New York, NY – Cheese Journeys will immerse cheese professionals and enthusiasts in local culinary culture as they travel from England’s capital city to the southwest cheese-producing region of Somerset from March 30 – April 3, 2020, where they will encounter renowned cheesemakers and affineurs, including the iconic “Cheddar families” – Montgomery, Westcombe, and Keens – as well as producers of award-winning Stichelton, Cheshire, Leicester and more.
The adventure begins at London’s Borough Market with a behind-the-scenes look at the retail shop and ageing facility of Neal’s Yard Dairy, one of Europe’s most inspiring retailers and global wholesale distributors, before travelers head to Somerset, the birthplace of cheddar as well as the reputed location of King Arthur’s Camelot. Guests will have the unique opportunity to reside at the exquisitely restored English manor, North Cadbury Court, family home of the legendary makers of Montgomery’s Cheddar, and, incidentally, the set location for the 2007 Jane Austen film “Persuasion.”
During their four-day stay, the group will be joined by the famed Cheddar maker himself, Jamie Montgomery, who will lead guests into the world of British clothbound Cheddar and family lore. A walking tour of the estate includes the dairy, pastures of Jersey cows, and the legendary castle ruins of Camelot. A “Cheesemakers Dinner” will unite Somerset’s and other British cheese doyens for a narrated evening of pairings and camaraderie.
In addition to classic English cheeses like Cheddars, Cheshires, Leicesters, and Stichelton, a camembert-style fromage, Tunworth, as well as a delightful chèvre and sheep’s milk cheese will on be on the tasting menu. To accompany the cheeses, artisan hard ciders, including those from The Somerset Cider Brandy Company, will be sipped along the way.
More cheese fodder will be bestowed by Tom Calver, a young and dynamic cheesemaker of multi-award-winning Westcombe Cheddar, Duckett’s Aged Caerphilly and Somerset Ricotta, during a visit to his creamery, which will also include cheese pairings with craft beers from Wild Beer Company, regarded among the best ales in the United Kingdom.
While staying at North Cadbury Court, travelers will also have the opportunity to partake in a food photography class, take a cheese painting class, enjoy cooking demonstrations, take a dip in the pool or golf from the manor’s rooftop! An afternoon of clay shooting or paddle boat racing are also among the many options.
“Cheese Journeys offers travelers a unique back-door food travel experience that no other trip can offer – one which will stay with them for a lifetime,” explains Anna Juhl, founder of Cheese Journeys six years ago. “Some pleasures, like cheese, are worth experiencing in their truest form, at the source,” muses Juhl. “While these journeys offer knowledge and discovery, pleasure and entertainment, most importantly they awaken all of the senses.” Throughout the tour, Cheese Journeys’ London-based chefs Sylvain Jamois and Romain Alinat, will share their knowledge of regional foods through a beautiful selection of well-prepared meals.
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About Cheese Journeys :
Cheese Journeys was founded in 2013 to take food enthusiasts and professionals on custom tours designed to deepen their knowledge of artisan products, learn about customs and trends, and connect with producers and other food lovers during a relaxing and tasty adventure. These tours provide insider access to explore worlds that few culinary travelers discover on their own. Each meticulously planned itinerary with distinctive accommodations and delicious are all hallmarks of Cheese Journeys trips. Anna Juhl, founder and CEO of Cheese journeys, is a dedicated food professional and cheese enthusiast, offering a warm and personal style of hospitality which lies at the heart of Cheese Journeys, an ASTA member. To learn more, visit CheeseJourneys.com
