Mantello: Farm Tour with Cheese Making Workshop

Discover Traditional Cheese Making at Mantello’s Farm Tour

The Mantello: Farm Tour with Cheese Making Workshop offers a unique peek into Italy’s rural craft traditions in just 2 hours. Operating near Lake Como in Lombardy, this experience is hosted by Slow Travel, which holds a 4.7-star rating for its authentic and engaging activities. Perfect for those interested in local farming practices, cheese production, or simply wanting a taste of rural life in Italy, this tour combines hands-on activities with scenic farm visits.

The tour begins at Agriturismo la Fiorida and explores a state-of-the-art bovine farm, one of the most modern in Europe. Participants get the chance to see playful goats, visit newborn calves, and even try milking goats themselves from March to November. The highlight is the cheese-making workshop, where visitors produce their own Primosale cheese and butter under expert guidance. This experience offers a balanced mix of education, interaction, and delicious craftsmanship, making it ideal for families, food lovers, or anyone keen to connect with traditional farming.

While the 2-hour duration keeps it accessible for most schedules, it does mean some activities may be brief. Still, the engaging guides and modern facilities ensure a satisfying experience, especially for those eager to see how cheese is made firsthand. The tour’s flexibility with free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later adds to its appeal for spontaneous planning or last-minute bookings.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours of hands-on farm activities in Lombardy, Italy
• Location: Starts at Agriturismo la Fiorida, near Lake Como
• Highlights: Visit a modern bovine farm, meet playful goats, see newborn calves, and participate in cheese-making
• Activities: Milking goats, making cheese, butter production, and tasting
• Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users, with guides speaking English and Italian
• Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Location and Setting at Agriturismo la Fiorida

The tour departs from Agriturismo la Fiorida, a well-equipped farm that showcases the latest in European farm technology. This setting offers a peaceful glimpse of rural Italy while providing modern facilities that facilitate interactive experiences. The surrounding landscape, close to Lake Como, adds a scenic backdrop to the visit, emphasizing the natural beauty of the region.

Visitors get a photo stop at the visitor center, where the farm’s facilities are on full display. This initial stop provides a guided overview of the farm’s operations before moving on to more interactive activities, ensuring everyone is prepared for the hands-on portion of the tour.

Exploring the Modern Bovine Farm

The state-of-the-art bovine farm in Valtellina is one of the most technologically advanced in Europe. The farm’s facilities are designed to optimize animal welfare and milk quality, giving visitors confidence in the sustainability of the practices. Participants are encouraged to observe skilled cheese artisans at work, creating delicious cheeses on-site.

This part of the tour underscores Italy’s commitment to modern farming while maintaining traditional cheese craftsmanship. The farm’s herb garden adds to the sensory experience, with fragrant herbs that contribute to the flavor of the cheeses and enhance the aromatic environment.

Meeting Playful Goats and Newborn Calves

The farm is home to playful goats, which are a major attraction for visitors. The chance to cuddle kids offers a delightful interaction, especially for those interested in animal care. Witnessing newborn calves further highlights the farm’s vitality and biodiversity.

From March to November, the guided tour includes the opportunity to try milking goats yourself, providing an authentic look at how milk is collected before it becomes cheese. This hands-on activity is particularly appreciated for its fun and educational value.

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Participating in the Cheese Making Workshop

The core element of the experience is the cheese-making workshop lasting about 1.5 hours. Led by experienced staff, participants follow each step in the process to produce Primosale cheese and butter. The workshop emphasizes traditional methods adapted for modern techniques, ensuring authentic flavors.

At the end of the workshop, everyone gets to taste their own cheese and take home their self-made creations. This interactive process makes for an engaging and memorable activity, especially for those curious about cheese craftsmanship or looking for a delicious souvenir.

Tasting and Additional Activities

Beyond cheese, visitors enjoy the aromatic herbs from the farm’s garden, which complement the cheese tasting. The guided visit includes a cheese tasting session where the different varieties crafted on-site are sampled. Some may also participate in a cooking class, further enriching the experience.

The farm’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and authentic craftsmanship makes the tasting sessions particularly satisfying. The scenic setting and friendly guides contribute to a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Accessibility and Booking Flexibility

The tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible, accommodating a range of physical needs. Booking is straightforward, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, and the option to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility for planning.

This flexibility makes it easier for travelers to include the farm visit in their Lombardy or Lake Como itinerary without pressure. The guides offer English and Italian language options, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike larger or more generic farm visits, this tour emphasizes modern facilities combined with authentic hands-on activities. The focus on cheese production—from goat milking to cheese shaping—gives participants a comprehensive understanding of Italy’s dairy traditions.

The short duration of just 2 hours makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, yet the activities are sufficiently interactive and varied to satisfy curiosity. The inclusion of cheese tasting and the chance to bring home your own cheese are features that add value to the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Mantello Farm Tour

The Mantello farm experience offers a practical and engaging look at modern Italian cheesemaking within a beautiful rural setting. Its 2-hour length, combined with interactive activities like goat milking and cheese making, makes it an excellent option for families, foodies, or travelers seeking a taste of rural Italy.

While the tour is relatively brief, the high-quality facilities, friendly guides, and delicious cheese ensure it leaves a lasting impression. The flexibility in booking allows for spontaneous plans, and the accessible design welcomes a wide range of visitors. This tour is a practical choice for those wanting a bite-sized yet authentic farm experience near Lake Como.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the activities like cuddle with kids and cheese making are generally family-friendly and engaging for children, especially those interested in animals and food.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, offering peace of mind for flexible planning.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of needs.

What languages are available during the tour?
The guides speak English and Italian, providing clear explanations for international visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby