If you ever needed proof that Tenerife takes its cheese seriously… this is it.
The Pinolere Cheese Awards 2026 have wrapped up, and once again, the level across the island is high.
The Standout Winner
The top prize… the Gran Medalla de Oro… went to:
- Quesería Montesdeoca (Adeje)
- Aged goat’s cheese with a gofio coating
Not exactly something you throw together… and it shows.
A Strong Showing Across the Board
It wasn’t just one standout.
Several producers had a solid run:
- Quesería La Florida (La Laguna)
- Best fresh cheese on the island
- Also picked up wins in fresh and smoked categories
- Quesería El Isorano (Guía de Isora)
- Three gold medals across different categories
- Granja Ara (Santa Úrsula)
- Gold for a more experimental cheese with ash and mould
- Quesería Aborigen (Arafo)
- Gold in the organic cured category
So it’s not just tradition… there’s a bit of experimentation creeping in too.
Not Just About Taste
They also handed out awards for branding and presentation.
- Best Image went to Quesos Majuca (Arico)
Because let’s be honest… how it looks it’s still important.
What This Actually Shows
Tenerife’s cheese scene isn’t just ticking along.
It’s evolving.
You’ve got people sticking to traditional methods… and others trying new things without losing the roots.
That balance is probably why it works.
Worth Trying?
If you live here and haven’t explored local cheeses properly… you’re missing a trick.
And if you’re visiting, skip the supermarket stuff and find a proper local one.
You’ll taste the difference straight away.