Established · 12 signalscheesemaker Canterbury
Emilio's Cheese
Emilio | cheeseandfood@hotmail.com
Story RichArtisan QualityCraft ObsessionOperator PassionAuthentic SourcingOriginal SourcePersonal ConnectionTradition PreservedMoment of CareCommunity tractionMulti-GenerationalUnusual Location
About
Emilio's Cheese brings authentic Italian cheeses to Canterbury, crafted with high-quality local cow, goat, and sheep milk. From fresh Mozzarella to aged Pecorino, discover a taste of Italy right here in New Zealand.
Their Story
Emilio Festa's journey to becoming a celebrated New Zealand cheesemaker began in the Brescia district of Lombardy, Northern Italy. After studying Agricultural Science and gaining experience in Italian cheese factories producing varieties like mozzarella, provolone, taleggio, and mascarpone, Emilio…
What They Make
Cow Cheeses
- Alpino (4-month-old, Swiss-style)
- Alpeggio (Taleggio-style)
- Bosco (young brie-style, 140-180g)
- Formaggella (2-3 month old, young cheddar-style, available in plain, garlic, horopito, fennel, chilli, cumin, black pepper)
- Formaggella Hazelnuts, Dukkah and Sesame seeds (2-3 month old)
- Formaggella Smoked (3-4 month old, light smoky flavour)
- Grotta Blue (Italian-style blue cheese, creamy, mild to strong flavour)
- Malga (3-month-old, melts well)
- Provolone (slightly salty, ideal for shaving or grilling)
- Stagionato (18-month-old, aged cheddar-style)
- Ricotta (fresh, no added salt)
- Baked Ricotta (with herbs and salt)
- Mozzarella Fior di latte (fresh, approx. 50g balls)
- Crescenza (super soft, very sweet, 4 days old)
- Stracchino (mild, similar to mozzarella)
Sheep Cheeses
- Blue sheep (delicate, very creamy blue cheese)
- Creamy sheep (very soft, mild, 2 months old)
- Farmhouse (firm-textured, mild, 3 months old)
- Pecorino (approx. 10 months old, slightly salty)
- Peppecorino (Pecorino aged 20 months with black pepper)
Goat Cheeses
- Available seasonally, inquire for availability.
Other Products By Adriana
- Small and big cannoncini (Italian finger foods)
- Mini tarts (Italian finger foods)
- Gluten-free almond or coconut cakes (made in facility with gluten)
Awards & Recognition
- Best Hobbyist Cheesemaker — Winner(2010)
- Formaggella — Bronze(2010)
- Mozzarella — Silver(2010)
- Stracchino — Gold Medal(2014)
More from Emilio's Cheese
Adriana's Pastry
How to Get Their Products
Direct Sales
423 Bealey Rd, Charing Cross, Christchurch, Canterbury, 7671, New Zealand
Online pre-order for collection at various Canterbury farmers' markets (Christchurch, Ohoka, Lyttelton, Lincoln, Opawa, Oxford).