The winding hills of Val d'Orcia, kissed by the sun and caressed by the wind, harbor a precious treasure: the Val d'Orcia Dairy. Its history, enveloped in the charm of tradition, traces its roots back to the 1960s, a decade of ferment and change.
An exodus of shepherds from Sardinia brought new vitality to this land, rich in untouched pastures and opportunities. Their flocks, keepers of ancient knowledge, spread across the hills, breathing new life into a declining rural economy.
Don Oscar Guasconi, a forward-thinking parish priest and the pulsating soul of the community, perceived the potential of this "new/old" activity. His dream was to create a cooperative dairy, a stronghold of ancestral flavors and knowledge, capable of safeguarding and enhancing local pastoralism. A quality pastoralism with certain records dating back to 1798, as noted in the significant work of Giorgio Santi.
In 1964, the dream became a reality. The Val d'Orcia Dairy Cooperative opened its doors, welcoming the precious milk of shepherds and transforming it into exceptionally high-quality cheeses. Since then, the dairy has traversed decades of growth and success, becoming an essential reference point for pecorino production and a symbol of Val d'Orcia worldwide.
Each cheese encapsulates the history of this land, the tireless work of shepherds, the passion of master cheese makers, and the vision of Don Oscar. A journey through time that translates into an explosion of taste and tradition.
The story of the Val d'Orcia Dairy is a tale of passion, tenacity, and love for the land. A narrative that renews itself every day within the walls of the dairy, where sheep's milk transforms into a timeless excellence.