Features Cheese Cheese Shop Cheesemonger Best of CT Highlight Homepage Guide To The Best Cheesemongers in Connecticut Amy S. White February 12, 2026 Connecticut’s best cheesemongers are more than just retailers—they are conveyors of craft, both local and beyond. With their displays of cave-aged wheels from Italian mountain cellars, butter-yellow wedges from snowy Switzerland, delicate soft cheeses from the fields of France, or even fresh curds still warm from their own vats, they connect pasture to plate, guiding customers through the stories of the dairy farmers and their herds, terroir, and traditions that give each cheese its nuanced flavor, texture, and character. This alphabetical list celebrates the destination cheese farms, shops, and creameries from across the state where the counters are classrooms, and the owners’ devotion keeps the culture of good cheese alive, one wedge at a time. At these counters, tasting is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and discovery is part of the experience. Those who work in them are experts in knowing not only what to cut, but when, and why. Whether you’re seeking something for a special occasion or a new favorite for a weeknight snack, these shops invite you in to ask, taste, and support the makers far and wide who keep this ancient foodstuff thriving. Caseus Provisions – Wallingford https://www.crispymelty.com/caseusCaseus Provisions is the newest iteration of the famed New Haven restaurant Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro. Local restauranteurs Jason and Tom Sobocinski with their business partner Chris McMahon opened Caseus Provisions in April of 2023, combining their gourmet grilled cheese food truck concept “Crispy Melty” with a boutique cheese shop. Carrying more than thirty different cheeses from all around the world along with a grilled cheese bar, Caseus curates an amazing assortment of epicurean ingredients and charcuterie offerings. Caseus is truly a gem. 619 Center Street.Cato Corner Farm – Colchester https://www.catocornerfarm.com/Cato Corner Farm is a small, family-owned farm that has been named one of the “Top 50 U.S. Cheesemakers” by Food and Wine. They raise fifty Jersey cows on a pasture-based diet and use their delicious milk to make a variety of award-winning raw and pasteurized cheeses. Cato Corner Farm offers “something old, something new, something stinky, and something blue” so that every customer can find a cheese that fits their palate. Their staff will guide you through their weekly offerings and suggest items for pairing. Customers may sample all the cheeses before purchase and can see the cows or watch the cheese-making through the window when weather permits. Other local offerings include their own beef and veal, local pork sausage and salami, and honey, syrup, jams, cookies, and more. 178 Cato Corner Road.The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook – Centerbrook https://cheesect.com/The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook is a warm, welcoming cheese and specialty food shop specializing in carefully curated selections of domestic and European cheeses all hand cut to order. The shelves are filled with thoughtfully sourced accompaniments, including house-made spreads, olives, crackers, and gourmet pantry goods. A knowledgeable staff guides customers in selecting cheese and charcuterie for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. The shop prides itself on personal service, honest recommendations, and a love of good food! Stop in to enjoy their generous selection, “try before you buy” philosophy, and a friendly space where good taste meets genuine hospitality. 33 Main Street.Mystic Cheese and Provisions – Stonington https://www.mysticcheese.co/Mystic Cheese and Provisions is located in the historic Stonington Velvet Mill. Owned and operated by Mystic Cheese Co., they offer a wide selection of imported cheese, fine provisions, and charcuterie, as well as a selection of cheese made with local milk in their coastal cheese factory located just minutes away. If you are hitting the beaches, local wineries, or on vacation, order a board ahead and take it to go. You can also find their products at farmers' markets and some retail partnerships. Check the website for cheese classes and other events. 22 Bayview Avenue.109 Cheese and Wine – Kent; Ridgefieldhttps://109cheeseandwine.com/In 2009, Monica and Todd Brown opened 109 Cheese across the street from a boutique wine shop they owned. As the cheese store quickly gained popularity, they decided to sell the wine shop and focus exclusively on the cheese shop, eventually adding an annex that focuses on small production food-friendly wines. Monica is a sommelier and cheesemonger who is dedicated to delivering a curated selection of the best products from around the corner to around the world. Todd handles the social media and marketing and is instrumental in day-to-day operations. The couple has expanded their reach with a second store in Kent and also incorporated a second-floor classroom to the cheese shop in Ridgefield. In addition to cheese and wine, 109 offers specialty foods and gift baskets, wine cellar management, kitchen products, and unique antique finds. 6 Kent Green Boulevard (Kent); 109 Danbury Road (Ridgefield).Arethusa Farm Dairy – Bantam; New Havenhttps://www.arethusafarm.com/Starting in the late 1800’s, the Webster Family owned a dairy farm south of Litchfield named Arethusa after the small pink orchid that grew in a swamp on the land. In 1999, it was purchased by George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis who became interested in establishing their own dairy herd. Arethusa Farm Dairy now produces milk, ice cream, and cheese using only the milk from Arethusa’s award-winning cows. Although they have only been making cheese since 2011, they have already been recognized in the national and global cheese community multiple times. In 2015 they added nearly 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art aging space, constructed so that each of their nine unique aged cheeses has the perfect balance of temperature and humidity, much like the natural caves used for millennia. Purchase their cheeses at their scoop shops in Bantam and New Haven as well as some local markets, or enjoy them at their bakery Arethusa al Mano or fine-dining restaurant Arethusa al Tavolo, both down the road from the farm. 822 Bantam Road (Bantam); 1020 Chapel Street (New Haven).Bon Appetit – Hamdenhttps://www.bonappetithamden.com/For over fifty years, Bon Appetit has been providing its customers with a vast variety of cheese and gourmet foods from around the world. They work hard to breathe new life into the store by introducing new, unique, and relevant products that excite all tastes and budgets. Stop in to talk and taste with one of their cheesemongers, order online, or give them a call to design a custom cheese and charcuterie platter, each paired perfectly with jam, nuts, dried or fresh fruits, cornichons, olives, and sweets. They will also hand deliver or ship gift baskets made with their products. 2979 Whitney Avenue.Calf & Clover Creamery – Cornwall Bridgehttps://calfandclovercreamery.com/The owners of Calf & Clover have been in the organic farming movement for over a decade and bring their love and commitment of pasture-based farming to this treasured dairy farm. They produce high quality raw milk, yogurt, and ricotta, and plan to add more to their list of exceptional dairy products. Their basket ricotta is hand scooped, drained for two hours and carefully wrapped. It balances a delicate and tender moist texture with a mild flavor profile that makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From desserts to savory dishes, cheesecake to ravioli, or enjoyed on a good crusty bread with a dash of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, this is a workhorse cheese to fill out your weekly menus. Their farm store is the best place to find their products, and it is open daily. 332 Kent Road South.Cavallo’s Italian Specialty Shoppe – Oakvillehttps://www.cavallos.net/Cavallo’s has been a family-owned business operating in Oakville for over fifty years. Here, you’ll find authentic Italian food items, specialty meats and cheeses, and gifts, including items you won't find at your corner grocery store. They will put together a gift basket for your friends or loved ones that will help them indulge in their passion for Italian cooking. Go for the market but don’t miss the chance to grab some of their delicious prepared foods including pizza, grinders, entrees, and baked goods while you’re there. 60 Hillcrest Avenue.Cheese Louise – mobile charcuteriehttps://www.cheeselouisect.com/Cheese Louise is a two-woman show run by best friends Amelia and Bayleigh. Their mobile charcuterie business delivers curated boards for all events from intimate gatherings to large celebrations and are designed to impress at every level. They pride themselves on being locally loved, woman-owned, and unapologetically cheese-obsessed. They serve CT, NY, MA, and RI. Follow along @cheeselouisect. Cherry Street Cheese & Provisions – New Canaanhttps://cherrystreetcheese.com/Nestled in the heart of New Canaan, Cherry Street Cheese & Provisions is your friendly neighborhood cheesemonger where owners Jo and Stephen Bloom sell farmstead, gourmet hand-crafted cheeses from around the world. They also carry a vast array of other gourmet foods, from hand-sliced charcuterie to a selection of prime and organic meats, artisan jams to organic olive oils, bean-to-bar chocolate to handmade gifts. Cheese boards and gift baskets are also available. Whether you are an aspiring cheese aficionado or just looking for a great gift for a cheese-loving friend, their Cherry Street Cheese Club is a great way to be sure you always have a special cheese on your table to enjoy. Each month, your club subscription will include a selection of three artisan cheeses highlighting a variety of countries, milks, and styles, along with a bit of educational information for you to learn more about your cheeses and how they were made, plus a few pantry items to pair with your cheeses. 149 Cherry Street.Darien Cheese and Fine Foods – Darienhttps://dariencheese.com/Darien Cheese is known as the “Purveyors of the World’s Finest Cheeses Since 1967” for a good reason: Ken Skovron’s dedication to procuring the world’s finest cheeses, aging and refining them to perfection, and hand-cutting them to order. An astounding assortment of gorgeous cheese wheels line the wooden shelves behind the counter, along with a stunning display of olives, meats, and other gourmet foods. Every purchase comes with a prior tasting to guarantee customer satisfaction. Plus, Ken’s enthusiasm for cheese is absolutely contagious. 25 Old Kings Highway North.Delavignes Gourmet Food and Gifts – Waterburyhttps://shopdelavignes.com/Family owned and operated, Delavignes Gourmet Foods has been selling local and imported cheeses, extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pastas and grains, and other artisan specialty food products for more than a decade. Owner Laura Miller’s passion for educating her consumers on how to taste, purchase and use the quality food products she curates is what this shop is all about. Gift bags and baskets are available, and the shop often has special tasting events, cooking classes, cheesemaking classes, and exclusive dining events where both Miller’s own recipes and Delavignes products share the stage. 197 Huntingdon Avenue.DiFiore Ravioli Shop – Ellingtonhttps://difioreraviolishop.com/For three generations now the DiFiore family has taken pride in providing their customers with the highest quality Italian specialty foods possible. While they specialize in homemade ravioli, pastas, sauces, and other prepared foods, they also carry imported and local cheeses and meats. Their cheese selection is primarily Italian, including mozzarella, Parmigiano, burrata, and more, as well as their ricotta which is also used in many of their prepared foods and ravioli. Their well-trained staff is knowledgeable about their array of products so they can answer your questions as best as possible. 287 Somers Road.The Discerning Palate – Litchfieldhttps://discerningpalatect.com/While they are currently in the process of moving, The Discerning Palate is operating online, with pickup at the Northfield General Store and local delivery available. Their cheese selection includes over two dozen varieties that vary greatly, from fresh and milky to hard and aged, with styles reflecting their regional heritage. They also carry many gourmet Italian products like meats, coffees, jams, and olives, just to name a few. They intend to open again soon in Litchfield, so watch their website for more info.Dom’s Cheese – Avonhttps://domscheese.com/Dom’s Cheese Shop is a specialty food shop in Avon selling unique imported cheeses, charcuterie, and food goods from all over the world including Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Lithuania, Austria, Norway, Sweden, England, and Ireland, as well as from local farms. Each cheese and every product is hand-picked and tasted by the owners and is brought to their customers out of love for quality, flavor, and originality. They offer custom cheese and charcuterie plates for parties, as well as smaller plates to enjoy in the shop. Their monthly Cheese Club subscription box includes three half-pound pieces of cheese, accompanying crackers, spreads, savory snacks, and charcuterie. 20 West Main Street.The Dutch Epicure Shop – Litchfieldhttps://www.dutchepicure.com/The Dutch Epicure Shop is the life work of Wolfgang and Betsy Joas who emigrated to the United States in 1967 from Germany and Holland respectively. Their daughter Wilma has been heading the business since 2002, and it has become known region-wide for its range of Dutch and European cheeses, German meats and sausages, European baked goods made on the premises, various fine teas, jams, chocolates from all over Europe, and of course, Dutch food and Dutch groceries. Their line of fresh cheeses is extensive, including French Triple cream, Italian Taleggio, Swiss or French Gruyere, Spanish Manchego, Dutch Truffle Cheese, fresh Mozzarella, and many more. 481 Bantam Road.Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company – Fairfield, Cos Cobhttps://fairfieldcheese.com/Since 2009, Fairfield & Greenwich Cheese Company has brought the best American and European artisan cheeses to Fairfield County. Owners Laura Downey and Chris Palumbo are both Certified Cheese Professionals, and the shop has been named among the “Top 10 Most Iconic Cheese Shops in America.” From working behind the counter to instructing students at their cheese school, these cheesemongers are here to help people discover cheese. The shop incorporates a European-style cheese counter, charcuterie items, sandwiches, and a wide variety of pantry items and tinned seafood. Their monthly cheese club features three cheeses in a variety of styles and milk types. 2090 Post Road (Fairfield); 154 East Putnam Avenue (Cos Cob).Fromage Fine Foods and Coffees – Old Saybrookhttps://fromagefinefoods.com/Imagine a shop that carries 200 cheeses from around the globe, from Australia to Europe to the United States and Mexico, old world to new world, local and beyond. Hard cheeses, soft cheeses, crumbly cheese, cheese spreads. That is Fromage. This women-owned establishment specializes in cheese but also carries a massive inventory of gourmet goodies such as fresh breads, meats, pates, olives, coffees, teas, a nice freezer section, and giftware. Fromage is a hidden gem that will amaze you with its vast selection, expert recommendations, and unparalleled service. 873 Boston Post Road.Lavender Hills Farm - Canaanhttps://www.lavenderhillsfarmct.com/Kristie Laverdiere, owner of Lavender Hills Farm, knew being in the agricultural industry was the only path for her. In January 2023, she took over Lost Ruby Farm's cheese business and has spent the past three years working under the previous owners’ guidance to ensure her own cheese products are nothing but the best they possibly can be. She is currently milking ten goats and makes about a dozen different flavors of pasteurized chèvre, or goat cheese. From plain to garlic, smoky to honey lavender, seasonal flavors, and even a dessert chèvre, there’s a flavor for all, available for purchase at the farm. 26 Highland Lane.Liuzzi Cheese – Hamdenhttps://www.liuzzicheese.com/Founded in the United States in 1981 by Italian brothers Pasquale (Lino) and Nicola Liuzzi, fourth-generation cheese artisans, Liuzzi aims to share the rich traditions and flavors of their family heritage with an American audience. What began as a small market has grown into a thriving, family-run business known for its premium-quality cheeses and Italian specialty foods that are crafted using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients. While their cheese can be bought at many local markets, a trip to Hamden is well worth the drive. There you will find an incredible array of Italian specialty food products in addition to their fresh mozzarella, burrata, mascarpone, ricotta, stracciatella, grated and smoked cheeses, and curds. 86 Rossotto Drive.Madison Cheese Shop and Café – Madisonhttp://www.madisoncheese.comMadison Cheese Shop and Café is a local favorite owned by mother-son team Fawn Nebinger and Ian Hagerty. They carry a rotating selection of about eighty cheeses which they curate in an effort to please their customers’ varied palates. Opening in 2008 solely as a cheese shop, they quickly expanded with a cafe with seating, offering an extensive menu of cold sandwiches, grilled cheese, salads, and cheese plates, plus shelves packed with local foodstuffs that can be paired well with their cheeses. If you plan to dine there, an added bonus is that it is BYOB. 119 Samson Rock Drive.New Curds on the Block – Oakvillehttps://www.newcurdsontheblock.com/New Curds on The Block is a cut-to-order cheese shop specializing in cheeses from New England drawing largely from Connecticut producers and other nearby regional farms, and highlighting the unique flavors of the American Northeast. It is housed on the top floor of a three-story former factory from the early 1900s. They also offer charcuterie, artisan products, and fresh seafood at their Oakville market. Gift baskets are available. 900 Main Street.Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm – Lymehttps://beaverbrookfarm.com/Beaver Brook Farm has been home to the Sankow family since 1917. Situated on one hundred and seventy-five acres in Lyme, it is a sheep and cow dairy farm producing goods of the highest quality, particularly specialty lamb and beef cuts, ricotta-based cheese spreads, and farm-fresh sheep and cow’s milk cheeses. Their current cheese lineup includes nine different artisanal varieties, from their award-winning feta pesto cheese to aged sheep’s milk and aged Jersey cow’s milk cheeses, which can be found a select retail and farmers markets as well as at their farm which is named after the creek that runs through the property and into the Connecticut River. 139 Beaver Brook Road.Sorrento Importing – Fairfieldhttps://www.sorrentoimporting.com/For more than half a century, Sorrento Importing has been providing families with the most authentic Italian and Italian-American culinary treats across Fairfield county. Operated by Giuseppe and Gaetano Milazzo since its opening, Sorrento carries a wide selection of fresh and aged cheeses along with imported olive oils, vinegars, fresh and dried pastas, antipasto items, sweets, coffees, cold cuts, cured meats, and hand-crafted butcher items. They also bring in holiday and seasonal items, so there is always something new to discover. Their daily and catering menus include sandwiches, wraps, salads, oven-ready meals, stuffed breads, sweets, and party trays like “The Italian Cheese Board” and “Cheeses Americana for a Crowd.” 1838 Black Rock Turnpike.Sweet Pea Cheese – North Granbyhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Sweet-Pea-Cheese/100054515288154/Sweet Pea is a seventh-generation family-run dairy farm in North Granby. They offer a variety of products made from goat and cow milk, including fresh chevre seasoned with unique flavors like pear cardamom, herbs de Provence, and sundried tomato basil. They also carry fresh feta alongside other dairy products and soaps made from goat milk. Their products are available at their farm stand, local farmers markets, and restaurants. 151 East Street.
