Wine and cheese, what better way to start (or finish) your weekend? If it’s a baked brie that makes you melt or an aged pecorino that has you crumbling, you’ll find what you’re looking for at some of Brisbane’s best gourmet cheese stockists. Read on to locate your nearest dairy dreamland.
Standard Market Co | Gasworks Plaza, Newstead
The latest location for The Standard Market Company features its very own cheese room, a haven for lovers of fine cheese at affordable prices. Pick up a massive chunk of crumbly feta for under $5 or treat your friends to a weekend wheel of veiny blue, perfectly matched with roasted Red Anouj pears from the produce aisle.
Black Pearl Epicure | Fortitude Valley
Black Pearl Epicure is renowned for selling the best local cheeses and distributing Simon Johnson products, but it would be a crime to pass the insanely indulgent St Marcellin, a soft cow’s milk disk in its own little crock. Bake this baby for a few minutes to enhance the silky, delicate texture and maximise the creamy flavour by dipping wedges of crusty, baked ciabatta into its gooey centre. The ultimate comfort food for wintery evenings with your favourite glass of vino, or pair with apple and melon slices for an acidic contrast.
Bruny Island Cheese | Tasmania
If you’re looking for a reason to justify a trip to Tassie this winter (seriously though, it’s way too cold), the perfect excuse is a visit to the Bruny Island cellar door for a one-on-one with their cheese makers, followed by a house made cheese platter with their wood-fired organic sourdough. But if you’re like us and prefer your cheese with sunshine, jump online and order from a selection of gorgeous wheels, jams, relishes and antipasto goodies. Overnight delivery ensures your cravings are satisfied quickly and if you’re really into your cheese, consider joining the Cheese Club for regular deliveries of exclusive varieties.
Olympus Cheese | Coorparoo
Want to pick up your cheese directly from the source? Head down to the Olympus Cheese factory and select a fresh, handcrafted haloumi, ricotta or feta to add something special to your next meal. Marinated or black pepper feta will take your avo on toast to exciting new levels, while the famous haloumi is perfect grilled and served with lamb. Add a little ricotta to pancakes or cheesecake for an extra creamy, sweet indulgence.
Rosalie Gourmet Market | Rosalie
Walking into this cosy deli is an overload to the senses, with gourmet cheeses, deli products, fresh flowers and homewares packed into every square inch of this homely store. With a selection of 100 cheeses on display in the enticing cheese cabinet, you’ll have no trouble finding a flavour to please your palate, from smoked Swiss cheddars and huge washed rinds, to dairy-free goat and sheep varieties. Match these with an unforgettable Thai lemon grass or duck and cognac pate and freshly baked bread from the bakery section.
Cheese Room | Woolloongabba
Yes, you read right. A room of cheese. Opening later this year, the Cheese Room is sure to fulfil your wildest, cheesiest fantasies with an array of hard, semi-hard, cheddar and mouldy delights from across France, Italy, Germany and more. Once you’ve stopped hyperventilating, head on over to their Facebook page to get the low-down on how to construct the perfect cheese platter or garner some inspiration for a cheeky, cheesy, mid-week snack. Watch this space for opening details!
Cheese is the perfect accompaniment to girls nights, weekend drinks, post-dinner indulgences and whenever you have a wine in hand! Now go forth and find yourself a wheelie-good (see what we did there?) gourmet delicacy from Brisbane’s best cheese suppliers to suit your plans.
Words by Emily Neil
