It's no secret that we love cheese (the clue is in the name!), but wine has always been a big part of our trips. We are very excited to be running a new wine and food trip this fall and next year to Burgundy, or as the French would say 'Bourgogne'.

If the key to one’s heart is through their stomach, the key to France is undoubtedly through its cheese — at least as far as Anna Juhl of Cheese Journeys is concerned. The native Iowan’s luxury travel company takes a unique approach, introducing cheese lovers to some of Europe’s most exciting, enticing cheese regions since its inception, in 2013.

As we enter our 10th year, I’m thrilled to present the crème de la crème of Cheese Journeys – our 2024 French Tours. Ten years ago, we started with a single tour to France, and now we’re up to four. We launched our Brie & Bubbly Around Paris tour last spring, and we’ve just finished building our Grand Cru tour to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

We’re so honored to be featured in The New York Times! Writer Alexander Lobrano joined our British Cheese Odyssey last year to witness Cheddar-making first-hand, and he fit right in with our guests at North Cadbury Court – enjoying scones and tea, tromping around pastures, and hanging out in the library with a dozen or so British cheesemakers who descended upon the manor house for an evening of tasting and storytelling. 

Last September, on a wet and rainy morning, I found myself in a green Swiss valley. I – and my fellow travelers on the Cheese Journeys’ alpine tour – had woken up early because it was a very special day. It was the day when the cows were coming down from the mountains after a long summer – and that’s a serious party in this part of the world!

Since 1968, Beaufort has carried the AOP label, which guarantees its protection of origin. All Beaufort cheeses are classified into three qualities depending on the milk and place of production.

I've spent the past week eating my way through Piedmont with Cheese Journeys, a tour provider that seeks to connect curious travelers with an appetite for new experiences (and new cheeses) with the passionate makers behind some of the world’s best. In a world of cookie-cutter experiences, this one was truly unique, seeking to educate the group on Italian culture and norms by way of true connections with locals.

The Alpine regions of France and Switzerland are paved with wheels of cheese—let Formaggio Kitchen be your guide.

Did you know that comté cheese is the French’s favourite PDO cheese (PDO = protected designation of origin)? And that it was the first French cheese to be protected by origin in 1958?

If you’ve always wanted to attend "Cheese," as it’s called, join us for a week in Piedmont where we take care of all the details – lodging, transportation, festival tickets, private tastings, chef-prepared meals, wine, and access to renowned experts.

We’re running seven tours in 2023 (two are already sold out!) – thanks to the growing demand for culinary travel. So let me share a few of the wonderful things we have in store for the year ahead. Think of this as a highlight reel – and if you’re considering a trip, may you find inspiration!

Every Friday morning from April to the end of September, a show takes place on the square in the small town Alkmaar. We are in North Holland, home for Nord Hollandse Gouda PDO. But this is not just a show for tourists (even though lots of tourists come). This is still a cheese market where 30 tons of gouda this morning is evaluated, sold, carried to be weighted and off to the buyer.

What is Cheese Journeys?

Behind the name you find American Anna Juhl. She worked many years as a nurse. One day, her life took a turn when she ‘coincidentally’ bought a cheese shop. It became the starting point for the whole family’s passion for cheese and the people making it.

It’s almost the end of the year, and I’m feeling so much gratitude to be back working and growing with the cheese community. During the Pandemic, I was concerned for the future of my small business, and like many of you, I have slowly emerged with caution. I’m so pleased to say that in 2022, Cheese Journeys hit the road again! What a joy and privilege to travel with guests on tours to Northern Italy (twice), France/Switzerland, and England to celebrate artisan cheesemaking.

If you love Italian cheese, wine, truffles, and charcuterie, our Northern Italy Cheese Journey will take you to the heart of Italian specialty foods: Piedmont.

Thanks for your interest in our new Château de Courances & Paris tour! We’re delighted by the quick response and so eager to whisk you off to the City of Love in May, 2023 for a week full of cheese tastings, board building, garden parties, and more. My co-host Madame Fromage (above) and I spent more than two years scouting locations and meeting with locals, so allow me to introduce you to some of the special people who will be joining us.

After many requests, I’m happy to announce that we are now booking a one-week spring 2023 Cheese Journey to the City of Love! Check out our Château de Courances & Paris Cheese Journey, May 21-28, 2023.