Tandil, located in the sierras, is one of the most beautiful towns in Buenos Aires Province. With a population of 150,000, it is recognized as one of the most important cheese basins in Argentina and every year it hosts a great cheese festival where the best local producers gather to honor a tradition born from European immigration.
The 7th Fiesta del Queso Tandilero will take place on December 6, 7, and 8 at the emblematic Diagonal Parque Independencia. Admission is free and open to all. The event features live shows, talks, guided tastings, and the presence of over 50 types of cheese made in the region.
Although production is very varied (pategrás, Sardinian, gouda, fontina, bars, etc.), the cheese most associated with the region is artisanal pategrás, a semi-hard cheese with an intense flavor and careful aging. The cheesemaking tradition in Tandil is not new: it began in the late 19th century with the arrival of Basque, French, Spanish, and Italian immigrants. They brought production techniques and aging methods that, over time, adapted to the local climate and raw materials.
While pategrás is the most famous cheese, another traditional variety is 'Banquete'. This semi-hard cheese with an even cut and intense flavor gets its name from the local tradition of sharing it at weddings and gatherings. It is the cheese that cannot be missing from any proper Tandil cheese platter.
