A delicious assortment of cheeses, nuts, and fruits artistically
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Say Cheese! Tenerife Wins Big at International and Canary Islands Competitions

ByAna Maria Hours

Forget Switzerland, step aside France — the Canary Islands are having their moment in the cheese spotlight. This year, Tenerife’s cheesemakers didn’t just bring home medals, they practically swept the board at both international and local competitions. From Paris to Lanzarote, judges have confirmed what locals have always known: Canarian cheese is world-class.

And yes, three of those golds are from right here in Adeje.

Montesdeoca: The Pride of Adeje

Let’s start at home. Quesería Montesdeoca, based in Tijoco Bajo (Adeje), has once again made headlines, winning three awards at the prestigious Fromage Mondial in France. Not bad for a family-run farm competing against centuries-old European powerhouses.

The mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, called them “a source of pride for Adeje,” and he’s not exaggerating. The Montesdeoca family have been blending tradition and innovation for generations, crafting cheeses that reflect the rich agricultural heritage of southern Tenerife. Their latest victory cements them as one of the heavyweights of artisanal cheese, not just in the Canaries but internationally.

The Best Cheese in the Canaries 2025

As if that weren’t enough, another Tenerife creation took the crown closer to home. At the Agrocanarias 2025 competition, which featured a staggering 226 cheeses from 73 dairies across the archipelago, the winner of Best Cheese in the Canaries was revealed:

🥇 El Minero, a raw goat’s milk cheese covered in ash and Penicillium candidum, crafted by Granja Ara.

Yes, you read that right — ash. Before you wrinkle your nose, it’s a traditional technique that not only preserves the cheese but also creates a distinctive flavour and texture. The result? A creamy, earthy bite that’s as bold as the volcanic landscape it comes from.

Awards, Awards, and More Awards

This year’s Agrocanarias handed out 61 distinctions in total — 56 medals (27 grand golds, 22 golds, and 7 silvers) plus five special mentions. Tenerife and the other islands proved once again that small-scale, artisanal production can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of the dairy world.

Among the standouts:

  • Montesdeoca also grabbed golds in the pasteurised cured and aged goat cheese categories.
  • Los Castañeros from Gran Canaria won Best Limited Production Cheese with their gofio-coated creation.
  • La Gloria, another Gran Canaria dairy, claimed Best Popular Cheese with a paprika-coated goat’s milk cheese.
  • Children got in on the judging too: the Kids’ Jury picked Flor Valsequillo with paprika as their favourite.

Why Tenerife Cheese Is So Special

So, what makes Tenerife’s cheeses stand out? A few things:

  • Goat dominance: Most Canarian cheeses are made with goat’s milk, giving them a rich, tangy profile.
  • Volcanic terroir: The goats graze on unique volcanic soil and wild herbs, which lend subtle flavours you won’t find elsewhere.
  • Tradition meets innovation: From ancient methods like coating with ash or gofio (toasted maize flour) to modern refinements, producers here are constantly balancing heritage with creativity.

How to Enjoy Canarian Cheeses Like a Local

Now that you know who’s winning, the big question: how do you eat them?

👉 Pairings to try in Adeje (or at home):

  • Fresh goat cheese + mojo verde: the herbaceous garlic-cilantro sauce balances the creaminess beautifully.
  • Semi-cured cheese + local honey: Tenerife honeys are just as award-winning — try chestnut or tajinaste.
  • Aged cheese + red wine from Abona or Tacoronte-Acentejo: the bold flavours of volcanic reds stand up perfectly.
  • Ash-coated El Minero + cava or sparkling wine: the effervescence cuts through the richness.
  • Paprika-coated cheese + a cold Dorada beer: because sometimes the simplest pairing is the most satisfying.

And if you really want to eat like a local? Order a tabla de quesos canarios (Canarian cheese platter) in Adeje’s markets or wine bars and let the variety surprise you.

Where to Buy Award-Winning Cheese in Adeje

If reading about all these medals has made you hungry, here’s the good news: you don’t have to travel far to taste them.

🧀 Quesería Montesdeoca (Tijoco Bajo, Adeje)
The family farm has its own shop where you can buy their award-winning cheeses directly. For a true “farm-to-table” experience, this is the place.

🧀 Local Markets

  • Mercado de Adeje – Saturday mornings, with stalls selling Montesdeoca and other Canarian specialties.
  • Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (Santa Cruz) – the island’s most iconic market, offering cheeses from across the archipelago.

🧀 Specialty Shops and Gourmet Supermarkets
Look out for Hiperdino Gourmet branches and smaller delicatessen shops in Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, where you can often find cheeses like El Minero from Granja Ara, sealed and ready to travel.

🧀 Restaurants and Wine Bars
Many restaurants in Costa Adeje include local cheese platters (tabla de quesos canarios) on their menus — the easiest (and tastiest) way to sample several varieties in one sitting, often paired with local wines or honey.

💡 Travel tip: Semi-cured and cured cheeses are usually sold vacuum-sealed, meaning you can safely take them home as a delicious (and legal) souvenir.

Final Thoughts

Between Montesdeoca’s triple win in France and Granja Ara’s ash-covered masterpiece being crowned the Best Cheese in the Canaries, Tenerife has firmly planted its flag on the global cheese map. For visitors, it’s more than just a foodie detour — it’s a chance to taste the island’s culture, landscape, and history in every bite.

So next time you’re in Adeje, don’t just head for the beaches. Stop by a local market, pick up some award-winning cheese, and enjoy it the Canarian way: with good company, a splash of local wine, and maybe a little bread to mop up the mojo.

Because sometimes, paradise tastes like cheese.

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