Festa del toumin del Mel

Nestled among the pristine pastures of Val Varaita, the small village of Melle transforms into a capital of Alpine cheese with the Festa del Toumin del Mel, an event celebrating one of the most authentic Slow Food presidia in the Cuneo Alps. For nine days in August, the village streets come alive with tasting stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and guided tastings dedicated to toumin—a small cheese with soft paste and a delicate, milky-sweet flavor that represents centuries of Piedmont cheesemaking tradition. Local producers open the doors of their stalls and dairies to share how this cheese is born from whole cow's milk, perfected by the unhurried rhythms of mountain life. The festival offers a complete sensory experience where toumin takes center stage: from classic tastings with honey and rustic bread to hot dishes that showcase the cheese, such as gnocchi, polenta, and crespelle that local chefs present during live cooking shows. Interactive workshops for adults and children reveal the secrets of cheese production, while live music, photography exhibitions, and artisan markets create an authentic and convivial atmosphere. An event that smells of hay, wood, and fresh milk—the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Alpine culture, meet master cheesemakers, and understand the profound connection between Val Varaita's landscape, pastoral tradition, and the genuine flavors that have nourished these places for generations.