The Festival del Formaggio in Sand in Taufers, in the beautiful region of Alto Adige, is a vibrant cheese market, a slow-food fair, and a popular gathering place all in one. Held every two years, this festival brings together producers and cheese enthusiasts from various backgrounds and regions. During the third weekend of March, Sand in Taufers transforms into a cheese paradise. For three days, cheese lovers can taste, enjoy, and purchase a wide variety of cheeses in the main town of the Ahrntal Valley. This festival celebrates a love for cheese and culinary delights, making it a must-attend event for connoisseurs and food enthusiasts alike. The Cheese Festival in Sand in Taufers proudly stands out as one of the pioneering and established highlights of regional gourmet events. It features numerous exhibitors from across Europe, ensuring a truly unique experience. In addition to the cheese market, the festival offers guided tastings, cooking demonstrations, and lively evening cheese parties complete with live music and local wines.
The South Tyrolean Cheese Festival in Sand in Taufers has gradually become a major attraction for gourmets and cheese lovers. It’s easy to see why this aromatic celebration in the main village of the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley is one of the most significant cheese events in the entire Alpine region. Alongside local champions from South Tyrol, cooperatively organised dairies participate in the event, along with a diverse selection of alpine and farm dairies. The festival has also expanded beyond South Tyrol, welcoming numerous Italian and international cheese producers who have confirmed their participation. Additionally, the organisers provide more attractions, including the Cooking Arena, where renowned chefs and emerging talents from South Tyrol's culinary scene create delicious dishes. Another key component of the event is the "Taste Experiences."
For cheese lovers, the festival in Sand in Taufers is an absolute must-attend event. For three days, around 100 producers from across Europe showcase nearly 1,000 delicious and varied cheese specialties. Visitors can taste and purchase cheeses, watch the cheese-making process, and even let children participate in blind cheese tastings. The flavour profiles of cheese are virtually limitless; it can be spicy or mild, rich or low-fat. Cheese is a versatile food that is deeply connected to South Tyrol and its picturesque mountain pastures. Over the three days, visitors can indulge in a high-quality, diverse tasting program organised in collaboration with Slow Food. Renowned speakers from across Europe will share their expertise during guided sessions lasting nearly an hour. The culinary delights don’t stop there; many local restaurants participate in "Specialty Days," offering special cheese dishes on their menus in honour of the festival. Young guests are also catered to, with hands-on experiences making everything from fresh cheese and mozzarella to Graukäse (grey cheese) and chocolate, all under the expert guidance of producers.
A tailored educational program is available on the first day of the event for kindergartens and schools, allowing interested groups and classes to register. Renowned international cheese specialists, including Peter Friedrich Schornik and Jan Peter Aursnes from Norway, Tommaso Martini, Armando Gambera, Francesco Quercetti, Rachele Petrucci, Armin Untersteiner, Giuseppina Ortalizio with Armando Gambera, Andrea Bovo with Sofia Cambey, and Martin Basso from Portugal, will guide visitors through the unique world of cheese. They will explain special varieties, present the latest market innovations, and consistently surprise participants with deep insights and exquisite delicacies.
The region of Alto Adige offers a number of accomodation options during the period of the Cheese Festival. Here two luxurious suggestions - one in Sand in Taufers and the other one in Tesido/Monguelfo the Hotel Alpen Tesitin Panorama Wellness Resort - 40 minutes from the Cheese Festival. The other option in Sand in Taufers with the Nature Reserve Aparthotel Olm.
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