Dzvarka family creamery, Dubove

Dzvarka is a family creamery in Dubove, in the Tiachiv area, set in the picturesque valley of the Teresva river. The tourism and resorts department of the Zakarpattia regional administration lists it in its catalogue of the region's craft producers. The name has a local ring, and the family's motto is simple and honest: "we make cheese with soul" — without needless additives, in small batches, from local cows' milk. It is a small family operation where every cheese is made by hand.

Why go and how to buy

Regular tours or tastings at the creamery have not been confirmed, so Dzvarka is above all a place to buy fresh homemade cheese directly from the cheesemakers. Orders are placed via Instagram, Facebook or by phone, and before holidays — especially Easter — the creamery takes orders for festive cheeses for the traditional Easter basket. Its social media pages were last updated in 2023, so be sure to call before you go to check whether production is currently running, what is available and whether you can collect cheese on site. If you are driving up the Teresva valley towards Ust-Chorna, Dubove is right on the way.

What to try

• "Kosychka" (braid) and "mishechok" (pouch) — stretchy Zakarpattia cheeses that are braided or tied in a knot.
• Halloumi made to the family's own recipe — soft and creamy, without the typical squeak, and it freezes well; fry it in a pan or on the grill.
• Ricotta from cow's milk — sweet for pancakes or salted with dill as a spread.
• The cream cheese "Spicy Balls" with seeds and herbs — the most popular item.
• Marinated cheeses in oil with spices.
• Cheese arrangements to order — slightly dried with a golden crust, similar in taste to the braid; often ordered for a festive table.

In the Teresva valley, grazing cattle and making cheese at home have long been part of village life. Braided cheeses like the "kosychka" were traditionally made at home for holidays: young cheese was stretched in hot water, braided and dried so it would keep longer. Today small family creameries such as Dzvarka bring these cheeses back to the table in a modern form, alongside halloumi and ricotta that sit well with local cooking.

Practical information

• Where: Dubove, Tiachiv district, Zakarpattia region; the exact address is not published — ask by phone.
• Phone: +380 97 787 14 64.
• Social media: Instagram and Facebook dzvarka.ua.
• Hours and prices: not published; arranged individually.

Getting there. Dubove lies in the Teresva valley upstream from the town of Teresva. Teresva is easy to reach along the N09 Mukachevo — Rakhiv road or by train to the station of the same name on the Batiovo — Solotvyno line; from there follow the local road north up the river valley by car or by regular bus towards Ust-Chorna. Arrange your visit by phone beforehand.

Tip: fresh and marinated cheeses are delicate, so bring a cool bag in warm weather, and place Easter orders well ahead — festive cheeses are usually made in small batches.

Please confirm by phone before your trip.

Website and social media: instagram.com · facebook.com

Photos: instagram.com; zaktour.gov.ua.