Visit of a munster cheese factory – Ferme du Versant du Soleil

My summary

Munster, a local cheese

Do you know Munster cheese? It is an Alsatian cheese with a strong taste. As its name indicates, it originates from the Valley of Munster. Even today, it can only be produced in certain parts of eastern France (mainly in the Vosges mountains) and is one of Alsace’s unmissable specialities!

Production of farmhouse munster cheese in the Alsatian Vosges

After a disappointing visit to the Maison du Fromage de Munster, I decided to try out the visit offered by the Ferme du Versant du Soleil, which had been recommended to me by friends from the Vallée de Munster. And this time, I came out happy! The Versant du Soleil farm is located in Hohrod, just outside the town of Munster. It is therefore easy to access.

Guided tour of the cheese factory

Guided tours of the cheese dairy are given by the farmer himself, who has a great sense of humor and makes the visit as funny as it is interesting. He explains the different stages in the production of Munster cheese, and gives a demonstration at the same time. It’s clear and interesting! Then it’s time for the tasting: he gives me a piece of munster, barikass (a long-ripening Alsatian cheese that’s milder than munster: a sort of local Gruyère) and tommette. Cheeses are made daily by the Lau family, who own the farm. True artisanal production and family know-how!

Small tour at the farm

Having visited in winter, I was able to see the cows in the large cowshed that serves as their home at this time of year. In spring and autumn, however, they graze in meadows, and spend the summer in the pastures of the Vosges mountains. The downward transhumance, at the end of September, is carried out on foot, and gives rise to a big festival on the farm in which everyone can take part. The farm also has goats (for pleasure only, as the cheese dairy only produces cow’s cheese), chickens and rabbits. It’s always a fun family outing!