Cheese Spectacular
This part of Tuscany is also famous for its Pecorino Cheese. Whether it's 'Stagionato' (hard and dry) or 'Fresco' (soft and creamy) it is a cheese with a unique and strong flavour. It is made from sheep's milk (pecora in Italian is sheep) and is to be seen in round forms in all the local shops. A firm favourite on the menu for after supper is a slice of Pecorino topped with a dash of local honey - simply delicious!
Our Cheese Tour takes you to at least two different producers. One of our favourite spots is an Agriturismo (working farm), where they produce no less than 32 different types of Pecorino, including Herbed and Spiced, Honeyed, Peppered; something to suit every taste! A beautiful location, with old hay mills on site, the sheep stalls within walking distance and an owner who is very enthusiastic about both his flock and his cheese. Here you will have a chance to taste a good selection of the different cheeses.
Another fantastic farm produces Pecorino, a variety of goat's cheeses, ricotta and an Italian version of the Greek feta. This is an organic farm where you can be up close to the animals, learn how they produce a variety of Tuscan products, then enjoy a splendid lunch made up entirely of products from the farm, including of course a good selection of cheese.
If you're in for the full day we suggest that the afternoon is topped off with a brief stop for a wine tasting in one of the many marvellous vineyards in Montalcino. What better to go with your cheese than a glass of Rosso di Montalcino, or if you are feeling extravagant, a Brunello?!
There will be plenty of opportunity to taste and buy the cheese products at all the sites. If you really like a particular type you can mail order from home when you return.
So if you are passionate about cheese why not join us for the day?
