Local Flavours
Serra da Estrela Cheese in Vilar Seco, Quinta da Estaca
Cheesemaking workshop, shepherding, milking and tasting of Beira Alta produce, a few steps from the Manor, in Vilar Seco.
Serra da Estrela PDO cheese · Shepherding · Milking · Tasting · Workshop
About the experience
In Vilar Seco, virtually on the Manor's doorstep, Quinta da Estaca is a family cheese dairy devoted to Serra da Estrela PDO cheese. Led by Leandra Ricardo and Aurélio Pinto, it welcomes guests to share the full cycle: from the Bordaleira sheep flock to the curing of the buttery cheese.
The flagship programme is the Serra da Estrela PDO Cheesemaking Workshop, where guests follow the traditional process alongside the in-house cheesemaker (60–75 min, minimum 2 people, November to May). A shorter version with video explanation is available all year (~25 min).
The visit can be extended with a Regional Produce Tasting, Serra da Estrela PDO cheese, cured sheep's cheese, requeijão, sausages, corn bread, pão-de-ló, sweets, honey and Dão wine, and a Farm Visit & Shepherding to meet the flock, interact with the lambs and discover the shepherd's daily life. For the most curious, joining the Milking at sunrise or sunset closes the cycle that brings milk to cheese.
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.