Graukäse Comparison Tasting 2026: The best Graukäse of the Ahrntal valley awarded

As part of the 9th Ahrntal Graukäse Days, Graukäse was once again the focus of an expert comparison tasting. A total of 16 different Graukäse were tasted and evaluated by a six-member jury on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Graukäse Festival in Luttach.

Chaired by cheese sommelier Martin Pircher, the jury closely examined the submitted cheeses based on various quality and taste criteria to determine this year's winners.
The official awards ceremony took place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the community hall in Steinhaus as part of the Graukäse Evening. In addition to the evaluation by the expert jury, the "Chefs' Award" was presented once again. For this award, chefs evaluated the submitted Graukäse from their perspective, placing special emphasis on their quality and culinary versatility.

Winners of the Expert Jury
🥇 1st Place: Rudolf Steger – "Lercha Wousn", St. Johann
🥈 2nd Place: Claudia Eder – Moarhof Farm Dairy, Ahornach
🥉 3rd Place: Johann Tratter – "Keschpmahitte", Bärental, St. Jakob

Winners of the "Chefs' Award"
🥇 1st Place: Dietmar Außerhofer – Weißenbach
🥈 2nd Place: Rudolf Steger – "Lercha Wousn", St. Johann
🥉 3rd Place: Manuel and Agnes Laner – Nevesalm, Lappach

The comparison tasting once again underscores the diversity and quality of traditional Ahrntal Graukäse. It not only provides producers with an opportunity to have their products professionally evaluated, but also creates an exciting exchange between cheese producers, gastronomy, and experts.

The organizers thank all participating Graukäse producers, hospitality businesses, alpine huts, farm dairies, market participants, chefs, the jury, as well as all other partners and helpers for their dedication and great collaboration.

05.09. - 20.09.2026

The almost “primeval” cheese from the Tyrolean Alps is still produced with plenty of skill and passion today on the farms and pastures of the Ahrntal valley. The Ahrntal GrauKäse Days offer the chance to get to know the different Graukäse producers, take a look over their shoulders during the “Kasn” (cheesemaking) process, and try a wide range of varieties of Graukäse in participating restaurants and shops.

Highlight of the week:

Opening Celebration of the 9th Ahrntal Grey Cheese Festival

05.09.2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Festival tent in Luttach

Enjoy a delightful day dedicated to the traditional Ahrntal Grey Cheese!
At the festive opening celebration, visitors can look forward to regional specialties, a warm atmosphere, and authentic South Tyrolean traditions.

Highlights of the day:

• varied local market featuring regional products
• "Graukäse" tasting
• delicious "Graukäse" dishes and traditional specialties
• performances by the traditional folk dance group with live music
• cozy gathering in the festival tent 

Food and drinks will be available throughout the day.

Closing Event of the 9th Ahrntal Grey Cheese Festival

19.09.2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Community Hall in Steinhaus

To celebrate the conclusion of the Ahrntal Grey Cheese Festival, guests are invited to enjoy a special culinary evening dedicated to traditional grey cheese.
Look forward to an exclusive 5-course menu featuring creatively prepared grey cheese specialties and regional delicacies in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A delightful evening for lovers of South Tyrolean culinary traditions!

Important information:

• exclusive 5-course grey cheese menu
• reservation required
• limited seating available

 5-course grey cheese menu

Calf’s head tartlet in “Breatl” crumb / black truffle / Graukäse espuma – Markus Mair am Tinkhof, Hotel Spangla, Sand in Taufers
Graukäse risotto with crispy bacon – Andrea Federa, Schnaidaleachn, Weißenbach/Ahrntal valley
Deep-fried Graukäse praline / red onion chutney / fresh garden cress – Klara Leimegger Wasserer, hut Kehreralm, Casere/Ahrntal valley
Eggplant Cordon Bleu with Graukäse and tomato – Herbert Hintner, Restaurant Zur Rose, Eppan
Chocolate meets lingonberry and Graukäse – Team Tina Marcelli, Hotel Majestic, Reischach

Culinary Week as Part of the Ahrntal Grey Cheese Festival

As part of the Ahrntal Grey Cheese Festival, 12 selected establishments invite you on a culinary journey through the Ahrntal Valley.
Under the motto “Teldrarisch zu Tisch”, guests can enjoy creative dishes, traditional specialties, and unique culinary experiences centered around the famous Ahrntal Grey Cheese.

Whether in a rustic alpine hut, a cozy mountain inn, or an elegant restaurant, each participating venue presents its own interpretation of this regional specialty and showcases the diversity of Ahrntal cuisine.

Graukäse: renaissance in top-level South Tyrolean gastronomy

Where once the cheese made from sour skimmed milk was considered to be “poor people’s food”, these days it is enjoying a renaissance in top-level gastronomy. Slowfood even conferred a “Presidio” upon it, the highest possible distinction.

Development scheme

Over recent decades a positive invasion of farm and mountain dairy cheeses has practically driven out Graukäse. It is only still produced for home consumption on individual mountain farms or in just a few cooperative alpine dairies. The Ahrntal Graukäse Development Project aims to publicise and circulate the original production methods again. Events such as the “Ahrntal GrauKäse Days” and the “Autumn of Mountains and Cheese” aim to raise well-deserved awareness of this unique product.