Basel: Swiss Cheese Tasting with Sommelier & Local Varieties

Summary

Swiss cheese tasting in Basel with sommelier stories and fresh flavors

You’ll join a small group in Basel for a relaxed Swiss cheese tasting led by a local sommelier. Sample up to six regional cheeses (including Gruyère AOP), hear stories about Swiss cows and traditions, and ask anything you want — no judgment. You’ll leave with new flavors on your tongue and probably a smile you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped into the little tasting room in Basel when our cheese sommelier grinned at my friend’s pronunciation of “Gruyère.” She corrected us gently — “It’s more like ‘groo-yair’,” she said, sounding proud but not fussy. The place smelled a bit nutty, almost grassy, which I didn’t expect indoors. There was this quiet hum from the tram outside, but inside it felt like time slowed down, just us and these wheels of cheese lined up on the table.

I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy hearing about Swiss cows (apparently they’re happy because they eat wildflowers — who knew?). Our guide handed us slices from six different cheeses, starting with something young and soft that melted fast on my tongue. She told us to notice the texture first, then the taste — honestly, I never thought about cheese that way before. When we got to the Gruyère AOP, she paused and looked at us like we were about to meet someone important. It tasted kind of earthy and sweet at once. My friend tried to describe it and just ended up laughing instead.

The whole thing lasted maybe an hour or so, but I still think about that salty aftertaste from one of the older cheeses. The sommelier answered every question without making anyone feel silly (even when someone asked if Swiss cheese always has holes — apparently not). We left smelling faintly like a dairy farm in a good way, if that makes sense. Anyway, if you’re curious about real Swiss cheese in Basel and want someone who actually knows their stuff guiding you through it, this is worth your time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swiss cheese tasting and learning

• Learn Swiss cheese making process
• Taste up to six Swiss cheeses
• Hear about Swiss cows and cheese quality

Top questions

How many types of cheese do you taste during this experience?

You taste up to six different kinds of Swiss cheese during the session.

Is the cheese tasting in Basel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for this activity.

Who leads the Swiss cheese tasting tour?

A local cheese sommelier guides you through the tasting experience.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the venue.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Infants and small children can attend; strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are service animals permitted at the tasting?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided tasting session with a local cheese expert in Basel where you’ll try up to six varieties of Swiss cheeses—Gruyère AOP among them—with all spaces accessible for wheelchairs or strollers and plenty of time for questions along the way.