If you\u2019re a true cheese aficionado, you may know about cheese toponyms\u2014cheeses named after places. A few years ago, I embarked on a nine-day trek with Cheese Journeys to unravel the mysteries of Gouda (pronounced \u201chow-duh,\u201d not \u201cgoo-da\u201d). Finding myself in the charming Dutch town of Gouda, I blinked in disbelief\u2014 could this be a dream? Visiting the birthplace of a specific cheese is one of the coolest ways to learn about it while also exploring historic sights and old-world villages. Since then, I\u2019ve delved into more place-based cheeses, each offering a taste of the landscape it calls home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few to add to your list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gruy\u00e8res, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gruy\u00e8res is a storybook medieval town, perched atop a hill with its own castle and framed by snow- capped Alps\u2014a dream for cheese lovers and home to iconic Le Gruy\u00e8re AOP. The secret to its complex flavor is raw milk from cows that graze on rich Alpine meadows, resulting in a cheese with strong regional terroir. After aging in local dairies and being transferred to affineurs, Le Gruy\u00e8re AOP develops a smooth, rich texture and complex flavor that reflects centuries of cheesemaking tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to Stay: Hotel de Gruyeres<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n