Where Global Cheesemakers and Wineries Converge to Celebrate Tradition and Taste
BRA – In the heart of Italy, Bra is about to witness a harmonious blend of wine and cheese. Kicking off on September 15 is the grand “Cheese” festival, globally renowned as the primary event highlighting raw milk, natural cheeses, and artisanal dairy wonders. Co-organized by the City of Bra and Slow Food, this year’s iteration promises not just a cheese haven but also an ode to the rich world of wines.
Bra becomes a melting pot as cheesemakers, herders, and experts from around the world converge. Their mission? To introduce their products, exchange insights, and collectively address the challenges that our planet faces, with climate change leading the discourse. But accompanying this symphony of cheeses is the equally enthralling melody of wines.
This year’s international market will host exhibitors from 14 nations, bringing forth illustrious names like Jasper Hill Farm from the USA and Neil’s Yard from the UK. Accompanying them are producers from Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Portugal, and more. The Spanish Quesería Cultivo and representatives from the Slow Food Community Via de la Plata, advocating for products and entrepreneurs from Salamanca and Zamora, will also grace the event. Italy, in its pivotal role, will showcase its finest, with many producers heralding from its diverse regions.
The Slow Food Presidia, champions of preserving traditional production techniques, will be in attendance, bringing with them storied cheeses like the Raw Milk Stichelton, Artisanal Somerset Cheddar, Swiss Traditional Emmentaler, and many others. The Austrian Plezzana sheep breeders and the Bleu de Queyras from France are set to be the stars of the “Welcome new Presidia” conference on September 16.
Yet, Bra is just one side of the coin. Six kilometers away, Pollenzo serves as another epicenter of this gastronomic festival. Here, the “Laboratori del Gusto” crafts a narrative around the intricate dance of wines and cheeses. These tasteful workshops take place at the Banca del Vino, while culinary delights await at the Garden Restaurant of the Albergo dell’Agenzia.
The Enoteca in Via Garibaldi is a wine lover’s dream. With over 400 selections, curated by Banca del Vino, it houses an impressive collection including Piedmont wines, featured in the Slow Wine 2023 guide, and wines by the Slow Wine Coalition members. An exclusive Triple A wine collection and labels from the Franciacorta Consortium beckon enthusiasts. To aid in the wine-cheese journey, Fisar sommeliers will guide attendees to perfect pairings with the grand cheeses on display.
All in all, Cheese 2023 in Bra and Pollenzo is a toast to heritage, flavor, and the timeless pairing of wine and cheese.
