Matera Cheese Making Class: Be a Real Dairy Man for a Day!

Enjoy the age-old tradition of Lucanian cheesemaking at the Matera Cheese Making Class. Under the guidance of a seasoned professional, you’ll craft your own mozzarella and stracciatella, uncovering the artisanal techniques and local supply chain that shape these creamy delights. Beyond the hands-on experience, you’ll also embark on a captivating guided tasting, savoring the very cheeses you’ve made while delving into the stories of a family deeply rooted in dairy heritage. It’s an opportunity to become a real dairy man, if only for a day, and discover the rich, flavorful world of Matera’s cheesemaking.

Key Points

1. Experience the ancient tradition of Lucanian cheesemaking by crafting mozzarella and stracciatella under the guidance of a professional cheesemaker.
2. Gain insights into the local supply chain for high-quality milk and explore artisanal production techniques with hands-on sessions.
3. Participate in a guided cheese tasting led by a Master cheese taster, who will share stories about the dairy family’s legacy.
4. Understand the maturation stages of cheese, including aging, curing, and ripening, and their connection to the region’s transhumance history.
5. Enjoy a personalized and accessible class, with flexible scheduling, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and optional English translation, suitable for both beginners and cheese enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The cheese making class in Matera promises an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the ancient family tradition of Lucanian cheesemaking.

The 2-hour class is limited to just 8 people, ensuring personalized attention from the professional cheesemaker. Instruction is in Italian, with English translation available for an additional cost.

The class is wheelchair accessible, and there’s a flexible cancellation policy that allows full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

The hands-on session covers making mozzarella and stracciatella from warm milk, followed by a guided tasting led by a Master cheese taster.

Experience Highlights

Participants can expect to learn the ancient family tradition of Lucanian cheesemaking during this interactive cheese-making session.

They’ll work alongside a professional cheesemaker, crafting mozzarella and stracciatella from warm milk. The guided cheese tasting with a Master cheese taster provides the opportunity to discover the stories of a dairy family still in business.

Guests will gain insight into the traditional cheese-making process, exploring the certified local supply chain and the history of pasta filata’s connection to transhumance.

The artisanal methods of cheese production, including spinning by hand, offer a hands-on cheese-making experience.

Educational Component

First, the class provides participants with insight into the traditional cheese-making process and maturation stages. Attendees will explore the certified local supply chain of high-quality milk from selected farms. Plus, they will understand the history of pasta filata and its connection to transhumance, the seasonal movement of livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures.

Cheese Making Process	Maturation Stages
Spinning by hand	Aging
Warm milk	Curing
Mozzarella and stracciatella production	Ripening

Included Services

The class provides participants with all the necessary equipment for the cheese-making experience. This includes everything from the warm milk to the traditional tools used to shape the mozzarella and stracciatella.

Before the hands-on session, there’s a starting briefing that gives an overview of the process and sets the tone for the day.

During the class, the professional cheesemaker guides attendees through the artisanal methods, allowing them to get their hands dirty and truly enjoy the craft.

At the end, guests can enjoy a tasting of the fresh cheeses they’ve created.

Optional transfer service is available upon request for those who need assistance getting to the dairy location.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Location and Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Matera cheese making class is a dairy near a petrol station and an automatic laundry. This convenient location makes it easy for participants to find their way to the hands-on cheese making experience. The class schedule is flexible, so be sure to check availability for specific starting times.

Starting Time	Availability
10:00 AM	Open
12:00 PM	Open
2:00 PM	Open
4:00 PM	Limited

The dairy is accessible for those in wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can participate in this unique opportunity to learn the ancient art of Lucanian cheesemaking.

Cheese Making Process

During the interactive cheese-making session, participants work closely with a professional cheesemaker to learn the ancient family tradition of Lucanian cheesemaking.

They’ll start by observing the expert as they transform warm milk into mozzarella and stracciatella.

Then, it’s the participants’ turn to get hands-on, carefully following the traditional methods of spinning and stretching the cheese by hand.

The cheesemaker shares insights into the maturation stages and the certified local supply chain of high-quality milk from selected farms.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the artisanal production techniques and the history of pasta filata, which is closely linked to the region’s transhumance traditions.

Tasting and Pairing

Following the hands-on cheese-making portion, participants enjoy a guided tasting session with a Master cheese taster. They discover the nuances of the freshly produced mozzarella and stracciatella, exploring the flavors, textures, and aromas that make these cheeses so unique. The tasting is accompanied by a discussion of the region’s rich cheesemaking heritage and the importance of quality milk sources.

Flavor	Texture	Aroma
Creamy	Soft	Milky
Lightly Salted	Stretchy	Grassy
Slightly Tangy	Delicate	Fresh

This interactive experience allows guests to truly appreciate the artistry and skill behind these beloved Italian cheeses.

Dairy Family Stories

Passed down through generations, the dairy family’s stories captivate visitors to the cheesemaking class. Participants enjoy the rich history and traditions of Lucanian cheesemaking, learning about the family’s unwavering dedication to their craft.

The cheesemaker shares tales of transhumance, the seasonal migration of shepherds with their herds, and how it has shaped the region’s cheese culture for centuries. Guests marvel at the family’s commitment to using only the highest-quality local milk, sourced from selected farms, to create their renowned mozzarella and stracciatella.

Each tale provides a deeper appreciation for the artisanal methods and the family’s enduring legacy in the dairy industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The activity doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. While it’s suitable for adults, adventurous families with older children may participate if they can handle the hands-on cheesemaking and tasting components.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Shoes?

No special clothing or shoes are required. Participants should dress comfortably, as they’ll be actively involved in the cheesemaking process. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety during the hands-on experience.

Is There a Maximum Weight Limit for the Cheese Making?

There’s no specific weight limit for the cheese making experience. Participants of all sizes can fully enjoy the interactive session and learn the traditional techniques hands-on with the professional cheesemaker.

Can I Take the Cheese I Make Home With Me?

Yes, participants can take home the cheese they make during the class. The class includes instructions on how to properly store and transport the fresh mozzarella and stracciatella creations.

Is There a Secure Location to Store Personal Belongings During the Class?

The class provides a secure area to store personal belongings during the event. Participants can leave their valuables in a designated storage space while they focus on the hands-on cheese-making experience.

Recap

Enjoy Lucanian cheesemaking tradition and craft your own fresh mozzarella and stracciatella under the guidance of a professional cheesemaker. Savor the creamy cheeses while uncovering captivating stories from a family steeped in dairy heritage. It’s an unforgettable hands-on experience that’ll make you feel like a real dairy man for a day.

You can check if your dates are available here: