La Mancha Cheese Factory Tour

La Mancha Cheese Factory Tour

We'll meet at 4:30 pm in the main square of Villanueva de los Infantes. From there, we'll walk to an artisan cheese factory located at the foot of Cabeza de Buey, the highest mountain in the Campo de Montiel region.

In this cheese factory, which will vary according to availability, we'll learn about the process of making Manchego cheese with a Designation of Origin. We'll begin with a visit to the production farm, which is surrounded by pastures, meadows, vineyards and olive groves.

First we'll see how the flocks of sheep are fed and milked. The next step is when the rennet is added to the milk. This enzyme, which is produced in the lining of animals' stomachs, is added to the milk in order to separate the cheese curds from liquid whey, and cause those curds to clump together. Then we'll learn about the artisan cheese-making process. The visit will continue in the pressing and storage rooms, where we'll learn about the times required for each type of curing.

During the visit we'll also discover some interesting facts related to the dairy products of La Mancha, whose cheese is considered one of the best in the world! Specifically, those made in the province of Ciudad Real stand out for their truly unmistakable flavour, texture and aroma.

Finally, we'll return on foot to Villanueva de los Infantes. Arrival at the meeting point is scheduled for 5:30 pm.