Mapping Flavor: An International Cheese & Wine Journey

Join Meg and Josh from The Cheese Shop in Concord, MA for a decadent, five-stop tasting tour of the world's most renown cheese and wine regions.

Journey through France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the USA as you learn what makes each pairing sing, uncovering how the variations in terroir impact flavor. Discover the secrets behind different production techniques, discuss the varied flavor profiles, and learn additional pairings from two experts in the field.

The cheeses and wines pairings will be:

• France: 30 Month aged Comte a hard alpine style cheese, nutty and caramelized with lots of crunchy crystals. Paired with 2022 Le Freud Pinot Noir Eleve En Piece De Chene Pinot Noir from Alsace flavors of red fruit and earth, enhancing aged Comte’s nutty and savory qualities.
• Italy: La Tur a super creamy, soft Italian cheese made from a mix of cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk. Paired with Borgo Lame Roero Arneis This crisp Roero Arneis from Piedmont has notes of stone fruit and citrus with a mineral finish. The acidity from the Arneis balances out the richness of the La Tur.
• Spain: Payoyo a sheep and cows milk blend Manchego style paired with Microcosmico Garnacha Microcosmico Garnacha offers a bright, fruity sip. It’s smooth and fresh, allowing the nutty, grassy and earthy notes of the cheese to come through.
• Portugal: Serra de Estrella a bright yogurty and spoonable sheep's milk cheese paired with Esporão Reserva White Esporao Reserva has creamy, toasty and herbaceous notes that harmonize with the cheese.
• USA: Oma a supple funky washed rind cheese from Vermont paired with Union Sacre 2024 Blanc/Gris skin contact The Blanc/Gris has delicate tannins from the skin contact, which pairs well with the cheese’s buttery texture.

Each person will receive a 2oz portion of each cheese and a 1.5oz pour of wine during the class. Attendees will also take home a small assortment of groceries from The Cheese Shop, including honey, crackers, cookies, and jam.

About The Cheese Shop:

The Cheese Shop in Concord, Massachusetts is a beloved historical landmark and true staple of the community, proudly serving locals and visitors since 1967. Known for its exceptional selection of specialty cheese and charcuterie from around the world, it also boasts a wide selection of wines, specialty grocery, and a bustling deli with a from scratch kitchen. Warm, welcoming, and wonderfully curated, it remains a cherished destination for food lovers of every kind.

About Meg:

Meghan, the cheese manager and buyer at The Cheese Shop, has been an essential part of the team since 2020. Meg leads the cheesemongers with her signature blend of personality, passion, and expertise. With an extensive culinary background and a true love for all things gourmet, she brings both skill and heart to every selection in the cheese case. Her enthusiasm for great cheese and exceptional food elevates the shop and inspires the team every day. She loves her cats, Tuna and Cheddar.

About Josh:

Josh took over The Cheese Shop in 2024, bringing a wealth of expertise and fresh energy to this beloved Concord institution. With almost two decades of experience running both specialty food importing and manufacturing companies, he has a deep knowledge of gourmet products and an exceptional palate for cheese. His fun, charismatic personality and genuine passion for great food make him a natural fit for the shop, welcoming customers with both expertise and enthusiasm. He has reluctantly become a bird lover because of his wife’s passion for all things ornithology.

Please note: if for any reason a class needs to be cancelled, we will postpone to another date. Refunds will be given to those unable to make the new date.