re really ambitious. In class you’ll get instruction on how to 
   create such delicious cheeses as feta, ricotta, cheddar, Colby Jack and Gouda. 
   Most materials are included in the cost for the class, but you’ll need to make 
   sure to bring your own apron unless you don’t mind getting your clothes dirty. 
   If you get tired of making cheese, the school also offers classes in quilting, 
   baking bread, growing herbs and even blacksmithing if you’re feeling 
   adventurous.


6. Vermont 
   Cheese Trail: New England is also a major source of the cheese 
   produced in America, beginning with the first settlers who brought cheese making 
   equipment along with them from Europe. While you can find great cheeses 
   throughout New England, Vermont is by far the 
   most prolific producer and your best bet for planning a cheese road trip. Begin 
   your trip with Lake’s End Cheese 
   in Northern Vermont to get a taste of the mild, alpine cheese produced on a 
   small, family owned farm. Continue on to the Vermont 
   Butter and Cheese Company to taste fine, artisanal goat’s milk cheese like 
   Feta and Chevre. Finish up your tour of Vermont with a stop at Peaked Mountain 
   Farm for a selection of sheep and cow’s milk cheeses. And of course, you can 
   also enjoy the beautiful scenery that Vermont has to offer, especially in the 
   fall months when the trees display their vibrant colors.


7. Heini’s Cheese Chalet: 
   If you’re looking for great cheese in the heart of Amish country, then look no 
   further than Heini’s. Take a tour of the cheese making factory to see how the 
   artisanal cheeses are produced, stock up on cheese to take home in the gift 
   shop, and learn all about the history of cheese making through informational 
   videos and artwork at the factory. Visitors will note that the cheese produced 
   at the factory is made with milk coming directly from the Amish community, 
   meaning no pesticides or harmful hormones added and that it’s all from local 
   cows. When you’ve had your fill of cheese making, you can check out the rest of 
   Holmes County, Ohio, the largest Amish community in the world where you’ll be 
   able to shop at an Amish flea market, take a tour of an Amish farm, take in a 
   game of golf or even visit a Victorian House Museum.


8. Marin French 
   Cheese: French cheese from America, how can it be? Well you’ll find 
   just that near California’s Sonoma Valley with the Marin French Cheese Company. 
   Similar to European cheeses, California’s Brie and Camembert taste slightly 
   different, likely due to the regional differences. While that might make them 
   sound like like they aren’t as good, quite the opposite is true. Many of their 
   cheeses have won prestigious medals, and the Triple Creme Brie even beat its 
   French competitors in the World 
   Cheese Awards. Marin Cheese Company isn’t just good, it’s also historic, 
   remaining the oldest cheese manufacturer in the country. Plan a day trip there 
   to sample their cheeses, see how they’re made, and enjoy a glass of wine on 
   their extensive and beautiful grounds. When you’re done tasting cheeses, take a 
   trip to the seashore, visit an oyster farm, or learn about native 
   culture at the Miwok Indian Village, all located nearby.


9. Tillamook Cheese: 
   If you’re looking to get away to scenic Oregon you can still incorporate your 
   love of cheese into your vacation by taking a trip to the Tillamook Cheese 
   Factory. Take a self-guided tour through the factory to see how the cheese is 
   made and get a chance to taste some as well in the factory’s adjoining farmhouse 
   restaurant. A bonus for those with a sweet tooth, the factory also produces over 
   40 different types of ice cream and 16 types of fudge. When you’re done, you can 
   check out the local scenery, or head to other Oregon  based dairies like Rivers Edge Chevre and The 
   Estrella Family Creamery to taste some other types of cheese.

Farther Flung 

1. South 
   Africa Cheese Festival: South Africa probably isn’t the first place 
   to comes to mind when you think of cheese, but you must remember that many of 
   the first colonial people in South Africa came from big cheese producing regions 
   of Europe and certainly haven’t forgotten about their cheese heritage. As a 
   result, South Africa hosts this large cheese festival in late April of each 
   year. Enjoy a multitude of cheeses produced locally and abroad, as the entry fee 
   will cover all your sampling, and for a small additional fee you can sample 
   local wines as well. With over 30 varieties of cheese produced in South Africa, 
   and many variations on those, you’ll find plenty to eat and maybe even something 
   to take back to your room with you for later.


2. Oaxaca, 
   Mexico : Oaxaca has a little of something for everyone. With 
   interesting architecture, a sunny climate, and tons of activities near to the 
   city, it’s much more than a cheese destination. Of course, those in search of 
   cheese will find what they came for as well, as the region produces a cheese by 
   the same name. This white, semi hard cheese is often called the "Mexican 
   Mozzarella" and just like Mozzarella is good with just about everything. Because 
   of its excellent melting quality, the cheese is delicious in locally made 
   quesadillas and cheese dips. Visit Etla’s Wednesday market which is famous for 
   it’s sale of this cheese, located near the center of the town.


3. Monteverde, Costa 
   Rica: The Monteverde Cheese Factory is famous throughout Costa 
   Rica, and visitors can take a trip to the factory to sample or buy a taste of 
   the local cheese for themselves. The factory offers 17 different varieties of 
   cheese including Gouda, Emmental and Swiss. The factory is Quaker owned and as 
   such does as much as possible to protect and preserve the local environment, 
   even recycling unused by-products into pig food. After the factory tour you can 
   take an excursion to the local Cloud Forest where you might catch a glimpse of 
   the Quetzal or a sloth, or tour an active volcano.


4. Hunter Valley 
   Cheese, Australia: Nestled in Pokolbin, New South Wales, this 
   cheese factory forms part of the larger Hunter Valley Vineyards. If a place that 
   produces both wine and cheese sounds like heaven to you, then a stop off at this 
   place is a must. Free cheese making talks are given daily, and guests are 
   welcome to peek through viewing windows at how the process works and pick up 
   some cheese to take home in the accompanying shop. The company is also home to a 
   yearly cheese festival in early 
   April, so if you time your visit right you’ll get to enjoy an even large 
   assortment of cheese, as well as demonstrations, entertainment and 
   more.

There are thousands of types of cheese that come from all over the world, 
making traveling to enjoy it easy with so many potential destinations. Whether 
you want to create your own trip, take a pre-determined tour, or just travel to 
the city where your favorite cheese is made, there are tons of interesting and 
delicious options for the cheese-loving traveler. Here are 25 destinations where 
you can indulge your appetite for travel and cheese at the same time.

Europe 

1. Burgundy on a 
   Plate: One of France’s most prolific cheese-producing regions 
   famous for Epoisses and Bouton de Culotte, Burgundy is a must-see for traveling 
   cheese lovers. This tour from Burgundy on a Plate makes it easy to sample the 
   gourmet offerings of Burgundy’s finest dairies and wineries. Spend 3 days and 4 
   nights in the region seeing the beautiful countryside, visiting chateaus, and 
   touring small artisanal cheese makers to taste the freshest in goat, cow and 
   sheep’s milk cheeses. You’ll also get the chance to eat at restaurants that 
   serve food in the local style, which depending on the place, can involve an 
   entire cheese course.


2. Normandy: 
   Normandy may be best known for the famous D-Day invasions, but it is also home 
   to some delicious cheeses and can be a great place to get away on a cheese 
   themed holiday. Your best bet for a tasty getaway is the Le Manoir de 
   l’Aufragere in Fourmetot, Normandy. Owned by renowned chef Nicky and her former 
   cheese-maker husband Regis, this stately manor set on a scenic 8 acres is just 
   the place for a gourmand to spend a weekend. Learn how to buy cheese at the 
   market and turn it into delicious culinary delights. With wine and cheese 
   tastings at each meal, you’re likely to sate your cheese appetite during your 
   stay. If you tire of cheese, there are golf courses, scenic drives, and other 
   outdoor sports well within driving distance.


3. C’est Cheese 
   Tours: This tour company specializes in taking travelers to the 
   best cheese tasting locations in the world. This year’s tour will take you on an 
   exciting and tasty route between Paris and Burgundy. In Paris you’ll get a 
   chance to meet and speak with a variety of experts in the cheese making process, 
   and get a basic education in how to pair cheeses with wine, You’ll also get a 
   chance to taste some of the unpasturized kinds of cheese which are not available 
   everywhere, especially if you’re from the States. After departing the big city 
   for the picturesque Burgundy countryside, you’ll be able to treat your taste 
   buds to cheeses from fine artisanal cheese makers as well as visit some wine 
   cellars where you’ll find a bit of something to wash it down. When you’re not 
   tasting cheeses, you’ll get a chance to explore the charming city of Beaune or 
   take a leisurely bike ride through a local vineyard.


4. British 
   Gastrotour: Want to tour London through your belly? Try taking one 
   of Celia Brooks Brown’s gastrotours. While they may not focus exclusively on 
   cheese, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a fair amount to be had on any of the 
   tours you choose. Whether you decide on sampling the Manchego from a Spanish 
   Deli in Notting Hill or take an excursion to the Borough Market where fancy 
   cheeses are in abundance, your cheese tooth won’t be disappointed. Plus, when 
   you’re through, London is full of exciting and interesting things to do. Visit 
   the Tower of London or take in the fine works of art at the British Museum.


5. Wensleydale 
   Creamery: Take a trip to Yorkshire in Northern Britain to get a 
   taste of one Britain’s most famous cheeses, Wensleydale. The creamery offers 
   tours called the "cheese experience" every hour or so, though they don’t make 
   cheese every day so make sure to call ahead to ensure you’ll get to see the good 
   stuff. The factory creates around 5 different varieties of cheese including 
   Mature, Extra Mature, Oak Smoked, Blue, and Sheep’s milk, though other 
   combinations are available as well. When you’re done touring, check out the 
   museum, viewing gallery, cheese shop and restaurant to further your 
   cheese-centric trip. Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, 
   you’ll also find plenty of natural beauty to keep your eyes entertained while 
   your stomach digests all that cheese.


6. Henri Wellig, 
   Holland: If your true cheese passion lies in a Gouda or an Edam, 
   then a trip to Holland to see just where it comes from is a must. Henri Wellig 
   has been producing cheese for over 30 years and many of the cheese farms owned 
   by the company are more than happy to welcome visitors to see how the cheese 
   goes from liquid milk, to it’s more delicious solid cheese form. Take a day trip 
   to the Alide Hoove 
   factory and learn how the cheese is processed from tour guides dressed in 
   traditional Dutch garb and pick up a few wedges for yourself in the neighboring 
   cheese shop. And if that isn’t enough, you can visit the nearby "de Vriendschap" 
   where you can see how wooden shoes are made, learn a little of their history, 
   and maybe even pick up a pair for yourself.


7. Swiss 
   Chocolates and Cheese: Double up on your vices and sample both the 
   best cheeses and chocolates that Switzerland has to offer on this tour. You’ll 
   take a train from Montreaux to Gruyeres, where you’ll get to disembark to take a 
   tour of the local cheese factory that produces the eponymous cheese. After 
   sampling the wares at the factory, explore the halls of the local castle before 
   departing for Broc. Broc is the home of world-famous chocolate 
   maker Nestle. You’ll tour the factory and get a few sample for yourself while 
   you’re at it. The train then returns to Montreux so you can visit the Castle 
   of Chillon and fill up on all the chocolate and cheese you purchased on the 
   way.


8. A Taste of 
   Spain: Spanish cuisine is quickly becoming the darling of chefs 
   worldwide, so why not keep up with culinary trends and give Spanish food a 
   sampling on your next vacation. This tour will take you to the famous plains of 
   La Mancha for the yearly harvest of one of the most expensive spices in the 
   world, saffron. See how the flowers are processed and celebrate the harvest with 
   the Festival de la Rosa del Azafran. Where is the cheese you ask? Central Spain 
   is home to the delicious sheep’s milk cheese Manchego. Roughly following the 
   route of Don Quixote himself, you’ll get to sample this cheese, locally produced 
   paprika, as well as visit some of Spain’s finest restaurants.


9. Italian 
   Cheese Tour: Even non-cheese fanatics can appreciate a good 
   parmesan on their pasta. Take a trip to Italy to see where this delightful 
   cheese comes from. For nearly 800 years the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has 
   been producing delicious Parmesan cheese the old fashioned way. Take a trip 
   along the Via Emilia, an ancient Roman route, to get a chance to visit several 
   of these artisanal makers. Stay in the Le 
   Lame Villa, a rural bed and breakfast, where balconies overlook fields of 
   specially fed cows whose milk is used to produce the cheese. Meals served at the 
   Villa will reflect the local love of Parmesan, though may be a tad adventurous 
   for those who are especially picky. If you’re really up for learning about 
   Parmesan, contact the Consorzio Del 
   Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano to arrange a tour of one of the local 
   dairies.


10. Allgau 
    Cheese, Bavaria: Bavaria is a striking region of Germany, with 
    fairy tale castles, and snow topped peaks that almost look too perfect to be 
    real. It’s also home to the famous Allgau cheese. Travel along the West 
    Allgau Cheese Trail to see this impressive scenery and fill your stomach 
    with excellent cheese. The route is short and varied enough to be traveled by 
    bike, those those particularly out of shape may not want to traverse the 46 km 
    of Alpine territory by their own locomotion. Cyclists will pass by alpine 
    dairies, breweries and restaurants, perfect for taking a rest or a quick break 
    from biking.


11. Vestfold, 
    Norway: Jarlsberg cheese, similar in appearance to Swiss cheese is 
    a delicious, mellow and nutty cheese and the finest qualities of it are produced 
    only in Norway in limited quantities. Why travel to Vestfold for Jarlsberg? The 
    country was originally named Jarlsberg and it was not until 1918 that it’s name 
    reverted to the original Vestfold, confusing cheese lovers worldwide. The 
    largest producer of Jarlsberg in Norway is TINE BA, which is actually a 
    cooperative of several thousand individual farmers, and you can find the cheese 
    they produce just about anywhere. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, sign 
    up for a Norwegian 
    tour that will take you to small villages like Undredal where you’ll get to 
    see how the local goat cheese is made and sample a bit for yourself as 
    well.


12. Great 
    British Cheese Festival: What could be a better getaway for a 
    cheese lover than to an entire cheese festival? Visit Oxfordshire in the fall to 
    have your cheese loving senses overloaded with variety at this festival. The 
    farmer’s market at the festival has over 450 different varieties of cheese that 
    you can sample and purchase. You’ll also get the chance to talk with local 
    cheese makers, sample a variety of other foods, and even take classes like the 
    Whiskey Workshop or a Cheese making Demo. In addition, you’ll be nestled in the 
    charming countryside of England, where you can stroll down the street to check 
    out historic homes and pubs or take a look at the famous Vale 
    of the White Horse, a prehistoric figure carved into the hillside