Biella cheese

Biella cheese

Macagn, mountain toma cheese, and goat cheese: history, characteristics, and farms to visit.

The Biella area is a land of mountains, pastures, and meadows that for centuries have given rise to a unique cheesemaking tradition in Alto Piemonte . Here, mountain cheese is not just a gastronomic product, but the result of a profound balance between nature, animals, and human labor.

Among the most representative excellences of Biella cheese are Macagn (Macagno) , the mountain toma and a production of artisanal goat cheeses that tell the story of the territory in an authentic way.

The Macagn (Macagno), symbol of the Biella area

Slow Food Presidium

Macagn , also known as Macagno , is one of the most distinctive cheeses of the Biella area and is recognised as a Slow Food Presidium .

Produced with raw cow's milk from a single milking, Macagn is born in the mountain pastures between Valle Cervo, Valle Elvo and Valdilana , following traditional techniques handed down for generations.

Its main features:

• compact paste and intense yellow color

• scents of milk, herbs and mountain flowers

• strong but balanced taste, which evolves with seasoning

The Slow Food recognition protects not only the product, but also the Alpine landscape of the Biella area and the knowledge of small-scale producers.

Where to buy Macagn in the Biella area

Bozzo Loretta Farm – Valdilana Garden

The Bozzo Loretta Agricultural Company represents one of the reference points for those who wish to purchase authentic Macagn in the Biella area .

A family-run business for generations , the company raises cows and produces cheese, butter, ricotta, meat and cured meats , promoting a short and transparent supply chain.
The new company store in Giardino di Valdilana , built thanks to the contribution of the GAL Montagne Biellesi , now allows you to purchase high-quality local products directly from the company.

Visiting the company means coming into direct contact with the rural culture of the Biella area and understanding the value of artisanal mountain production.

Alpine Toma and goat cheeses in the Biella area

Alongside Macagn, the Biella area boasts a rich production of mountain toma and goat cheeses , often made in small companies immersed in the woods and mountain pastures of Alto Piemonte .

These cheeses tell the story of an agriculture that respects natural rhythms, with great attention to animal welfare and milk quality.

Home in the Woods
Address: Frazione Gila 25/b, 13833 Portula (BI)
Telephone: 349 801 5473

Cascina degli Ori – Cascina Pilota
Address: SP232, 65, 13835 Valdilana (BI)
Telephone: 338 100 3938

Ca' d'Andrei
Address: Via Trento 2, 13816 Sagliano Micca (BI)
Telephone: 348 582 5444
Telephone reservation recommended

Bottalla Museum – Menabrea, Biella

Cheese and beer, a common story

In Biella , the Bottalla – Menabrea Museum tells the story of the meeting between two historic local products: cheese and beer .

This is where Sbirro is born, a cheese aged with the lees of Menabrea beer , a virtuous example of innovation rooted in tradition.
A visit to the museum allows you to discover:

• the history of the Bottalla Dairy

• the connection with the Menabrea Brewery

• the evolution of the gastronomic culture of the Biella area and Upper Piedmont