Local Flavours
Queijaria Vale da Estrela
Visit to the most awarded Serra da Estrela PDO dairy, in Mangualde, with live production and tasting of cheeses, curd, jams and Dão wine.
Serra da Estrela PDO cheese · Visit · Tasting
About the experience
In the heart of the demarcated Serra da Estrela region, Queijaria Vale da Estrela is today one of the most prestigious producers of Serra da Estrela PDO cheese, with awards at the World Cheese Awards (Gold 2023, Super Gold 2022) and Mondial du Fromage (Silver 2019), along with several national distinctions.
The cheese is made from raw milk of bordaleira sheep grazed exclusively in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and curdled with thistle flower — a craft dating back to King Dinis and considered one of the 7 Gastronomic Wonders of Portugal.
The visit opens with a short film on shepherding and the dairy's work, continues with a view over the daily production of cheese and/or curd from the mezzanine, guided by a Vale da Estrela technician, and ends with a tasting of the house's flagship products.
More information
Would you like to include this experience in your stay?
This experience can be added to a stay at Solar de Vilar Seco, subject to partner availability.