Guided Tour of Montesdeoca Cheese Factory with Cheese Tasting

Exploring Tenerife’s Cheese Heritage: A Guided Tour of Montesdeoca Cheese Factory

If you’re curious about authentic local flavors and want a behind-the-scenes look at traditional Canarian cheese-making, the Guided Tour of Montesdeoca Cheese Factory offers an inviting window into Tenerife’s dairy heritage. This hour-long experience combines a walk through a family-run farm with a chance to taste some of the island’s best cheeses, all led by friendly, knowledgeable guides.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to see over a thousand goats grazing and being milked on-site — a real slice of rural life. Plus, with the cheese having received multiple awards, including recognition at the World Cheese Awards for nine consecutive years, you can be sure you’re in for some high-quality tasting. The tour is straightforward, affordable, and offers an authentic peek into Tenerife’s artisanal cheese scene.

One small consideration? Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to the farm, especially if you’re staying outside Adeje. But overall, this experience suits those who love food, farms, or local craftsmanship and want to blend learning with tasting. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a genuine, family-oriented venture away from the typical tourist traps.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience with hands-on cheese making and goat feeding.
• Award-winning cheese recognized internationally and locally.
• Friendly, knowledgeable guides who share insights into local dairy traditions.
• Tasty cheese sampling at the end, including jams and condiments.
• Affordable price point for a comprehensive, authentic experience.
• No transportation included, so plan your arrival.

A Closer Look at the Montesdeoca Cheese Factory Tour

This guided experience is designed to give a genuine insight into Tenerife’s cheese-making traditions. For around $23, you get a one-hour visit that combines farm life with craftsmanship, making it a solid value for food lovers or those wanting a slice of rural Tenerife.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour begins at the Quesería Montesdeoca, situated just outside Adeje in Tijoco Bajo. As you arrive, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting farm environment — a family-run business that’s clearly taken pride in its craft for many years. Once inside, a guide (often the owner or a family member) takes you through the entire process of cheese production.

You’ll observe how the cheese is handmade, following each step from start to finish. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and deep knowledge — making the process accessible even for those unfamiliar with cheese-making. We loved the way they took time to explain the importance of each stage, from milk collection to aging, adding context about their traditional methods.

Observing Livestock and Daily Farm Life

One of the highlights is the chance to see over a thousand goats — a captivating sight. The farm work begins early, with goats being fed and milked daily. This isn’t just a show; you’ll get a sense of the hard work that goes into creating each batch of cheese. Several reviews mention the “lovely and hard-working family farm” and how the staff make visitors feel welcome.

Cheese Tasting and Local Flavors

The tasting portion is generously rated by visitors, with many describing it as “large quantities of cheese” and including assorted jams and condiments. We found the cheese to be deliciously fresh and well-crafted, with the awards confirming its quality. Reviewers also appreciated the ability to purchase products directly from the farm, often praising the fairly priced, high-quality cheeses.

Additional Insights from Visitors

One reviewer mentioned that the tour “finished off with a lovely cheese tasting”, while another called it “the best tour I have been on” because of the guide’s friendliness and the quality of the cheese. Several praised the “brilliant” guides for their expertise and engaging storytelling.

The Practicalities: What Travelers Should Know

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about an hour, making it a manageable stop in a busy itinerary. The group size is capped at 30, ensuring a personalized experience where questions are encouraged and interactions are genuine.

Pricing and Value

At just over $23 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the quality of the experience, the award-winning cheese, and the personal attention. Since no transport is included, travelers should plan how to reach the farm — whether by rental car, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer.

Booking and Planning

The experience is booked around 17 days in advance on average, indicating good availability but suggesting early booking is wise, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour operates rain or shine, but poor weather might lead to cancellations, with a full refund offered if that happens.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change. Keep in mind that specific dates may be affected by weather conditions.

Why This Tour Works

This experience stands out because it offers more than just a cheese tasting; it’s an authentic glimpse into Canarian rural life. The family-run farm environment fosters a sense of community and trust, giving visitors a chance to connect with locals and understand their traditions.

The award-winning cheeses serve as a tangible reward for the effort and dedication of the farm’s owners. Visitors consistently mention how “lovely” and “interesting” the guides are, making the tour as engaging as it is educational.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to learn about artisanal cheese-making, this tour will satisfy your curiosity while offering a delicious payoff. It’s also ideal for families or groups interested in rural life, as it offers a relaxed, immersive experience. Those wanting a taste of Tenerife’s local craftsmanship and a break from the beach will find this visit both informative and memorable.

Final Thoughts

The Montesdeoca Cheese Factory tour offers a unique window into Tenerife’s cheese-making traditions, combined with the charm of a family farm. The knowledgeable guides, award-winning cheeses, and authentic farm atmosphere make this a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

While transportation isn’t included, the experience’s value and the chance to enjoy generous tastings make it a smart choice for travelers who appreciate culinary authenticity and local stories. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Tenerife beyond the beaches and explore the island’s rural soul through its most beloved product: cheese.

If you’re in Tenerife and love discovering local craftsmanship or simply enjoy delicious food experiences, this tour is a genuine treat that’s hard to beat for value and authenticity.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, the tour does not include transfer services. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the farm, which is located at Km44 TF82 Tijoco Bajo, Adeje.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a compact but comprehensive experience.

What does the cheese tasting include?
Visitors enjoy a generous sampling of the farm’s cheese, along with jams and condiments, allowing you to appreciate different flavors and textures.

Can I buy cheese at the farm?
Yes, there is an on-site shop where you can purchase the award-winning cheeses and other local products directly from the farm.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience’s family-run farm environment and interactive nature make it suitable for children, especially those interested in farm animals and food.

What’s the best way to book?
Tours are typically booked 17 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended via the provided provider link or contact info.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for farm visits, and perhaps a light jacket if visiting outside of summer.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to check with the provider if needed.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This guided cheese factory tour in Tenerife offers an authentic, engaging, and delicious experience that reveals the island’s artisanal side. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to taste, learn, and connect with local traditions in a relaxed setting.