Amongst the dozen goat breeds in Switzerland, the Saanen goat is considered a champion. Exported worldwide, the breed is known for its adaptability and frugality in addition to a reputation as a large milk producer. In fact, the goat used to be known in the Saanenland as “the poor man’s cow.”

The breed is able to withstand harsh climates, including steep rocky terrain and arid semi-deserts, which makes it popular in the developing world. In the 19th century it was exported throughout Europe, and finally in the 20th century to the United States. The Saanen goat has been crossbred, with great success, in many other parts of the world.

One area that saw the importation of Saanen goats was South America. Local goat aficionado Willy U. Loosli reported a few years ago on the topic on a trip “Saanegibeni” in Cafayate and the resort of Gstaad in Bariloche, Argentina.  Last fall, he returned to the area—here is an excerpt from his adventures, adapted from his original German text:

“After finding the sign “Cabras de Cafayate” (goats of Cafayate), I asked for Veronica, the centre’s expert goat breeding guide. She was in the milking area and leading tourists through the facility. As soon as I got there, she opened the door and gave me a big hug. She told the guests, “Here’s Guilllermo, expert on Saanen goats!” Funny, suddenly I was the expert.

I went with the guise and explained I had come from Switzerland to inspect the breeding success, milk quality, hygiene, and cheese production. I announced that everything was perfect here, and Veronica was pleased—the crowd burst into applause.

Now 250 goats inhabit the property, where they have a lot of space and fresh food. These goats are mixed with a goat race native to the region, and since that crossbreeding, the milk quality and production has greatly improved. Several cheeses are produced here from goat’s milk, including fresh, aged, hard, and with an herbed-crust. 

The bad news was that the Bungalows Apart *** Gstaad in Bariloche has closed its doors. Years ago a Saanenland native, Martin Ryter, and a colleague, founded the holiday hotel on a prime location on Lake Nahuel Huapi. We wanted the final stage of our trip to include this luxury treat. Yet unfortunately the hotel was no longer in operation; a neighbour told us that the operators had gone bankrupt.

Instead we stayed at the Hotel Tirol and ate at La Marmite, where an old photo from the station at Zollikofen graced the wall as a reminder of the host’s hometown. Yet we had neither fondue nor Zürcher Geschnetzeltes—who could resist a 300-gram beef tenderloin for the equivalent of CHF 14?”

GSTAADLIFE hopes to hear more of Mr Loosli's adventures in the future.