Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Cheese Lover in Your Life

Dairy farmers, cheesemakers and cheesemongers are the heroes of the cheese world. Without them, we’d be lost. When it comes to buying cheese, it’s always wise to consult with your local cheesemonger at your favorite cheese shop or cheese counter who will make the best personalized recommendations. But if you are looking to shop online, let us be your guide. We have found some terrific options for a variety of different kinds of cheese lovers. There’s really something here for everybody, from the newbie to the committed turophile. Don’t know what a turophile is? You might be a newbie!

 

For the Lovebird:

 

Valentine's Day photo courtesy of Cheese Grotto

Virtual Cheese Board Building Class Valentine’s Day Edition $110

For a gift that’s also an experience, nothing beats a virtual cheese class. You’ll collaborate with your beloved to create a stunning cheeseboard with American artisanal cheeses and then of course, you’ll get to enjoy feasting on it, with or without guests, since it serves up to 4 people (or more if it’s part of a larger spread). The class takes place on February 13th and is led by Certified Cheese Professional Kerry Jerred. That’s also Superbowl Sunday so the board can be shared over the game.

We were particularly impressed with the selections included in this class because so many of them have been featured on our site including Le Bon Magot, Ziba, and Olina’s crackers.

·         Award-Winning Cow's Milk Brie, 5oz

·         Award-Winning Cow's Milk Natural Rind, 6oz

·         Award-Winning Cow's Milk Clothbound Cheddar, 6oz

·         Milène Jardine Chocolatier 70% Dark Chocolate, 3oz

·         Le Bon Magot Jam Tomato and White Sultana Chutney, 2oz

·         Tennessee Black Truffle Honeycomb, 3oz

·         Dequmana Mixed Olives, 12oz

·         Ziba Heirloom Almonds, 1.06oz

·         Lady Edison Extra Fancy Sliced Cured Ham, 3oz

·         Olina's Crackers, 3.5 oz

·         Zoom Link Invitation via Email for Sunday, February 13th at 4pm EST

 

 For the Entertainer:

 

Cheese + Charcuterie Marble LOVE Board

Cheese + Charcuterie Marble Love Board $149.95, includes free shipping

Someone who loves to entertain is going to be very happy to “share the love” with a deluxe white marble cheeseboard emblazoned with the word love in gold, paired with gourmet meats, cheeses, olives, and crisp crackers. It includes:

·         Sartori Reserve Merlot BellaVitano

·         Wyngaard Affine Black Pepper Black gouda, aged 4 months

·         Bamboo-handle cheese blade. 

·         2s Company Original wafer crackers

·         Greek olive mix

·         Prosciutto, Coppa, and Milano Salami.

·         11 inch white marble cheese board

 

 

For the Gourmet:

 

Romantic Cheese photo credit igourmet

Romantic Cheeses Gift Box $109.99 includes free shipping

igourmet is a leading online cheese seller and their combination of truly luscious cheeses feels like it could be a perfect start to a romantic evening for two. Open this box in front of a roaring fireplace and enjoy a night in. It includes:

·         Port Wine Derby 7.5 oz

·         Chocolate Capri 5 oz

·         White Stilton with Fruit 7.5 oz

·         Saint Andre 7 oz

·         Signature cheese serving knife

·         Australian water wheels 3.5 oz

 

 

For the Snack Lover:

 

After Hours photo courtesy of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese

After Hours $65

West Marin is a dreamy place for cheese. One of the most well-known and award-winning makers is Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. For someone dreaming of California, this gift that includes some of their signature cheeses and sensual accompaniments would be a welcome treat. It includes:

·         Aged Gouda 5 oz

·         TCHO Pretzel Crunch Dark Milk Chocolate Bar

·         TomaRashi 6 oz

·         TCHO 70% Dark Chocolate Bar

·         Bay Blue 6 oz

·         California dried figs

·         Cheese knife

 

For the Chocolate Connoisseur:

 

Cheese & Chocolate photo credit: Cheese Trail

Valentine’s Day Cheese & Chocolate $75

free shipping in California, $20 to most other states

Another Northern California gift comes from none other than California Cheese Trail, an endeavor by the Straus family, who supply milk to Cowgirl Creamery. They’ve put together a gift of some of the creamiest local cheeses and an accompaniment that highlights the combination of cheese and chocolate, a topic we dove into extensively in our story, Pairing Cheese and Chocolate for Valentine’s Day. For an even more luxurious gift, check out their Valentine’s Day Big Love gift with even more local cheese.

 

This gift includes:

·         Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam

·         Mutari Chocolate’s chocolate truffles

·         Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Foggy Morning

 

For the Adventurer:

 

Love is Cheesy photo credit Cheese Brothers

Love is Cheesy $52.95 includes free shipping

The Cheese Brothers work with local farms and dairies to craft unique collections of cheese and accompaniments from the great state of Wisconsin. Comprised mostly of flavored cheeses, it’s an affordable and fun gift. It includes:

 

·         Honey sriracha gouda 6 oz

·         Dill Havarti 6 oz

·         Smoked gouda 6 oz

·         Rhapsody, a Cheddar parmesan blend 5 oz

·         Bush and Peck Cherry lavender jam

·         Sugarwood caramels 5 oz

 

 

For the Hungry One:

 

Chunk Of Burning Love photo credit Rumiano Cheese

Chunk of Burning Love $67

This gift has some gourmet treats but it’s about as unpretentious as can be. It’s filled with smoky, savory and spicy treats that satisfy. Something about this gift says, “Let’s go away together!” Rumiano also offers an even more deluxe offering, Rumiano’s Best Valentine and Sweet on You a smaller selection with cheese, chocolate, honey, and crackers.

·         Rumiano Family Organic Pepper Jack Bar


·         Redwood Coast Borderline Blaze


·         Rumiano California Crafted Garlic Jack Wedge


·         Rumiano California Crafted Habanero Jack Wedge


·         Humboldt Hot Sauce Habanero Mango


·         Dick Taylor Vanilla Milk Chocolate


·         Taylor Trail Buster Beef Strips


·         HumYum Sea Salt Caramels


·         Beck's Wheat Organic Crackers

·         
Sweetness and Light Milk Chocolate MOO Bar


·         Beaverton Foods Sweet Hot Mustard

 

For the Sweetheart:

 

Petite Picnic Box $65

Is there anything more romantic than a picnic for two? Maybe this picnic for two. It not only includes some iconic California artisan cheeses and terrific accompaniments but two scrumptious pot de crèmes, just right for sharing. Add a bottle of wine and some fresh fruit and your plan for the next sunny day (or spot in front of the fireplace) is all set.

·         Marin French Cheese Co. Petite Breakfast (4oz)

·         Marin French Cheese Co. Petite Crème (4oz)

·         Laura Chenel Marinated Goat Cheese - Thyme & Rosemary (6.2oz)

·         St. Benoit Creamery Pot De Crème - TCHO Chocolate

·         St. Benoit Creamery Pot De Crème - Salted Caramel

·         Columbus Sliced Salami 

·         Fabrique Delices Cornichons

·         Rustic Bakery Sourdough Bites

·         California Cheese Spreader

·         Eco Utensils (2)

·         Marin French Cheese Co. Cooler Bag

·        Heart Shaped Chocolates and a V-day Tag




For the Engaged

Are you looking to get married or know a couple who is engaged? The French Cheese Board is giving away a free wedding at their spot in SoHo, NYC. Email for the rules to enter and win the ultimate cheese lover’s wedding asap, deadline to enter is Feb 4, 2022.

Just Add Wine

Looking for wines to pair with your cheese? Check out our guide to wine and cheese pairing then head to the New York International Wine Competition to find a winning bottle.

HolidaysAmy Sherman