Maison du Comté ★ 4.6
Interpretive centre on Comté in Poligny, in three buildings for the milk producers, cheesemakers and ageing cellars. Films, sensory games and interactive displays lead to a tasting of two Comtés.
A guide to cheese experiences in Jura.
Cheese Experiences in Jura
Guided visit of the Juraflore Comté cellars ★ 4.6
Guided walk through the Comté ageing cellars inside the Fort des Rousses, with a tasting of Comtés of different profiles at the end. Online reservation is compulsory.
Early visit of the Plasne fruitière ★ 4.2
Morning visit of the Plasne cooperative: the workshop, the ageing cellars and a tasting of its Comté, Morbier and Tomme. Reservation is required; call the fruitière to book.
Open day at the Plasne fruitière ★ 3.9
Once a year the Plasne fruitière opens to the public with guided visits of the factory, a local producers market and a fondue served on booking.
Poligny market ★ 3.3
Twice-weekly market on place des Déportés, with local cheeses and produce among the stalls. It runs on Monday and Friday mornings through the year.
Lons-le-Saunier Thursday market ★ 3.6
The main food market of Lons-le-Saunier, held on Thursday morning with cheese among the fresh and regional produce. Other stalls fill place du 11 Novembre all day, with a smaller producers market on Wednesday evenings.
Routes du Comté ★ 4.0
Network of farms, fruitières, ageing cellars and cheese museums that welcome visitors, with themed circuits on foot, by bike, car, ski, motorbike or motorhome. The Comté trade body that runs it is based in Poligny.
Cheese Experiences in Jura, FAQ
How long is Comté aged?
At least 4 months. According to the Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité's product page, ageing can extend to 18 months or more; Le Guide du Fromage notes wheels can reach 36 months.
How heavy is a wheel of Comté?
Around 40 kg on average, per the Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité. Le Guide du Fromage gives a range of 32 to 45 kg.
Which Jura wine goes with Comté?
Vin jaune is the regional pairing; Wikipedia calls Comté with vin jaune and walnuts a typical Jura combination.
What is the black line in Morbier?
A layer of vegetable charcoal through the middle of the wheel. INAO says it began as soot protecting the evening cheese overnight, and it is now kept as the cheese's signature.
How long is Morbier aged?
At least 45 days, according to Le Guide du Fromage and French Wikipedia.
When did Morbier get its protection?
AOC in 2000 and AOP in 2002, according to French Wikipedia and Le Guide du Fromage.
Is Mont d'Or the same as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs?
Yes. The appellation is registered under both names, and INAO adds that it was once nicknamed fromage de boete.
When can you buy Mont d'Or?
Production runs from 15 August to 15 March and sales run from 10 September to 10 May.