Vico Equense, a picturesque town along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, is home to a family-owned dairy with a rich history dating back to 1920. Here, visitors can enjoy the Dairy Mozzarella Experience, a unique two-hour activity that reveals the ancient art of traditional Italian cheese-making. Guided by a master Casaro, or cheesemaker, you will learn the intricate techniques behind crafting delectable mozzarella fior di latte and burrata. As they savor the flavors, guests will also have the opportunity to uncover the dairy’s captivating family legacy and appreciate the dedication that has defined this artisanal business for over a century. For cheese enthusiasts, this enchanting experience promises to awaken the senses and provide a deeper understanding of the region’s culinary heritage.
Key Points
- Immersive 2-hour activity focused on traditional Italian cheese-making, with a focus on mozzarella fior di latte and burrata.
- Guided by a master Casaro, showcasing ancient processing techniques in the family dairy.
- Cheese tasting paired with local wine in a scenic setting, providing a complete culinary experience.
- Flexible booking, free cancellation, and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring a convenient and accessible experience.
- Opportunity to learn from the dairy’s rich history and family legacy, dating back to 1920.
Dairy Experience Overview
The Vico Equense: Dairy Mozzarella Experience offers visitors a unique insight into the world of traditional Italian cheese-making.
This 2-hour immersive activity allows guests to learn ancient processing techniques and create iconic cheeses like mozzarella fior di latte and burrata under the guidance of a master Casaro.
Visitors can also indulge in a cheese tasting paired with local wine, all while enjoying the family-run dairy’s scenic setting beneath Mount Faito.
With flexible booking options, free cancellation, and wheelchair accessibility, this experience caters to a wide range of travelers, from couples and friends to solo adventurers and families.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vico Equense.
Highlights of the Activity
At the heart of the Vico Equense: Dairy Mozzarella Experience lies a full immersion into the dairy world, where visitors can delve deep into the ancient art of cheese-making.
Guests will learn from a master Casaro, the local term for cheesemaker, as they witness the traditional techniques used to craft mozzarella fior di latte, burrata, and other delectable cheeses.
The experience culminates in a cheese tasting session, where the handcrafted delicacies are paired with local wines, allowing participants to savor the flavors and appreciate the care and expertise that goes into each bite.
Included in the experience are the Fior di Latte Class shirts, which grant entry to the laboratory, adding to the authenticity of the journey.
Family Business History
Established in 1920 by Giovanni and Luisa, this family-run dairy nestled under Mount Faito in San Salvatore, 350 m above sea level, has a rich history rooted in a passion for local milk and traditional cheese-making methods.
Today, the business is led by Antonio, who’s dedicated his life to the art of dairy. With a focus on preserving ancient processing techniques, the dairy continues to produce a variety of artisanal cheeses, including the renowned mozzarella fior di latte and burrata.
The family’s commitment to quality and authenticity has earned them a reputation for excellence, attracting visitors from near and far to experience the dairy’s centuries-old traditions firsthand.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Glowing reviews from satisfied guests underscore the authenticity and family-centric nature of the Vico Equense: Dairy Mozzarella Experience.
With an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, the experience has earned rave feedback. Guests praised the hospitality and knowledge of the hosts, Antonio and Angela, who immersed them in the dairy’s rich history and traditions.
Participants appreciated learning ancient cheese-making techniques and creating mozzarella, burrata, and other delicacies. The cheese tasting paired with local wine further enhanced the authenticity of the experience.
Visitors lauded the family atmosphere, attention to detail, and the opportunity to become part of the dairy’s legacy, even if just for a few hours.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Details to Know
The meeting point for the Vico Equense: Dairy Mozzarella Experience is Piazza San Salvatore. The 2-hour experience is suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, though not for those with food allergies. It takes place rain or shine, allowing guests to fully enjoy the dairy world.
| Accessibility | Booking | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair accessible | Free cancellation up to 24 hours | Full immersion in dairy operations |
| – | Reserve now, pay later | Learn ancient cheese-making techniques |
| – | Flexible booking options | Taste cheeses paired with local wine |
Along With the dairy tour, the family-run business also offers cooking lessons for future visits, allowing guests to continue their culinary journey.
Directions to the Dairy
Making one’s way to the family-run dairy in Vico Equense is a scenic journey.
The dairy is located in the picturesque town of San Salvatore, 350 meters above sea level, under the shadow of Mount Faito. Guests are advised to meet at the Piazza San Salvatore, the central square, where the dairy’s team will greet them and guide them to the property.
The drive up the winding roads offers breathtaking views of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Gulf of Naples.
Once at the dairy, visitors are immersed in the family’s rich history and traditions, ready to embark on a hands-on experience of mozzarella-making and cheese tasting paired with local wines.
Cheese-Making Lessons Offered
Upon arrival at the family-owned dairy, visitors eagerly anticipate the hands-on cheese-making lessons led by the experienced Casaro, or master cheesemaker.
Under Antonio’s guidance, guests learn the ancient techniques used to craft mozzarella fior di latte, burrata, and other artisanal cheeses. The class provides a full immersion in the dairy world, as participants get to experience every step of the process, from curd formation to the final stretching and shaping of the cheese.
Donning their Fior di Latte Class shirts, guests feel like part of the family as they gain a newfound appreciation for the dedication and passion required to produce these local delicacies.
Future Cooking Classes Available
Along With the hands-on cheese-making lessons, the family-owned dairy also offers future cooking classes for visitors eager to expand their culinary skills. These interactive sessions allow guests to learn traditional Italian recipes and techniques from the knowledgeable dairy staff. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, the cooking classes cater to all levels of expertise.
| Class | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta Making | 2 hours | $85 |
| Pizza Workshop | 3 hours | $105 |
| Traditional Ragu | 1.5 hours | $70 |
| Dolce Vita Desserts | 2 hours | $90 |
| Seasonal Specialties | Varies | Varies |
These offerings provide a unique opportunity to learn about the local culinary heritage and create authentic Italian dishes alongside the dairy’s passionate team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Dairy-Free Ingredients for the Cheese-Making?
Unfortunately, the Dairy Mozzarella Experience is focused on traditional cheese-making with local dairy products. Bringing your own dairy-free ingredients wouldn’t be possible as it wouldn’t align with the authentic experience. The hosts are unable to accommodate special dietary needs for this activity.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Experience?
The experience doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it’s not recommended for young children. Guests of all ages can participate, though those under 12 may find some aspects like the cheese-making less engaging.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
The experience doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing. However, participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothing that can get a bit messy during the hands-on cheese-making process. The provided Fior di Latte Class shirts will be used for the laboratory.
Can I Purchase Additional Cheese Products After the Experience?
Yes, guests can purchase additional cheese products after the Dairy Mozzarella Experience. The family-run dairy offers a variety of their freshly made cheeses, including mozzarella, burrata, and other specialty items, for guests to enjoy at home.
Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Experience?
Yes, guests can extend the duration of the Dairy Mozzarella Experience. According to the information provided, the experience lasts 2 hours, but additional cooking lessons are offered for future visits, allowing guests to extend their time at the family-run dairy.
Recap
The Dairy Mozzarella Experience in Vico Equense offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tradition of Italian cheese-making. Guided by a master Casaro, visitors can learn the ancient techniques behind crafting mozzarella and burrata, while enjoying a tasting paired with local wines and admiring the breathtaking views. This immersive activity celebrates the family’s artisanal heritage, making it a must-visit for cheese enthusiasts.
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