Wine and Cheese, please! Some say the perfect pairing for the palate is wine and cheese; Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Raclette, Cabernet Sauvignon and aged Cheddar - It’s fun to explore the distinct aromas, flavors, and characteristics of the reds & whites and the nuttiness, sharpness and tangy varieties of cheeses. All independently unique depending on the locale- produced here at home or internationally.
Below is a list of producers and sellers that call Chapel Hill and Orange County home and are sure to help you create that perfect pairing.
Best Places to Learn About Wines and Cheeses.
Rocks + Acid Wine Shop Not your average wine shop. If you really want to know your wines, sign up for wine tastings and classes hosted by the very experienced Chief Wine Drinker and Sommelier, Paula de Pano. Look for the upcoming event: Soft Rind Cheeses + Wines on October 3rd part of the Turophile Series: Cheese Wars! Domestic vs International. Forewarning – events sell out fast!
The Cheese Shop Meet the cheese people, husband and wife team Stevie and Michelle Webb. Here you’ll learn about the art, science and making of cheese. Great place to try new flavors. Keep a look out for their Speakcheesy events held at the Belltree Cocktail Club, a 6-course Wine & Cheese Dinner Experience. Highly sought after as the two current events have already sold out!
Find Your Favorite or Sample Something New.
Chapel Hill Wine Company. Go try before you buy with their in house Enomatic wine dispenser! All you need is an Enomatic card, and a glass and you’ll be ready to taste 16 red and 8 white wines. Samples are available in 1, 2 and 4 oz pours ranging in price from $1.00 to $5.00 per ounce. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Weaver Street Market This local co-op has an ever changing selection of local and international wines. They focus on organic, fair trade and sulfite-free wines that are handpicked from small producers.They also have a great selection of local cheeses.
A salute to db sutton & company – Again, not your ordinary wine shop but that's a great thing – db's is actually a hair salon with a nice array of wine selections. The shop was damaged by a recent fire and temporarily closed but they are currently taking wine orders with a limited selection. Keep them on your radar for a visit soon.
Award Winning Cheesemakers
BoxCarr Handmade Cheese . Family owned, crafting a variety of award-winning cheeses. Known for their Cottonseed, Cottonbell, and Rocket’s Robiola. Available through their online store and local retailers. You’ll also find their cheeses on the menus of popular local restaurants like Hawthorne & Wood and Oakleaf.
Chapel Hill Creamery. Local creamery with happy Jersey cows out in pasture grazing on a mixture of cool and warm season grasses – perfect for producing award winning farmhouse cheeses. Best known for their Calvander, Hickory Grove, and Carolina Moon. Take a look at their recommended pairings here. You’ll find them at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, Durham Farmers’ Market and Eno River Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
Fine Dining Experiences
Bin Fifty-Four. Awarded ’Best of Award of Excellence’ in 2020, 2021 and 2022 by Wine Spectator. Take advantage of their sommelier to help you determine the perfect wine. Start your wine and dining experience with their cheese board, a selection of local and artisan cheeses.
Glasshalfull. Love this name – so appropriate for their huge wine selection and very enjoyable atmosphere for wine and cheese sharing. This restaurant houses a wine shop with nearly 300 Old World style wines, and this is home to The Cheese Shop. How delightful!
A Stay with a View
Union Grove Farm & Vineyard. Located on the historic Maple View Dairy Farm is the Tiny House on the Vineyard. Available for 2-4 guests and is close to the daily bustle of Union Grove Farm. Within walking distance of the local favorite Maple View Ice Cream Shop.
Select, Sip, Savor & enjoy!
(Photo credit: Top image Cheese and Wine from The Cheese Shop at Glasshalfull in Carrboro - Glasshalfull on Facebook)
