FACEnetwork 2025: Inspiration for the Challenge Ahead
Some journeys are just trips… and then there are those that bring you back with your head full of ideas, your suitcase packed with memories, and your heart overflowing with motivation to do more. Our recent journey through Slovenia and Croatia to attend the annual FACEnetwork (Farmhouse and Artisan Cheese & Dairy Producers European Network) meeting in Rovinj, belongs to the second category.
It wasn’t only about participating in one of the most important gatherings for Europe’s artisan cheesemaking sector. It was also about living experiences that inspire and energize us to face the big challenge ahead: hosting the next year’s FACEnetwork Annual Meeting in the Basque Country.
Slovenian Cheesemakers Visits: Three Inspiring Stops
Before arriving at the meeting, we had the opportunity to visit three Slovenian cheesemakers we don’t forget. These weren’t just technical visits: the warmth of the welcome and the personal connections we made, turned each stop into a unique experience.
Our first visit was to Sirarstvo Orešnik, a family farm in Šentjošt nad Horjul founded by Irena and Dejan three decades ago. They transform their goat’s milk into artisanal cheeses made with dedication, technological precision, and deep respect for tradition and nature. We are grateful for the way they opened their doors to us, shared their dream come true, welcomed us into their home for a tasting, and engaged us in unforgettable conversations around their table.
The second stop was Golden Ring Cheese, located in Sinji Vrh at 1,000 meters above sea level in the stunning Vipava Valley. What makes this cheesemaker unique is their maturing process: some of their cheeses are aged in old wartime tunnels, where total darkness, constant humidity, and stable temperatures create exceptional conditions that give each cheese a distinctive character. Our thanks go to David and Kristijan for the warm welcome with a glass of grappa, their detailed explanations, and the final tasting of their cheeses.
The third visit took us to Gartner Farm, a tourist farm in Bohinj, right in the Julian’s Alps National Park. Lucija shared her family’s story and surprised us with a virtual reality experience that transported us to the alpine meadows where cows graze in summer and cheese is made during this season. They produce the renowned Bohinjski sir, a raw milk cheese deeply rooted in local tradition. The visit left us eager to return and continue learning from their philosophy, which blends respect for nature with innovation.
FACEnetwork: It’s more than just a Network, a community
FACEnetwork is the collective voice of Europe’s artisan cheesemakers. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to connect small-scale producers so they can share experiences, defend their interests, and preserve traditional knowledge. Thanks to this Network, cheesemakers gain visibility, support each other in facing regulations and common challenges, and strengthen their role in rural development. In short, FACEnetwork promotes Europe’s cultural and gastronomic diversity, showing that together we are stronger.
FACEnetwork 2025 Meeting
The 2025 FACEnetwork Annual Meeting was held in Rovinj, Croatia, from October 27th to 29th. It brought together artisan cheesemakers and technical experts from across Europe, combining visits to local producers with conferences and workshops on marketing and promoting traditional cheeses. As always, there were working group discussions and the General Assembly of the FACE association.
Over three days, participants exchanged experiences, discovered innovative projects, and explored the role of artisan cheese in tourism and short supply chains. The event included visits to farms and artisanal food producers in the region, practical presentations on market strategies, and a giant buffet of European cheeses, as the gastronomic highlight. This annual gathering reaffirmed FACEnetwork’s commitment to defending and promoting Europe’s cheesemaking diversity.
Passing the Torch
One of the most touching moments of the meeting was the official handover of the responsibility to organize next year’s event. With great pride, we announced that the 2026 annual meeting will take place in the Basque Country, organized by our center. For our dairy sector, it is both an honor and a great responsibility: the perfect opportunity to showcase the strength of our dairies and cheesemakers, share our values, and open the doors of our farms and traditions to the rest of Europe. We want to show that, even though we are a small territory, our cheesemaking sector is strong in commitment and excellence.
Looking Ahead
With this news, we close the chapter on Croatia and open with excitement the next stage: preparing for the upcoming congress. The year ahead, will be one of preparation, collaboration, and shared enthusiasm. In the coming months, we will shape a congress that we want to be memorable for our personal touch. We will share more details soon, but for now we want to thank you for joining us on this journey and on all those still to come.