When Americans travel to Europe in search of great food culture, they usually head to France, Italy, or Spain. As a cheese lover, I have always had a soft spot for England – it’s the birthplace of Cheddar with a fascinating history of the restoration of classic farmhouse cheeses nearly lost in this past century due to world wars. And who doesn’t love a proper Cheddar? The depth of flavor and the toothsome crumb of a world-class cheddar like Montgomery’s is unsurpassed.
Montgomery’s Award-winning Cheddar Cheese Photo: Tenaya Darlington
As chance would have it, a personal connection to the Montgomery family in Somerset yielded an invitation to visit their estate – an invitation from none other than cheesemaker Jamie Montgomery himself. It turned out to be a life altering experience and the beginning of a wonderful relationship that helped launch the first Cheese Journeys trip, not to mention the opportunity for memorable family vacations at their home.
Tall and broad-shouldered with an easy smile, Jamie is unassuming. Despite his many trophies and his sterling reputation, he is a humble man who would never let on that he’s the one responsible for transforming his family’s village cheddar-making operation into an award-winning juggernaut.
Cheesemaker - Jamie Montgomery - loves to mentor Photo: Tenaya Darlington
Or, thanks to his leadership and mentorship skills, he’d enabled his “competitors” to survive and an industry to sustain.
Or, that he was raised in a Downton Abbey-like manor, North Cadbury Court, where his mother kept pedigreed Jerseys on the lawn. You can still see the cows from the windows of the ballroom and imagine her living in this vast house alone and overseeing the large farming operations -even into her late 80’s.
Cows on lawn at North Cadbury Court Photo: Mark Pickthall
And it’s in that stunning ballroom where our amazing Cheesemakers Dinner takes place: beginning with a pairing of Britain’s fine cheeses and local beer, wine, and cider, followed by a chef-prepared dinner, all while indulging in cheese banter, anecdotes, and never-before-told stories by the cheesemakers themselves!
Cheesemakers Dinner at North Cadbury Court Photo: Mark Pickthall
Not far off, the family’s main pastureland is none other than the original site of Camelot. Strolling past Montgomery’s herd, which grazes contentedly on this legendary ground, is one of the tour’s quiet highlights. The place feels mythical. It’s easy to see why Montgomery’s Cheddar tastes otherworldly.
No trip to England is complete without exploring Neal’s Yard Dairy, one of Europe’s most inspiring retailers and aging caves. We spend an afternoon at their headquarters, sniffing our way through tunnels, and continuing to learn more about their business and the cheesemakers they support throughout the tour.
We leave England with a multifaceted impression of the British culture. The producers we meet are modest, understated, and committed to the common good of their entire community. Spend a little time with them, and you’ll come away inspired to share not just British cheeses but also a whole new ethos.
Neal’s Yard Dairy - Borough Market