The town of Ordizia is preparing to launch a new space linked to one of its great symbols, Idiazabal cheese, in the coming months. The future visit-friendly cheese dairy, located on Arana Street, is now entering its final phase of construction, with completion expected by June.

The new workshop is being built at number 17 on Arana Street and will replace the old cheese dairy located under the Zuhaizti building, which began operations in 1990 and closed years later. Over time, those facilities became obsolete and did not allow the production process to be open to the public.

The main novelty of this project is precisely this openness. The cheese dairy is designed to produce and, at the same time, be visited. The new space, which is larger and brighter, is divided into two floors: one will house the cheese making and maturation processes, and the other will host visits, keeping both activities separate but visually connected. This distinction aims to ensure adequate sanitary conditions.

The tour will begin in Arana Square, where there will be a reception area with information and an introductory audiovisual presentation. From there, visitors can follow the production process from various observation points, including glassed-in areas that will allow them to see the work in the workshop and the maturation chambers. The experience will conclude with a tasting at the back of the building, offering views of Txindoki and Aralar, in an environment that allows enjoyment of the landscape.

Beyond the tourist aspect, the project aims to highlight the pastoral tradition of the area and the Latxa sheep. It also seeks to open doors to new opportunities for generational succession in the sector. The initiative is part of the 'Ordizia, Savoring the Territory' project and is funded by European 'Next Generation' funds. The total investment amounts to 639,316.01 euros (VAT included).