Meet the founder, Niki!
Niki hails from Thessaloniki, Greece, with roots tracing...
Imagine a day immersed in the heart of Tuscany, learning the secrets of traditional cheesemaking at a local Italian farm. Under the guidance of a passionate cheesemaker with 20 years of experience, you'll transform fresh milk into delectable cheese. From the gentle curdling to the delicate aging process, become a cheesemaker for the day and learn the secrets of the craft. While waiting for your cheese to take its final form in the molds, you will taste the farm's delicacies and local products, including the renowned Pecorino di Pienza and the rustic Pane Carasau, a typical Sardinian bread. Explore the charming family-owned farmhouse and capture breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia. Take advantage of this unforgettable opportunity to connect with Tuscan traditions and create lasting memories.
The cheesemaker, a local artisan with years of experience, welcomes you and invites you to join them on a journey through cheesemaking. They outline the day's activities and share stories about the farm's history. Before diving into the hands-on experience, a safety briefing ensures you are well-prepared to handle the equipment and ingredients, setting the stage for a memorable and educational day.
Once the introductions are complete, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get started. The cheesemaker leads you to the workshop, where a diverse selection of tools and ingredients awaits. The workspace is carefully prepared, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for the cheesemaking process. As you arrange the ingredients, the anticipation builds for the hands-on experience that lies ahead.
The heart of the cheesemaking process begins with the milk. You'll learn about the different types of milk used to create various cheeses and how to prepare it for curdling. Then, rennet or other coagulants are added, causing the milk to separate into curds and whey. Depending on the type of cheese, the curds may be heated and stretched to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Finally, the curds are molded into shape and left to rest, allowing excess moisture to escape. As the cheese ages and ripens, it develops its final flavor and texture, affected by temperature, humidity and time.
Now comes the most rewarding part of the day: tasting the cheese you have made. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the farm, admire the breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia, and take memorable photos. Take the chance to visit the nearby farm shop and take home a piece of this authentic Tuscan experience.
Imagine a day immersed in the heart of Tuscany, learning the secrets of traditional cheesemaking at a local Italian farm. Under the guidance of a passionate cheesemaker...