A unique travel company which specialises in cheese adventures returns to Somerset’s North Cadbury Court in October, where the world famous award winning Montgomery’s Cheddar is made. Cheese Journeys will immerse foodies in culinary culture, as they travel to the west country to stay at the court and indulge in their passion for dairy delights. Guests will encounter renowned cheesemakers and taste the various traditional cheeses made in Somerset.
During the eight day stay, the group will be joined by cheese maker Jamie Montgomery, who will lead guests into the world of British clothbound Cheddar and family folk lore. A walking tour of the estate with Jamie will include the dairy, pastures of Jersey cows and the legendary nearby Cadbury Castle, thought to be the location of the mythical Camelot.
An exclusive event “A Celebration of Cheese: An Evening with British Cheesemakers,” will unite fifteen British cheese experts for a narrated evening of camaraderie and pairings, including artisan ciders from The Somerset Cider Brandy Company.
British cheese expert and educator Patrick McGuigan will talk to guests about his knowledge of cheese and wine. Jilly Sitch, artisan cheese champion, World Cheese Awards judge and events manager at The School of Fine Food will also be on hand for advice and taste suggestions.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the nearby Roman city of Bath and visit the gardens at The Newt. They will take a cheese painting class with food artist Mike Geno, learn to build a beautiful cheese board, enjoy cooking demonstrations, take a dip in the indoor pool at North Cadbury Court, or golf from the manor’s rooftop. An afternoon of clay shooting and paddle boat racing are also among the many options.
Anna Juhl, founder of Cheese Journeys, said: “We offer a unique back door food travel experience that no other trip can offer. One which will stay with you for a lifetime. Some pleasures, like cheese, are worth experiencing in their truest form, at the source. These journeys offer knowledge and discovery, pleasure and entertainment, most importantly they awaken all of the senses.”
Cheese Journeys was founded in 2013 to take food enthusiasts and professionals on custom tours designed to deepen their knowledge of artisan products, learn about customs and trends and connect with producers and other food lovers during a relaxing and tasty adventure. These tours provide insider access to explore worlds that few culinary travellers discover on their own.
This year’s Cheese Journeys tour is from 1st to 8th October 2023. To learn more, visit CheeseJourneys.com
Montgomery’s cheese won Best of British Supreme Champion, Best British Cheddar and Best English Cheese at the Virtual Cheese Awards 2023.
Their Cheddar cheese wowed the judges with its “sweet, savoury, nutty and caramel notes creating a complex depth of flavour”. Traditional, handmade cheese wrapped in muslin cloth and matured on wooden shelves for 12 months, Montgomery Mature Cheddar is made by the third generation of the Montgomery family whose cows graze the Somerset pastures.
Jamie Montgomery inherited the role of Master Cheesemaker from his mother and cares for his 200 strong herd of Friesian cows, who in turn produce delicious cheese.
Jamie said: “We are really very lucky to be able to produce the interesting flavours here on our farm and very proud to be appreciated and work in such a great community of cheese people.”
