Spend Labor Day Weekend In Cheese Country

Cheese Journeys, the brain-child of Anna Juhl, takes the fortunate few on Cheese tours all over the globe.  This Labor Day, Anna and Tenava Darlington, a cheese maven so well-regarded she's known as "Madame Fromage", join forces to take a select group of cheese lovers to one of this country's great cheese regions.

Appropriately, the tour starts out in Philadelphia, which has an affinity for cheese starting with the Cheesesteak, where it was invented and Cream Cheese, where it was not.   After private tours of Philadelphia's Italian Market and its best-loved specialty foods store, DiBruno Bros., with owner Emilio Mignucci (just like the one he famously gave TV's Anthony Bourdain). Then, after lunch and a visit to the legendary Termini Brothers Italian bakery, you'll venture into the rolling hills of Chester County, a region with deep agricultural and dairying traditions and some of the finest farmland in the country, just an hour away from the city by deluxe coach.  Three nights are spent at Grace Winery, a beautiful country Inn.

First up, a food walking tour of the historic property with Grace Winery's winemaker and the cheesemaker couple from The Farm at Doe Run, a vineyard dinner, and a chef's cooking demo and a jam making demo over brunch and cocktails.  Next,  day visits to two of the area's celebrated cheesemakers: Sue Miller of Birchrun Hills Farm and Tom Schaer of Meadowset Farm. There's even a photography workshop for Instagram-worthy shots of all you'll see and experience.  You'll also be treated to a tour of Victory Brewery's newest location, and a woodcarving demo from designer John Luttman, and a shopping excursion in quaint Kennet Square.  But the piece de resistance may very well be dinner at Talula's Table, an area restaurant so highly thought of, reservations are taken a year in advance! 

On the fourth day it's back to Philadelphia for a last hurrah of events.

You'll experience a special tea tasting with tea expert Alexis Siemens,sample local spirits at artisan distillery Rowhouse Spirits, meet food portrait artist Mike Geno, who has been profiled by The New York Times, and feast on the most exquisite cheese and charcuterie at a private "Last Supper." Learn, relax, and explore in the company of other cheese lovers!

Included in the tour price are: Lodging for 3 nights, continentalbreakfast provided 3 mornings, 3 noon and 3 evening meals (including alcoholic beverages served with meals). All expenses related to classes and/or tours provided by chef, guest cheese and beverage experts and hosts are included. Transportation during the trip is included. Gratuities for driver and chef are optional.

Not included in the tour price: Round trip transportation or airfare to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Personal shopping at markets and Kennett Square. Specific alcoholic beverages other than those served at meals and tasting events can be purchased separately.   The tour costs $1950. Double Occupancy and $2150 Single Occupancy.  Go to www.cheesejourneys.com for complete details and to book.