How to Buy Great Cheese: You Guide to Delicious Discovery

Buying cheese should never feel intimidating. In fact, it should be one of life’s small but joyful adventures—a delicious quest for your next favorite flavor. Whether you’re standing in front of a packed cheese case at your local shop or exploring our curated selection online, here’s how to choose cheese with confidence and curiosity.

1. Befriend Your Cheesemonger (or Your Wedgely Curator!)

If you’re at a specialty shop or market, your cheesemonger is your secret weapon. Ask questions! Ask for tastes! Tell them what you’re planning—whether it’s a solo snack, a romantic date night, or a festive dinner party—and let them guide you. The best cheesemongers are flavor matchmakers, and they love connecting people with cheeses they’ll adore.

And here at Wedgely, we like to think of ourselves as your personal cheese curators. Our selections are carefully chosen to take you on a journey of taste, and our detailed tasting notes and pairing suggestions are designed to help you discover new favorites.

2. Buy for the Moment, Savor the Now

Cheese is a living thing, and many varieties are best enjoyed fresh or within a week or two of purchase. Don’t buy in bulk unless you're prepping for a party or know you’ll devour it quickly (we get it!). Instead, focus on selecting the perfect amount for your immediate enjoyment and let your next cheese experience be just around the corner.

• Fresh cheese? Enjoy it within a few days to experience its delicate flavors at their peak.
• Aged wedge? You’ve got a bit more time to savor its complex notes, but don’t let it languish in your fridge.

3. Don’t Judge a Cheese by Its Rind (Embrace the Unexpected)

That rustic gray coating? Totally normal! That orange, gooey edge? Probably intentional, and delicious! Rinds vary wildly in texture, color, and aroma—and they’re often edible (but not always delicious).

When exploring cheeses in person, ask your cheesemonger which rinds are meant to be enjoyed and which are best trimmed away. And when you shop with Wedgely, we’ll always provide you with the information you need to make the most of every bite.

4. Trust Your Senses: A Flavor Adventure

Let your senses guide you. If you’re shopping in person, take a moment to smell the cheese. Observe its texture. Is it oozy and decadent? Crumbly and rustic? Silky and smooth? Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample if that’s an option.

And when you're browsing our Wedgely selections, immerse yourself in our detailed tasting notes and customer reviews. Look for the flavor profiles that speak to you—whether you're drawn to buttery richness, nutty complexity, earthy depths, or tangy brightness.

5. Explore the World of Milk

Cow, goat, sheep, buffalo—each milk type brings its own unique character to the cheese:

• Cow’s milk: Classic and approachable, offering a wide range of flavors and textures.
• Goat’s milk: Tangy, bright, and sometimes with a subtle citrusy zing.
• Sheep’s milk: Rich, nutty, and buttery, often with a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Buffalo’s milk: Creamy and intense, the foundation of true mozzarella di bufala.

We encourage you to explore the diversity of milk types in our Wedgely boxes and discover your personal preferences.

6. Read the Label: Your Cheese Passport

A cheese label is your passport to understanding its origins and characteristics. Look for:

• The milk type: Your guide to flavor and texture.
• Country of origin: A hint at the cheese's heritage and terroir.
• Pasteurized or raw: Information about the milk's treatment.
• Style or texture: Clues about what to expect on your palate.
• Age (young, aged, etc.): An indication of flavor intensity and complexity.

But remember: Even within these categories, flavor can vary dramatically. A mild Brie and a funky Brie can both be incredibly delicious—just in different ways.

7. Embrace the Seasons: Cheese in Its Prime

Yes, cheese has a season! Fresh, bright chèvre shines in spring, while rich, complex Alpine styles reach their peak in fall. Shopping seasonally means you’re experiencing cheese at its most flavorful—and often supporting smaller producers who work in harmony with nature's rhythms. We at Wedgely strive to bring you the best of each season.

Wedgely's Philosophy: Shop With Your Eyes, Your Heart, and Your Taste Buds

At Wedgely, we believe that the most rewarding cheese experiences come when you follow your instincts and embrace your cravings. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Never tried a washed rind? Go for it! Always skip the blues? Give one a chance—you might be surprised.

Every cheese tells a story: of the land, the animals, the cheesemaker's art, and the passage of time. Let your next wedge, whether from a local shop or a Wedgely's curated cheese box delivery, be a delicious new chapter in your own culinary story.