Cheese & Ricotta Making – Teramo (Abruzzo) Italy

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Teramo, Abruzzo, a unique cheese and ricotta-making workshop invites travelers to experience centuries-old dairy traditions. Under expert guidance, you will craft artisan ricotta and pecorino, exploring the flavors and textures that make this region’s cheese so renowned. The experience culminates in a delightful tasting, pairing the freshly made cheeses with local wines, organic olive oil, and cured meats. For cheese enthusiasts, this immersive workshop promises an unforgettable glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Abruzzo.

Key Points

• A family farm in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, Italy, offers immersive cheese-making experiences, highlighting centuries-old dairy traditions.
• Participants learn to craft artisan ricotta by heating and curdling fresh milk, separating curds from whey, and folding ricotta into traditional forms.
• Instruction on crafting pecorino and other local cheeses, including coagulating milk and shaping cheese wheels, with a focus on unique flavors and textures.
• Tasting experience showcases at least 3 artisanal cheeses, accompanied by organic olive oil, dried meats, bread, and local wines, providing a sensory experience of local cheese-making tradition.
• The workshop is limited to 10 participants for personalized attention, with transportation options and the opportunity for an immersive cheese-centric getaway in Teramo.

Exploring the Family Farm

As visitors begin their immersive cheese-making experience, they’ll first explore the family farm that serves as the backdrop for this artisanal workshop.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, the farm is home to a herd of sheep and cows, whose milk forms the foundation of the workshop’s offerings. Guests will wander the pastoral grounds, learning about the farm’s operations and the centuries-old traditions that have shaped the region’s renowned dairy products.

This intimate introduction lays the groundwork for the hands-on cheese-making lessons to follow, immersing participants in the authentic practices of Abruzzo’s artisan producers.

Crafting Artisan Ricotta

Once visitors have immersed themselves in the farming traditions of the region, they transition into the cheese-making portion of the workshop.

Under the guidance of the farming family, participants learn the art of crafting artisan ricotta. The process involves:

Guided by the farming family, participants master the art of crafting artisan ricotta through a multistep process.

• Heating and curdling the fresh sheep and cow milk from the farm

• Carefully separating the curds from the whey

• Gently folding the ricotta into traditional forms

• Sampling the warm, creamy ricotta straight from the pot

• Exploring the nuanced flavors that result from the family’s techniques

The workshop culminates in tasting the exceptional ricotta, alongside other locally-produced cheeses and accompaniments.

Pecorino and Other Traditional Cheeses

Along With the artisan ricotta, participants also learn the traditional methods for crafting pecorino and other local cheeses during the workshop.

The hosts provide hands-on instruction on the cheesemaking process, from coagulating the milk to shaping and aging the wheels.

Participants discover the unique flavors and textures of pecorino, a hard sheep’s milk cheese, as well as other regional specialties.

The small-group setting allows for personalized guidance, ensuring each participant gains a deeper understanding of the region’s time-honored cheesemaking practices.

The tasting of these freshly crafted cheeses is a highlight of the workshop.

Tasting the Abruzzo Cheese Selection

The tasting portion of the workshop allows participants to savor the fruits of their cheesemaking labor.

Guests are treated to a starter course featuring:

• A selection of at least 3 artisanal cheeses

• Organic extra virgin olive oil

• Dried meats like salami and prosciutto

• Freshly baked artisanal bread

To accompany the cheese tasting, local wine and water are served.

Of course, the highlight is the freshly made ricotta – reputed to be the best in the Abruzzo region.

This immersive culinary experience offers a true taste of the local cheese-making tradition.

Pairing With Local Wines

To complement the artisanal cheese tasting, the workshop includes local wines thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavors.

Participants enjoy sipping on the region’s renowned reds and whites, which perfectly accentuate the unique profiles of the freshly crafted pecorino, ricotta, and other traditional cheeses.

The family hosts expertly pair each cheese with a corresponding wine, guiding guests through the nuances of the pairing.

This immersive experience allows participants to fully appreciate the harmony between the local dairy and viticultural traditions of Abruzzo.

The wine tasting rounds out the workshop, leaving guests with a deeper understanding of the area’s terroir and culinary heritage.

Taking in the Cheesemaking Process

Although the tasting of the artisanal cheeses and local wines provides a memorable sensory experience, the real highlight of the workshop lies in the hands-on cheesemaking process.

Participants actively engage in:

• Observing the family’s techniques for preparing the milk

• Assisting with the heating and coagulation of the curds

• Ladling the fresh ricotta into molds

• Salting and aging the pecorino cheeses

• Packaging the final products for takeaway

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to understand the time-honored traditions and meticulous craftsmanship that go into creating the exceptional cheeses of Abruzzo.

Highlights of the Workshop Experience

Participants rave about the hands-on nature of the workshop, praising the opportunity to intimately engage with traditional cheesemaking techniques.

Under the guidance of a local farming family, guests tour the farm and learn to craft ricotta and other artisan cheeses. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, allowing for questions and one-on-one assistance.

Travelers delight in sampling the fresh cheeses, including the renowned ricotta of Abruzzo, paired with regional wines and organic produce.

From start to finish, the workshop immerses guests in the authentic flavors and traditions of Italian cheesemaking.

Planning Your Cheese Adventure in Teramo

How does one plan a cheese adventure in Teramo, Italy?

First, travelers must arrange transportation, as the farm is located about 12 km from Teramo. Visitors can drive themselves or look into group shuttle options.

Upon arrival, they’ll meet the farming family who’ll guide them through the hands-on cheesemaking experience. The workshop is limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention.

Guests should come prepared to get their hands dirty, as the highlight is crafting traditional cheeses like ricotta.

Finally, those with dietary restrictions should notify the hosts in advance. With proper planning, a delicious cheese-centric getaway awaits in Teramo.

• Transportation to Campli, Teramo

• Meeting the farming family hosts

• Small group size (max 10 travelers)

• Hands-on cheesemaking experience

• Accommodating dietary needs