Slovenia, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, world-class chefs, and award-winning wines, is also home to a lesser-known treasure: its incredible selection of artisanal cheeses. For cheese lovers and enthusiasts, Slovenia is a culinary destination waiting to be explored.
The rich tradition of Slovenian cheese
Slovenia’s cheese-making tradition is deeply rooted in its diverse regions, each offering unique flavors and textures that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and pristine natural environment. From the alpine pastures of the Julian Alps to the rolling hills of the Karst region, Slovenian cheeses are crafted with passion and dedication, using milk from cows, sheep, and goats that graze on lush, untouched pastures.
A symphony of flavors
Slovenian cheeses range from mild and creamy to bold and tangy, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of soft cheeses with delicate notes or robust, aged varieties with a strong character, Slovenia’s cheese selection will not disappoint.
- Tolminc: A semi-hard cheese from the Soča Valley, Tolminc is known for its smooth texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, ensuring its authenticity and quality.
- Bovški Sir: Made from sheep’s milk in the region of Bovec, this cheese has a distinctively rich and slightly spicy taste, with hints of the wild herbs that the sheep graze on.
- Mohant: A unique, spicy cheese from the Bohinj region, Mohant is an acquired taste for the adventurous foodie. Its strong aroma and tangy flavor make it a standout on any cheese platter.
- Kraški ovčji cheese
- Bohinjski sir / Bohinj cheese
Perfect pairings for a Slovenian cheese feast
To truly appreciate the flavors of Slovenian cheese, pair them with local delicacies. A bottle of fine Slovenian wine, such as Rebula or Teran, complements the cheeses perfectly. Add a dollop of homemade jam or honey, and you’ve got the perfect accompaniment to elevate the cheese-tasting experience.
Hosting a dinner party or preparing a smorgasbord with Slovenian cheeses is a delightful way to introduce your guests to the rich, diverse flavors of this hidden gem of a country. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a dessert, Slovenian cheeses are sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning cheese aficionado.
Kraški Pršut and Refošk is a perfect pairing. Kraški Pršut (Karst prosciutto) pairs beautifully with local cheeses like Nanos, a semi-hard cheese from the Karst region, and Refošk, a robust red wine.
Experience Slovenia’s cheese culture
Visiting Slovenia offers an excellent opportunity to experience its cheese culture firsthand. Many local farms and cheesemakers open their doors to visitors, allowing you to see the cheese-making process, taste fresh cheeses, and learn about the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
So, if you’re a cheese lover looking for your next culinary adventure, Slovenia should be at the top of your list. Explore the cheesy side of Slovenia, and let its rich flavors transport you to a world of gastronomic delight.
Top Slovenian cheesemakers
Kmetija Antonič, Cerovlje
Kmetija Lipičar, Nova Vas
Ekološka kmetija Kukenberger, Ponikve
Ovčarska kmetija Urban, Gabrijele
Sirarna Gorišek, Mokronog
Kmetija Mali raj, Šalovci
Kmetija Gril, Dolenjske Toplice
Sirarna Gugala, Tolmin
Kmetija Vidali, Bazovica
Kmetija Kramar, Nemški Rovt
Kmetija Pustotnik, Gorenja vas
Bohinjska Sirarna, Srednja vas
Ovčarska kmetija Urban, Gabrijele
Kmetija Štrucelj, Griblje
Sirarska kmetija Škerjanec, Čužnja vas
Sirarna Hubjani, Bate
Sirarstvo Vidic, Šentjur
Korošec, Socerb
Sirarna Čuš, Orehova vas
Sirarstvo Orešnik, Šentjošt nad Horjulom
Kramar, Tolmin
PR’Pažbar
Ekološka kmetija Kocjančič, Kočevje
Maruša Planko, Sveti Štefan
Kmetija Dobernik, Prevalje
Kmetija Radeć, Mirna Peč
Kmetija Kukenberger, Trebnje
Kmetija Spodnji Strmčnik, Luče
Kmetija Podpečan, Žale
Sirarna Pragarčk, Bohinjska Bistrica
Peter Razinger, Jesenice
Mojca Hlebanja, Gozd Martuljek
Sirarstvo Milk, združena kmetija KutBerg, Milko Kutin nosilec dopolnilne dejavnosti na kmetiji, Kobarid
Ekološka kmetija pri Kumru, Tolmin
Eko kmetija Žgajnar, Postojna
Sirarstvo Orel, Branik
Kmetija Švab, Črni Kal
Big cheesemakers in Slovenia
Mlekarna Ljubljana
Celeia
Pomurske mlekarne
Mlekarna Planika, Kobarid
Small Slovenian cheesemakers
Pustotnik cheese
Kmetija Antonič, Cerovlje
Kmetija Lipičar, Nova Vas
Ekološka kmetija Kukenberger, Ponikve
Ovčarska kmetija Urban, Gabrijele
Sirarna Gorišek, Mokronog
Kmetija Mali raj, Šalovci
Kmetija Gril, Dolenjske Toplice
Sirarna Gugala, Tolmin
Kmetija Vidali, Bazovica
Kmetija Kramar, Nemški Rovt
Bohinjska Sirarna, Srednja vas
Ovčarska kmetija Urban, Gabrijele
Kmetija Štrucelj, Griblje
Sirarska kmetija Škerjanec, Čužnja vas
Sirarna Hubjani, Bate
Sirarstvo Vidic, Šentjur
Korošec, Socerb
Sirarna Čuš, Orehova vas
Sirarstvo Orešnik, Šentjošt nad Horjulom
Kramar, Tolmin
PR’Pažbar
Sirarstvo Milk, združena kmetija KutBerg, Milko Kutin nosilec dopolnilne dejavnosti na kmetiji, Kobarid
Ekološka kmetija pri Kumru, Tolmin
Eko kmetija Žgajnar, Postojna
Sirarstvo Orel, Branik
Kmetija Švab, Črni Kal
Slovenian milk product producers
- Kmetija Plantev, Kungota
- Domačija Dolenc, Vrbnje
- Kmetija Zidarič, Praprot
- Kmetija Korbar, Radeče
- Zdenka Strle, Ljubljana
- Kmetija Kanovnik, Paka
- Kukenberger, Trebnje
- Mlekarstvo Podjed, Olševek
- Kmetija Podpečan, Galicija
- Kmetija Krnc, Novo mesto
- Andreja Gril Novak, Dolenjske Toplice
- Kmetija pr Prangarčk, Brod
- Kmetija pr Odolnek, Studor
- Kmetija Reberšak, Zagrad
- Kmetija Flis, Šempeter
- Mlekarna Hecl, Slivnica
- Ekološka kmetija Sešlar, Izlake
- Kmetija Keček, Kog
- Kmetija Šukar, Bodonci
