Putignano, a small town in Italy, offers a unique opportunity to take in the art of cheesemaking. Visitors can witness the transformation of fresh milk into warm, silky mozzarella, guided by a skilled artisan. This hands-on workshop not only teaches the intricate techniques but also promises a delightful tasting, allowing participants to savor the rich flavors of the region. For those seeking an authentic culinary experience, Putignano’s mozzarella-making workshop stands out as a must-try.
Key Points
- Participants engage in hands-on workshops to learn the art of making fresh mozzarella, including shaping techniques from an experienced cheesemaker.
- The experience includes observing the transformation of milk into mozzarella and other cheeses at a picturesque dairy farm.
- Visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of fresh and aged cheeses, including nearly lactose-free options.
- Personalized insights and cheese-making practices are shared by the artisan cheesemaker, Sara, during the interactive experience.
- The immersive two-hour program provides a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the traditional methods of artisanal cheese production.
Experience Overview
Visitors can expect a two-hour immersive experience at a dairy farm surrounded by olive trees and farmland.
They’ll learn about cows, cheese, and rural traditions through hands-on workshops in mozzarella, ricotta, and cheesemaking. Participants will observe the transformation of freshly milked milk into various cheeses and shape their own mozzarella using expert techniques.
The experience includes a generous tasting of fresh and aged cheeses, some made with a whey starter for an authentic taste and nearly lactose-free options.
Meeting the artisan cheesemaker, Sara, and asking questions about her story and practices adds a personalized touch.
Looking for more options in Putignano? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Visiting the Dairy Farm
When visitors arrive at the dairy farm, they’ll be greeted by the picturesque setting of olive trees and farmland surrounding the property.
The tour begins with an introduction to the farm’s 100 head of cattle. Guests will observe:
Guests will observe the farm’s 100 head of cattle and learn about the care and attention given to the cows’ health and comfort.
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How the cows are cared for with attention to their health and comfort.
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The transformation of freshly milked milk into mozzarella and other cheeses.
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The expert techniques used to shape the mozzarella by hand.
Throughout the visit, guests will have the opportunity to ask the artisan cheesemaker, Sara, questions about her story and cheese-making practices.
Cheese-Making Workshops
After the farm tour, participants dive into the hands-on cheese-making workshops. They observe the transformation of fresh milk into mozzarella and other cheeses.
Next, they get the chance to shape mozzarella using expert techniques under Sara’s guidance. The cheese tasting that follows offers an authentic experience, featuring products made with whey starter for a nearly lactose-free option.
Throughout the workshops, participants can ask Sara questions about her cheesemaking practices and rural traditions. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain a deep appreciation for the art of artisanal cheese production.
Mozzarella Shaping Techniques
As participants gather around the work table, Sara demonstrates the expert techniques for shaping mozzarella.
First, she gathers the freshly curded milk and places it in a hot water bath. Next, she kneads and stretches the soft curd, shaping it into a silky smooth ball. Finally, she deftly twists the mozzarella, creating the classic braided appearance.
The group eagerly follows along, their hands deftly working the warm, supple cheese.
Sara offers guidance, ensuring each participant creates a perfectly formed mozzarella. The room fills with the satisfying squeak of the freshly crafted cheese.
More Great Tours NearbyCheese Tasting
With the mozzarella-shaping complete, the group now turns its attention to the cheese tasting.
Sara, the artisan cheesemaker, presents an array of fresh and aged cheeses for the participants to sample. The tasting includes products made with whey starter, offering an authentic taste and nearly lactose-free options.
Participants eagerly dive in, savoring the diverse flavors and textures. The group discusses the nuances of each cheese, sharing their impressions and appreciating the care and expertise that went into their production.
The tasting provides a well-rounded culinary experience, complementing the hands-on mozzarella-making workshop.
Interacting With the Artisan Cheesemaker
Sara, the artisan cheesemaker and breeder, welcomes the group with a warm smile, eager to share her story and cheese-making practices.
Sara, the artisan cheesemaker, welcomes the group with a warm smile, eager to share her story and cheese-making practices.
She explains how:
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She grew up on this very farm, learning the craft from her family.
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Raising the cows and handcrafting the cheeses are a true labor of love.
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She takes great pride in using traditional methods to create the authentic, nearly lactose-free flavors.
The participants eagerly ask questions, fascinated by Sara’s passion and the family’s generations-old techniques.
Her wealth of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm make for an engaging and insightful experience.
Booking Details
Prospective participants can reserve their spots for this immersive cheese-making experience using the convenient online booking system. A "reserve now & pay later" option is available, allowing flexibility in planning. To confirm the experience, a minimum of 4 adult participants is required. The meeting point details will be provided at the time of booking.
| Booking Details | |
| — | — |
| Reserve Now & Pay Later | Available |
| Minimum Participants | 4 adults |
| Meeting Point | Provided at booking |
| Suitable for Vegans | No |
This hands-on mozzarella-making workshop is not suitable for vegan attendees, as the experience centers around the production and tasting of dairy-based cheese products.
What to Expect
Upon arrival at the dairy farm, you will be greeted by Sara, the artisan cheesemaker and breeder.
Sara, the artisan cheesemaker and breeder, will greet participants upon arrival at the dairy farm.
She’ll provide an overview of the day’s activities, which include:
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Touring the farm and learning about the 100-head cattle herd and rural traditions.
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Observing the transformation of freshly milked milk into mozzarella and other cheeses.
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Hands-on experience shaping mozzarella using expert techniques.
The cheese tasting will feature products made with whey starter, offering an authentic taste and nearly lactose-free options.
Participants can also ask Sara questions about her story and cheese-making practices.
The Sum Up
Putignano’s cheese-making workshop offers visitors a unique chance to learn the art of crafting fresh mozzarella. Participants can witness the transformation of milk into cheese and then savor the rich flavors in a tasting session. This immersive experience, guided by an artisan cheesemaker, provides a deeper understanding of traditional production methods and the regional specialties of the area.
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