Guided Tour of Montesdeoca Cheese Factory with Cheese Tasting

Exploring the Montesdeoca Cheese Factory Tour: A Genuine Taste of Tenerife’s Dairy Heritage

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and have a soft spot for good food, a visit to the Montesdeoca Cheese Factory might just become one of your favorite local experiences. This tour offers more than just a quick peek behind the scenes; it’s a chance to see how some of the island’s best cheese is crafted, meet the family behind the farm, and sample award-winning flavors that have earned recognition worldwide.

What we really like about this experience is how personal and authentic it feels—you’re not just another tourist passing through. Plus, the chance to observe more than a thousand goats grazing and being milked gives the whole thing a lively, genuine farm-to-table vibe. On the flip side, it’s a short activity—about an hour—and if you’re after a more extensive tour or transportation included, you’ll need to arrange that yourself. Still, if you value quality over quantity, this is a solid, budget-friendly choice that suits anyone curious about local food traditions.

This tour works especially well for those who appreciate well-made food, are interested in artisanal products, or simply want a slice of rural Tenerife life without a huge time commitment. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone who loves supporting small, family-run farms, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic farm experience: See the goats, the milking process, and the cheese-making in action.
• Award-winning cheese: Recognized at the World Cheese Awards and other international contests.
• Friendly, knowledgeable guides: Enjoy engaging explanations and a warm atmosphere.
• Tastings included: Sample large quantities of cheese along with jams and condiments.
• Affordable price: Around $23, with a lot of value packed into an hour.
• Ideal for food lovers: Especially those interested in artisanal, local products.

A Closer Look at the Montesdeoca Cheese Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

This guided tour lasts approximately one hour and takes place at the Quesería Montesdeoca, conveniently located in Adeje. The experience is designed to be straightforward but packed with interesting details. You’ll meet at the farm, where the tour guides will walk you through the cheese-making process—handmade by the master cheesemakers right before your eyes.

The tour includes a cheese tasting session, which has earned praise for its generosity and quality. As several reviews mention, you’ll get to sample large quantities of cheese, along with jams and condiments that complement the flavors. It’s a chance to try the award-winning cheeses that have secured 41 international awards and 21 island awards, including Best Cheese of Tenerife in 2014, 2018, and 2019.

The Farm and Cheese-Making Process

One of the highlights is observing the daily work on the farm, such as feeding and milking over a thousand goats. This gives you insight into the farm’s operations and the care that goes into producing such high-quality cheese. The guides here are praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, often adding personal stories and context that make the experience more engaging.

The process of cheese making itself is quite fascinating. Watching the cheesemakers work by hand, you start to appreciate the craftsmanship and effort behind each wheel of cheese. It’s not a large industrial setup but a family-run operation rooted in tradition. Several reviewers mention the “thorough” and “interesting” nature of the tour, emphasizing that you get a real sense of the farm’s history and dedication.

Tasting Experience and Awards

The cheese tasting is a core part of what makes this tour special. Expect to try a variety of cheeses, often described as “brilliant,” “amazing,” and “delicious” by visitors. The cheeses come from a farm that has been recognized repeatedly for excellence, so you’re sampling some of Tenerife’s best. The accompanying jams and condiments add extra layers of flavor, making each bite memorable.

Many reviews highlight how generous the tastings are—some even say they left with a new appreciation for local cheese. The fact that the products are fairly priced in the shop also encourages visitors to buy some to take home, extending the experience beyond the farm visit.

Group Size and Practical Aspects

With a maximum group size of 30, the tour feels intimate enough for personal interactions but still lively. The price of around $23 per person offers good value, considering the quality of the cheeses and the guided nature of the experience. It’s also convenient that confirmation is immediate, and the tour is easy to book well in advance—on average, 17 days ahead.

Note that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. The meeting point is straightforward, at the farm’s location in Tijoco Bajo. The activity is also flexible—if the weather turns bad, there’s a good policy for rescheduling or getting a full refund.

What Real Visitors Say

The reviews paint a picture of a warm and authentic experience. Visitors often comment on the friendly guides and the quality of the cheese tasting. One reviewer called it “the best tour I’ve been on,” highlighting the large quantities of cheese and the friendliness of the staff. Others mention the “lovely farm” and “local life” they experienced, making this more than just a cheesy tasting—it’s a glimpse into Tenerife’s rural side.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a food enthusiast keen to explore authentic local products, this tour offers a genuine taste of Tenerife’s dairy craftsmanship. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy short, meaningful activities with a hands-on element, like watching cheese being made by hand. It’s suitable for those who appreciate friendly guides and want to support family-run farms.

While it isn’t a full-day adventure or a luxury experience, it provides a high-quality, personal insight into the island’s rural traditions. If you’re traveling with someone interested in cheese, farming, or local culture, they’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly tour that delivers a lot of flavor and insight without too much fuss.

A Final Word for Curious Travelers

This tour strikes a nice balance between education and indulgence. You get to see how cheese is made with care, taste some of the best Tenerife has to offer, and learn about a family business that’s earned international acclaim. The friendly guides, the chance to observe goats and cheesemakers in action, and the delicious tastings make for a memorable few hours.

It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience that highlights local craftsmanship. Keep in mind the tour’s duration is just about an hour, so if you’re looking for a longer, more comprehensive farm visit, you might want to consider other options. But if you want a straightforward taste of Tenerife’s cheese scene combined with a bit of rural charm, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour? No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to get to the farm at Tijoco Bajo yourself, but the meeting point is straightforward to find.

What’s the best way to book? The tour can be booked online in advance, with bookings typically made around 17 days ahead. Confirmation is immediate once booked.

How long does the tour last? It lasts about an hour, making it easy to slot into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Are the cheese tastings substantial? Yes, many visitors mention the generous quantities of cheese, jams, and condiments provided during the tasting.

Can I buy cheese after the tour? Absolutely. The shop at the farm offers fairly priced products, and many visitors buy cheese to take home.

Is this experience family-friendly? While not specifically marketed as a family activity, the farm’s environment and tasting are suitable for most ages, especially those interested in farm life and cheese.

In the end, this guided tour of the Montesdeoca Cheese Factory offers a real slice of Tenerife’s rural and culinary heritage. It’s a warm, engaging experience that truly rewards those who appreciate good food and honest craftsmanship. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just curious about local traditions, you’ll likely walk away with a new appreciation—and maybe a bit of cheese to enjoy back home.