Discover the Delight of Delicious Cheese

From Cheddar and Edam to Gruyere and chèvre, cheese has a magical way of bringing joy to our taste buds. Forget about those bland, mass-produced blocks on the grocery store shelves. The Cape Winelands are home to several incredible cheeseries that create artisanal cheeses with exceptional craftsmanship. But why stop there? You can even try your hand at making your very own homemade cheese and elevate your snacking experience to a whole new level!

At Fairview, you’ll find a treasure trove of cheese varieties on their delightful cheeseboards. Accompanied by a tempting selection of freshly baked breads, these cheeseboards are thoughtfully paired with wines and fruits, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.

Have you ever tried cheese tasting at beautiful estates? It’s become quite popular lately, especially in Cape Town and the surrounding winelands. These cheese tours are just like wine tastings, but instead of sipping on wine, you get to sample a variety of delicious cheeses. The best part is that these cheeseries are located in some of the most scenic parts of the Cape, making it a perfect activity for both locals and tourists.

One of the top cheeseries in the country is Fairview. It’s located in the picturesque town of Paarl, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Fairview is famous for their white rind cheeses, but they also make incredible goat’s milk cheeses, including their award-winning black pepper and paprika Chevin. If you visit Fairview, you can also enjoy combination tastings that include wine and cheese for as little as R25 per person.

When you find yourself in the enchanting Cape Winelands, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you can’t help but be drawn to the delightful world of cheese and wine.

The experience is made even more delightful with a variety of cheeses to choose from, each offering a unique taste sensation. From the creamy Fairview Brie to the tangy Feta, there is something to suit every palate.

But the cheeseries here are not content to stick to tradition. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of cheesemaking by infusing their creations with an array of herbs and spices. The result is a whole new level of flavor and richness.

One such place to explore is Healy’s at Waterkloof Wines, conveniently located near Somerset West. They are renowned for their mature Cheddar, which is carefully aged for up to 24 months in a specially designed cave-like environment. The result is a cheese that is rich, bold, and bursting with flavor.

When you visit Healy’s, you have the opportunity to indulge in a cheese tasting experience like no other. For just R30 per person, you can sample a selection of their exquisite cheeses, each with its own unique personality. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt for a cheese and wine pairing for R60 per person.

So, when you’re in the Cape Winelands and you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, make sure to visit Healy’s at Waterkloof Wines. They offer a tantalizing journey for your taste buds, where cheese and wine take center stage.

I want to tell you about Forest Hill, a special place that has been around since 2000. Forest Hill is located on Anura wine estate, which is between Paarl and Stellenbosch. It’s a beautiful spot where they make all kinds of delicious soft white cheeses, like brie, Camembert, and some unique versions of traditional fromage.

If you’re interested, you can visit Forest Hill for a tour and a tasting of their amazing wine and cheese. The cost for this experience is R45, and you’ll even get to explore the cellars during the tour.

Now let me tell you about another cheese estate called Dalewood Fromage. They have their own special herd of Jersey cows that provide the freshest milk for their cheese. This farm is located in the Winelands and it’s a really pretty place.

Dalewood makes a cheese called Lanquedoc, which is a medium-strong soft artisanal cheese. It’s made by them in limited quantities, so it’s extra special. If you want to visit, just look out for a lone pine tree, a hedge, and a curved white wall at the entrance.

Just outside Stanford, you can visit the Klein River Cheese Farm and taste up to six different cheeses in their cheese shop. They even offer a formal cheese tasting for only R15 per person, where they give you a quick history of the farm and explain how they make their delicious cheeses. While you’re in the shop, you can also catch a glimpse of the cheese factory through a window. The best time to see it in action is during the week between 10:00 and 11:30.

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, they have a Picnic Deli where you can choose from a variety of picnic baskets or create your own from a wide selection of tasty food options. Now, how awesome is that?

But wait, that’s not all! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to test your cheese-making skills, you can order cheese-making kits online from Cheeselab, a company based in Cape Town. The kits start at R580 and include everything you need to make Feta, cream cheese, and mascarpone. If you’re an experienced cheese maker, they also have intermediate kits to make mozzarella, halloumi, and ricotta. But don’t worry, it’s a good idea to start with the beginner kit because it has all the tools you’ll need to get started. And if you’re really serious about becoming a pro, Cheeselab offers courses in partnership with Beerlab for cheese enthusiasts like you.

So why not visit the Klein River Cheese Farm? You can indulge in some tasty cheeses, learn about the cheese-making process, and maybe even discover a new passion for cheese making. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!