Matera: Mozzarella and Cheese Tasting With a Cheesemaker

Matera, the ancient city in southern Italy, is known for its rich culinary traditions. One of the most immersive ways to experience this is through a mozzarella and cheese tasting session led by a master cheesemaker. Over two hours, participants can indulge in a typical farmer’s breakfast, learn the art of stretching mozzarella, and sample a variety of artisanal cheeses. This family-friendly activity not only offers insights into traditional cheesemaking techniques but also provides a glimpse into the heritage of a multi-generational business. With an age-appropriate experience and a surprise cheese memento, this tasting promises to leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for Matera’s unique flavors.

Key Points

• Unique cheese tasting experience with a master cheesemaker in Matera, Italy, offering hands-on mozzarella stretching and tastings of various cheese types.
• Culinary experience includes a typical farmers’ breakfast with organic products and an immersive session on cheese production and diversity of flavors.
• Provides insight into a family-run cheese business with three generations of tradition and emphasis on maintaining traditional techniques in modern cheesemaking.
• Suitable for ages 12 to 99, with activities catered to both seasoned cheese lovers and newcomers.
• Not recommended for individuals with lactose intolerance, as the experience is centered around dairy products.

Activity Overview

Experience a unique cheese tasting with a master cheesemaker in the historic city of Matera.

This 2-hour activity offers a hands-on culinary adventure for cheese lovers. Priced from CZK 1,478 per person, the experience is available in both Italian and English.

Take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior and book your spot without upfront payment.

Discover the secrets of traditional cheese-making as you participate in mozzarella stretching and tastings of fresh, semi-fresh, semi-matured, and matured cheeses.

Learn about the family’s three-generation cheese business and bring home a surprise vacuum-packed cheese as a memento.

Culinary Experience

Guests will start their culinary adventure with a typical farmers breakfast featuring organic products.

They’ll savor fresh yogurt, milk, butter, honey, jam, local bread, and homemade treats.

Next, you will dive into a hands-on mozzarella stretching and cheesemaking session.

The tasting portion encompasses a variety of cheeses, including fresh mozzarella and burrata, as well as two each of fresh, semi-fresh, semi-matured, and matured cheeses.

This immersive experience allows guests to fully appreciate the diversity of flavors and textures that the local cheesemaker has to offer.

Cheese Production Insights

The hands-on experience doesn’t end there. Participants will learn about the family’s cheese business, a tradition passed down for three generations.

They’ll discover the production phases of over 100 types of cheese, from milk processing to final products. The insights offered include:

• The history and legacy of the family-run cheesemaking operation
• The intricate steps involved in crafting a diverse array of cheeses
• The importance of maintaining traditional techniques in modern production
• The dedication required to uphold the quality and authenticity of the cheese
• The pride and passion the cheesemakers have for their craft

As a special takeaway, guests will receive a small surprise cheese, either Provolone or Scamorza, vacuum-sealed and transportable for 20 days.

Participant Age Groups

This hands-on cheese experience caters to a range of age groups.

Adults aged 12 to 99 can enjoy the full tasting and cheesemaking activities. Younger participants aged 3 to 11 are also welcome, while children under 2 can attend as well.

However, the experience may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

The variety of ages allowed ensures that the entire family can partake in this immersive culinary adventure, learning about traditional cheese production methods and savoring the delectable results.

Whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or introducing your little ones to new flavors, this experience caters to all.

Allergy Considerations

Unfortunately, this tasting experience isn’t suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

While the cheesemaker’s creations are a delightful exploration of local culinary traditions, the menu is centered around dairy products that may pose challenges for those with lactose sensitivities.

• Participants will sample a variety of fresh, semi-fresh, and matured cheeses, including mozzarella and burrata.

• The tasting also includes a traditional farmers’ breakfast featuring organic dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and butter.

• Those with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort or adverse reactions during the hands-on cheese-making and tasting portions of the experience.

• Alternative options or modifications aren’t available for this particular tour.

• Guests with lactose intolerance are kindly advised to consider a different activity that better accommodates their dietary needs.

Reviews and Ratings

Prospective participants can gain valuable insights into the hands-on cheese tasting experience through the overwhelmingly positive reviews.

With a 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews, this activity seems to delight visitors. Reviewers highlight the kindness and hospitality of the hosts, offering a welcoming atmosphere.

The cheese tasting itself is praised, providing a chance to learn about the production process and sample a variety of fresh, semi-fresh, and matured cheeses.

The reviews suggest this is a must-do experience for any cheese enthusiast visiting Matera.

The meeting point is clearly identified, and the important note about no pets allowed ensures a smooth and enjoyable tasting session.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Where’s the meeting point for this cheese tasting experience? The meeting point is the brown door beside the cheese shop. This convenient location makes it easy for participants to find and begin their culinary adventure.

• Arrive on time to ensure you don’t miss any of the activities.

• No pets are allowed, so please leave your furry friends at home.

• The experience is suitable for a wide range of ages, from young children to older adults.

• Unfortunately, those with lactose intolerance won’t be able to fully participate in the cheese tastings.

• Enjoy the flexibility of being able to cancel up to 24 hours before the event for a full refund.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking this unique cheese tasting experience is easy and flexible. Visitors can reserve their spot online without upfront payment, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

If plans change, travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

The experience is a fantastic way to take in the rich cheese-making traditions of Matera, with the option to pay later and flexible cancellation policies.

Whether it’s for a family outing, a special occasion, or a culinary adventure, this cheese tasting tour offers a memorable and accessible experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation to the Cheese Tasting Location Provided?

Transportation to the cheese tasting location is not provided. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting point, which is the brown door beside the cheese shop.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Cheese Options Available During the Tasting?

The experience doesn’t mention any vegetarian or vegan cheese options during the tasting. The focus appears to be on traditional dairy products like mozzarella, burrata, and a variety of other fresh and matured cheeses.

Can the Tasting Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

While the tasting menu focuses on traditional dairy cheeses, the cheesemaker may accommodate dietary restrictions by providing alternative cheese options upon prior request. Guests should inquire about customization when booking the experience.

Is the Cheesemaker Available for Questions Throughout the Experience?

The cheesemaker is available throughout the experience to answer any questions participants may have. They provide insights into the cheesemaking process and can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences upon request.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Listed Price?

No, the listed price includes all costs for the cheese tasting experience. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. The price is all-inclusive and represents great value for the diverse culinary journey offered.

Recap

This mozzarella and cheese tasting experience in Matera offers a unique opportunity to learn about traditional cheesemaking techniques from a master cheesemaker. Guests can enjoy a farmer’s breakfast, stretch mozzarella, and sample a variety of cheeses, including fresh burrata. Suitable for all ages, this family-friendly activity provides insights into a local, family-run business and includes a surprise cheese memento to take home.