Felicity Long
There are myriad reasons people travel to Europe -- Scotland for golf, Germany for beer, France for culture, Spain for -- cheese?
In today's relentlessly challenging travel landscape of shifting entry requirements, climate upheavals and canceled trade fairs -- no Munich Oktoberfest again this year, alas -- this bright spot came across my radar.
This year, Oviedo, Spain, will host the 33rd International Cheese Festival, during which a whopping 4,000 cheeses from 40 countries across five continents will vie for the top World Cheese Award.
The event, set for Nov. 3 to 6, is organized by the Guild of Fine Food and will be presided over by 250 international judges.
Who will win top queso?
Festival also features cider, cuisine and comedy
From a travel perspective, the judging isn't really the point. Rather, the event will serve to introduce visitors to a region that not only makes lots of cheese -- more than 300 varieties -- but also features beautiful scenery, robust cuisine and award-winning cider, among other enticements.
Oviedo, in the Asturias region of northwestern Spain, also features beautiful scenery and award-winning cider. Photo Credit: Oviedo Tourism
Located in the Asturias region of northwest Spain, Oviedo is a city even repeat visitors to Spain might not be familiar with. For one thing, it's rugged and mountainous and a good five hours from Madrid by train. On the other hand, the region is on the coast, which contributes to mild temperatures -- so much so that the outdoor festival can comfortably be held in November.
The cheese competition will not only feature cheesemakers vying for top honors, but also local restaurateurs, shopkeepers and tour guides, all on hand to showcase their region.
The event will be held at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos, where visitors can witness the judging and participate in tours of the international cheese market, an exhibition showcasing the best food and drink from Asturias.
The schedule even includes a Gastro Cheese Comedy show, which already wins awards for unique title in my view, and more serious panels with international cheese experts discussing the role of cheese in feeding the planet.
Tours will also be available to nearby hillside farms and dairies as well as to Queseria Main to see the caves where the region's blue cheese is aged.
Fully guided trips are also available, including a three-day hiking and four-wheel drive experience, taking in cheese caves, cider-making and scenery along the way.
In Oviedo, cheese will be front and center in the local markets, along with local produce and cider. Speaking of cider, guided tours are also available to orchards and cellars.
Finally, history and architecture buffs can also take in the medieval buildings, including a Gothic cathedral and a museum of antiquities.