The Idiazabal Cheese Interpretation and Tasting Center or Centro de Interpretaci贸n y Degustaci贸n del Queso Idiazabal, located in the town of Idiazabal (Gipuzkoa), is a museum and visitor center dedicated to one of the most emblematic cheeses of the Basque Country. This space provides an in-depth look at the history, production process, and cultural significance of Idiazabal cheese, a Denomination of Origin (D.O.) product made from raw milk of Latxa and Carranzana sheep.
The center offers an interactive exhibition where visitors can learn about traditional sheep farming, the artisanal cheese-making process, and the importance of transhumance in the region. Audiovisual presentations and informative panels explain the techniques used in the past and their evolution over time while highlighting the strict quality controls that guarantee the authenticity of Idiazabal cheese.
A key attraction of the center is the cheese tasting area, where visitors can experience the characteristic flavor of Idiazabal cheese, known for its firm texture and slightly smoky, intense taste. Guided tastings allow visitors to appreciate the differences between smoked and unsmoked varieties, as well as to pair the cheese with local wines and ciders.
In addition to the exhibition and tastings, the center organizes workshops and guided tours that take visitors to nearby shepherds’ farms, providing firsthand insight into the traditional cheese-making process. These activities emphasize the strong link between the product and its natural environment, particularly the grazing lands of the Basque mountains.
More information: https://www.idiazabalturismo.com/es/el-queso/centro-interpretacion
