If there’s one thing that Wisconsin is famous for, it is cheese. The state is known for making (and eating) tons of cheese each year, of all varieties. Where is all of this cheese made? In cheese factories, of course. There are hundreds of cheese factories all over Wisconsin that provide tours that illustrate how the cheese is made. Here’s a list of some incredible cheese tours in the Madison, Wisconsin, area.
1. Fromagination
Located in Madison, Fromagination has been open since 2007 and provides guests the chance to view, smell, and taste a wide selection of cheeses. This specialty cheese shop supplies different local cheeses as well as cheese from all across the United States and the world. However, most of the products found in the shop are local Wisconsin cheeses.
With a cheese tour, visitors can discover how the cheese is made. Tasting sessions are held both in-shop and sometimes off-site. During a cheese tasting, a Fromagination cheesemonger will discuss the cheese and its flavor, so you’ll have all the information you need to try the cheese for yourself.
2. Alp and Dell Cheese Store (Emmi Roth Cheese Factory)
The Alp and Dell Cheese Store and the adjacent Emmi Roth Cheese Factory in Monroe, Wisconsin, specializes in producing fresh and locally-made cheeses. Some varieties of cheese at this store include cheddar, Swiss, and artisan cheeses, as well as unique cheeses made using sheep and goat milk. With over 125 specialty cheeses available, customers will surely want to set up a tour to observe the cheese making process and to sample different cheeses.
Free tours are provided at 10 a.m. on Monday through Friday and on Saturday at 11 a.m. Additionally, if you have a large group, guided tours are available with a reservation. To register for a cheese tour, you will need to call the Alp and Dell retail store in advance.
3. Cedar Grove Cheese
Cedar Grove Cheese makes its home in Plain, Wisconsin, and is a family-owned cheese factory that has been in business for more than 140 years. At its start, Cedar Grove Cheese made only Colby and cheddar cheeses. However, this establishment has since expanded. This cheese factory currently produces a broad selection of cheese including several kinds of cheddar, Butterkaese, muenster, Havarti, farmer, and Monterey Jack. Cedar Grove Cheese also has a variety of reduced fat and low sodium cheeses as well as an organic selection of cheese. All cheeses at this cheese factory are made using cow, sheep, and goat milk.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cheese at Cedar Grove Cheese, cheese tours are available for individuals or groups. It is recommended that you call in advance to book a tour.
On any of these cheese tours around Madison, Wisconsin, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a wide range of delicious cheese and learn about the cheese-making process firsthand from the experts. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a cheese factory or two and register for a tour today.
Image via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original
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