We are pleased to feature some of the state’s finest cheeses this week, and you can read all about our Gourmet Cheese Coordinator, Wade Johnson’s experience as a judge this year HERE.

While we were preparing to celebrate these award-winning cheeses, Wade took some time with our Wine & Liquor Coordinator, Josh Kirchhoff, to create some special pairings with this week’s featured wines. (Check out the pairings below.)

Last but definitely not least, we wrap up this delicious, flavor-filled adventure with a tantalizing list of accompaniments to support you in creating your own tasty alfresco celebration of life in the Golden State and Sonoma County. Without further ado, let’s get to it!

Winning Cheeses and Wines

Check out one or all of these fantastic match-ups, or create some of your own!

Note: All quoted prices are in effect through July 15, 2025 at all four Sonoma County Oliver’s Market locations.

Pairing Number One: Cowgirl Creamery Wagon Wheel, $21.99/lb., Double Gold + Hendry Albariño, 2024 Napa Valley, $19.99+CRV

Notes: “This pairing is rich and vibrant. The Albariño brings bright, citrusy flavors and a touch of saltiness that lift the smooth, buttery texture of the cheese. Together, they create a refreshing and satisfying contrast. A delightful combination!”

Pairing Number Two: Marin French Cheese Company Golden Gate, 8 oz. Package, $9.99/ea., Double Gold + Highway 12 Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 California, $12.99+CRV

Notes: “This duo is fresh and lively. The wine’s crisp citrus flavors balance out the rich, creamy cheese, while also bringing out earthy, garden-like notes from the cheese’s rind. You might even catch a hint of savory mushroom in the mix. A fun and flavorful pairing!”

Pairing Number Three: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Aged Gouda $25.99/lb., Double Gold + Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Sonoma County, $17.99+CRV

Notes: “A bold and tasty match. The rich, fruity Cabernet stands up well to the deep, nutty flavor of the aged Gouda. The wine highlights the little crunchy bits (tyrosine crystals) in the cheese and brings out its sweeter, caramel-like notes. Get ready for a delicious burst of flavor!”

Other “Best of California” Artisan Cheese Winners

We are featuring these award-winning cheeses through the month of July, so stop in soon to learn more about them and try a sample!

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Bay Blue, $19.99/lb. Double Gold
“Inspired by the beauty of the local coastline, Bay Blue is a mild blue cheese that brings a mellow, balanced flavor profile to the table. Its subtle sweetness leads to its delightful finish reminiscent of salted caramel.”

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Locarno, $19.99/lb., Silver
“Committed to sustainable agriculture since 1919, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company’s Ranch sits on 1150 acres of certified organic pastures. Locarno, one of Nicasio Valley’s many amazing certified organic cheeses is a bloomy-rind cheese with a luscious creamline, and a denser paste as you move closer to the center. As it ripens, the heart of the cheese becomes creamier, and a subtle nuance of mushroom develops in the flavor profile.”

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Quinta, $21.99/lb., Double Gold
“Wrapped in spruce bark and topped with bay leaves, this striking bloomy-rind cheese develops a decadently spoonable texture as it matures. During the ripening process, the spruce bark that’s gently wrapped around each wheel imparts a woodsy flavor tone into the cheese, adding additional layers of complexity to the flavor profile.”

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Jalapeno Foggy Morning, $19.99/lb., Gold
“Now available with jalapeno, Foggy Morning is an organic fresh cheese with a bright and tangy flavor profile. Without being overly spicy, there’s just enough heat to add a little kick to these mildly delicious rounds of fresh cheese.”

Marin French Cheese Company Camembert, 8 oz. Package, $8.99/ea., Gold
“Marin French Cheese has been hand-crafting their camembert since 1904. Using different cultures than their traditional brie, the camembert develops earth flavors and an aroma of mushroom as it ages.”

Gina Marie Farmers Cheese, 16 oz. Package, $4.99/ea., Double Gold
“Gina Marie’s Farmer’s Cheese boasts a rich, slightly tangy, milky flavor. This probiotic farmer’s cheese sports a spreadable texture and is perfect to stuff peppers with, serve alongside stone fruit, enjoy with smoked salmon, or to have as a standalone treat.”

Gina Marie Old Fashioned Cream Cheese, 8 oz. Package $3.99/ea., Gold
“Made with 3 simple ingredients, cultured milk, cream and salt, Gina Marie Old Fashioned Cream Cheese stands out in a crowd. Whether for a cheesecake, incorporated into a mac and cheese, or simply served on a bagel with smoked salmon, this old-fashioned cream cheese won’t disappoint.”

Delicious Accompaniments

We asked our buyers to gather some great items for enjoying alfresco in a picnic or light dinner, or on a charcuterie board. Here is what they found for us, all at special pricing this week.

• Modenaceti Balsamic Glaze, 6.76 oz. Bottle, $5.99
• Pearls Specialties Olives, Selected Varieties, 6-7 oz. Jar, $2.99
• Niman Ranch Sliced Prosciutto, 3 oz. Package, $4.49
• Raymond Sourdough Baguette, 8 oz. Loaf, $2.49
• Oliver’s Kitchen Artichoke Pasta Salad, $6.99/lb. (found in our Chef’s Case)
• California Olive Ranch 100% California Olive Oil, 25.4 oz. Bottle, $17.99
• Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish, Selected Varieties, 4.2 oz. Tin, $3.99
• White Donut Peaches, Grown by Kingsburg Orchards in California, $2.99/lb.
• Yellow Peaches & Nectarines, Grown by Kingsburg Orchards in California, $2.49/lb.
• Organic Cantaloupe, Grown by Access in Southern California, 99¢/lb.
• Organic Purple Cherokee Heirloom Tomatoes, Grown by Tutti Frutti in Santa Barbara, CA, $3.99/lb.
• Organic Blackberries, 6 oz. Container, Grown by Tomatero in Watsonville, CA, $3.99/ea.
• Organic Cucumbers, Grown by Divine in Mexico, 99¢/ea.
• Seppi Sparkling Wine, 2018 California, $16.99+CRV

A Toast to Summer’s Bounty

We hope this brings you some delicious inspiration for your next picnic, party, or other summer outing. As always, our team of knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you in finding the ingredient, cheese, wine, or taste you are seeking.

Happy summer from everyone at Oliver’s Market!