San Antonio’s Best Cheese Shops and Deli Finds
San Antonio's cheese scene offers excellent options despite Willow's announced closure for late 2024. You'll find artisanal selections at Otto's Cheese Shop and locally crafted varieties from River Whey Creamery in nearby Schertz. Gourmage provides exceptional wine and cheese pairings with knowledgeable staff to guide your selections.
For charcuterie enthusiasts, The Board Couple and CheeseMé create impressive spreads with premium meats. Various venues like Casa Guipzot host tasting events where you can expand your cheese expertise.
Artisanal Treasures: Willow's and Otto's Specialty Selections
San Antonio's artisanal cheese landscape was forever changed by Willow's Cheese Shop, the city's first dedicated cheese emporium, which announced it would close on Christmas Eve 2024. This pioneering establishment offered not just specialty cheeses but a complete gourmet experience with curated meats, oils, and vinegars perfect for creating impressive charcuterie boards.
While Willow's legacy lives on through the culinary education it provided, Otto's Cheese Shop in nearby New Braunfels represents the next chapter in local deli innovation. Though specific details about Otto's offerings can vary by season and events, you'll find a strong selection of cheeses, board accompaniments, and pairing-focused experiences that support both everyday snacking and special occasions.
Both establishments have contributed to elevating the region's food culture, giving you access to premium ingredients that transform ordinary meals into extraordinary dining experiences. The shops also offered educational cheese pairing classes to help customers develop their palates and gourmet cooking skills.
Local Flavor: River Whey Creamery's Texas-Made Delights
Just a short drive from the city, River Whey Creamery stands as a symbol of Texas' growing artisanal cheese scene. Located in Schertz, owner Susan Riggs crafts exceptional raw milk cheeses that showcase terroir-driven innovation and European techniques adapted to Texas landscapes.
You'll find signature varieties like Indigo Ridge, a firm, aged raw-milk cheese known for its distinctive indigo wax rind, the creamy Whey Blue that appeals to both novices and aficionados, and their unique Indigo Ridge cheese which features a distinctive indigo wax rind. Their Italian-inspired Keystone offers versatility for cooking or pairing with fruit and wine.
With distribution expanding through major grocers and specialty shops, River Whey's growing regional reputation reflects the increasing appreciation for locally crafted cheeses. Order online for shipping nationwide or visit their Schertz facility for local pickup of these Texas treasures.
Perfect Pairings: Wine and Cheese Experiences at Gourmage
Connoisseurs and casual food lovers alike will find their palates delighted at Gourmage in nearby New Braunfels, where the art of pairing wine and cheese transcends rigid rules. The shop's pairing flexibility shines through their diverse selection of international and Texas-made cheeses alongside carefully curated wines available by glass or bottle.
You'll appreciate their customer education approach as knowledgeable staff guide you through complementary flavor profiles—perhaps suggesting a crisp white with creamy triple cream or a robust red with aged cheddar. This shop takes inspiration from pairing-forward events like those hosted by wine-and-cheese educators such as Le Velo Voyage, where themed menus are built to let the cheeses shine.
Settle at the bar with a "Cheesemonger's Choice" plate featuring three rotating selections accompanied by seasonal fruits, nuts, and fresh baguette. For a lighter experience, try their snack plates with Brie and salami.
Whether you're dining in or taking selections home, Gourmage transforms wine and cheese tasting into an accessible gourmet adventure.
Beyond the Basics: Gourmet Charcuterie and Accompaniments
The charcuterie revolution in San Antonio extends far beyond basic meat and cheese pairings, with five notable shops elevating this culinary art form. The Board Couple's commitment to unique sourcing shines through their curated selections and premium upgrade options.
For a thoughtfully arranged experience, visit CheeseMé, where artisan meats complement specialty cheeses with a visually packed presentation style. Honey & Pickle distinguishes itself by incorporating regional products that showcase San Antonio's culinary heritage.
When hosting special occasions, Across The Board customizes luxury grazing tables with savory-to-sweet progressions, ensuring your guests experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, remember that while refund policies vary by maker and order type, some shops may offer store credit toward a future charcuterie board.
Cheese Education: Classes and Tasting Events Around San Antonio
San Antonio's flourishing cheese scene extends beyond retail into immersive educational experiences where curious food lovers can expand their palates and knowledge. You'll find guided tastings at Casa Guipzot's annual "Wine & Cheese Day" and Rock and Rye's beer pairings, both offering expert insights into flavor complementarity. Casa Guipzot will be hosting their special event at their Zócalo location on July 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
For hands-on workshops, River Whey Creamery hosts tours where you'll discover cheese-making processes firsthand while sampling their artisanal creations. Texas Fine Wine's virtual and in-person events explore regional pairings through scheduled tastings and special collaborations.
For something more personalized, San Antonio Tours crafts custom tasting experiences suited to your expertise level. Or book San Antonio Food Experiences for a private, customized food tour, where your group can build an itinerary that highlights artisanal makers and regional flavors.
Gift-Worthy Finds: Curated Cheese Boxes and Subscription Services
When seeking the perfect gift for food enthusiasts in your life, cheese subscription boxes offer a delightful option that continues giving long after the initial presentation. Most services deliver three artisanal half-pound cuts monthly, often featuring selections from specific regions like Italy or France, or highlighting American artisan producers.
For approximately $200, you'll find 3-month prepaid subscriptions, though longer commitments provide better value. Many customized cheese subscriptions include educational cards detailing origins, production methods, and pairing suggestions.
Consider whether your recipient would appreciate services that include extensive background literature like Zingerman's 8-10 page notes with a three-ring binder. You'll also discover seasonal specialty box selections that rotate themes throughout the year.
Look for subscriptions that include accompaniments like crackers and jams, or those offering flexible scheduling options. Some even enhance the experience with curated playlists and exclusive online resources for cheese aficionados.
