World Tour of Cheese

If you think cheese is just a humble sandwich filler, be prepared to be mind-blown. Around the world, cheese is more than just food- it’s a tradition, an identity and sometimes even a national treasure. From the lush pastures of France to the sun-kissed landscapes of Spain, let’s explore the world of cheese!​

FRANCE

France is practically synonymous with cheese. From Parisian markets to rustic Alpine farms, cheese is a crucial part of daily life. Their generational recipes, traditional production methods and careful ageing processes, known as affinage, contribute to their unique taste profiles. Typically served after the main course and before dessert, cheese is a staple in French dining.​

Fun Fact: France produces over 1,200 distinct types of cheese – so if you tried a different one every day, you’d be eating cheese for more than three years straight!​

Must try cheeses: Le Rustique Camembert and Brie, Saint Agur Blue Cheese or the Haute Fromagerie French Cheese Selection for a curated tasting of the region!

UNITED KINGDOM​

The UK is renowned for its Cheddar, making up over half of the nation’s annual cheese consumption. Steeped in tradition and aged in caves, Cheddar originates from a real place – the village of Cheddar in Somerset! British cheeses are known for their robust flavours and strong regional identities with recipes that date back centuries.​

Fun Fact: The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an annual event held in Spring near Gloucester, England where participants race down the 180m long hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.​

Must try cheeses: Red Leicester, Tunworth and Haute Fromagerie British Cheese Selection-includes West Country Farmhouse Cheddar (PDO), Yorkshire Blue, Ticklemore and Golden Cenarth.

SPAIN​

In Spain, cheese is a social affair that brings people together. Often served with jamón, olives, or quince paste, it is enjoyed at tapas bars and family feasts. Spanish cheeses specialise in hard and semi-hard cheese that tend to be aged and firm, with bold, concentrated flavours. They pair beautifully with Rioja (Spanish red wine) or a splash of sherry.​

Fun Fact: Manchego, Spain’s most famous cheese, is made from the milk of the Manchega sheep and is so beloved it has its own Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).​

Must try cheeses: Manchego, Mehon and Iberico.

GREECE​

Greek cheeses are distinguished by their tangy and fresh flavours, often enhanced by bringing and the use of sheep’s or goat’s milk. They are bold yet simple. Whether crumbled over a salad, baked in pies or eaten straight from the block, cheese is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine.​

Fun Fact: Feta alone accounts for roughly 70% of Greece’s cheese consumption!​

Must try cheeses: Islos Feta, Halloumi, Kasseri​

ITALIAN​

Italy is home to over 400 different types of cheese, each with its own distinct characteristics and regional variations. Whether grated over pasta, layered into lasagne or drizzled with olive oil and served with bread, Italian cheeses enhance flavours and celebrate tradition. Each region has its own speciality, reflecting local traditions and ingredients. For instance, Parmigiano-Reggiano is from Emilia-Romagna and Mozzarella di Bufala is from Campania.​

Fun Fact: Italy holds a number PDO recognised cheeses – more than any other country in the EU!​

Must try cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, Gorgonzola

So whether you’re nibbling with a glass of wine, melting it into a meal or going straight with the wedge, remember: good cheese knows no borders and neither should your appetite. Keep your cheese passports ready to be stamped!