Being a cheesemonger is about much more than cutting cheese. It's understanding how every cheese is made, how it should be cared for, what it pairs with, and most importantly, where it's going. A picnic, a wedding, a holiday table, or dinner on the back deck all call for something different. That's why we spend so much time tasting, learning, and talking about cheese—so we can help you find exactly the right one.

This Week From Our Cheese Case

Every Great Cheese Board Has a Centerpiece

Not the cheese that quietly sits in the corner waiting its turn, but the one that draws everyone in. The one people gather around, talk about, and inevitably ask, "What is this?"

This week we're featuring what we like to call centerpiece cheeses—beautiful, ready-to-serve cheeses that require almost no preparation. No slicing, no arranging, no fuss. Simply unwrap them, place them on your favorite board or plate, add a fresh baguette, a handful of crackers or seasonal fruit, and let the cheese do the rest.

A few of our favorites this week include:

Kunik Mini – A decadent triple cream made with goat's milk and rich Jersey cow cream. Silky, buttery, and always one of the first cheeses to disappear.

Harbison – Jasper Hill Farm's iconic spruce-wrapped cheese from Vermont. At its peak, it's luxuriously creamy and practically begs for a spoon and a warm baguette.

Crémeux des Cîteaux – Carefully selected by renowned French affineur Rodolphe Le Meunier, this rich bloomy rind cheese is silky, elegant, and beautifully balanced. One of those cheeses that quietly becomes everyone's favorite.

Le Pico – A petite goat's milk cheese that's bright, fresh, and wonderfully approachable. Proof that great things often come in small packages.

RÉO Camembert – A true French classic from Normandy. Rich, earthy, and beautifully creamy, it's everything a traditional Camembert should be.

The best part? There's almost nothing to do. Unwrap, pour a great bottle of wine, and enjoy.

These are the cheeses we reach for when life moves outdoors. Tuck one into a picnic basket alongside one of our made-to-order sandwiches, pack it for a day on the boat, or bring it to Concerts in the Park with a fresh baguette and your favorite bottle of wine. They're just as perfect on the back porch as they are at the beach, beside the lake, or around the campfire.

Sometimes we spend too much time trying to create the perfect spread, when all we really need is one exceptional cheese, good bread, a bottle of wine, and people we enjoy being around.

We'll help you find the centerpiece.

We're Taking the Long Way...

For years, Monica and I have believed that some of life's best memories happen somewhere between the driveway and the dinner table.

Whether we're chasing a forgotten back road, discovering a family-run café, finding an artisan cheesemaker, or simply wandering into a place we never expected, we've always believed the journey is every bit as important as the destination.

We've been quietly working on something that's very close to our hearts—an opportunity to share the roads worth driving, the memorable meals worth stopping for, and the stories that happen somewhere in between. Of course, Bandit has already appointed himself Chief Co-Pilot and quality control for every stop along the way.

We're not quite ready to pull the cover off just yet, but we're excited to bring you along for the ride.

Until then... keep the tank full, the camera handy, and don't be afraid to take the scenic route.

The road is the point. The destination is the reward.

Stay tuned...

Gary's Saturday Tasting

Saturday • 12–5 pm • Ridgefield

Some wines become part of your story.

Others become impossible to replace.

This Saturday Gary will be pouring two wines that mean a little something extra to us.

La Mesma Gavi 2024 is more than just one of Italy's great white wines. Crisp, bright, and wonderfully food-friendly, it's also the wine Monica and I chose to serve at our wedding 23 years ago. Every time we open a bottle it brings back memories of that day and reminds us why Gavi has remained one of our favorite whites all these years later.

Alongside it is the Pomponette Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé 2025, a Provençal rosé that completely won us over. Earlier this summer the winery announced they had released just four additional cases. We didn't hesitate—we grabbed every bottle we could because we knew we'd want to share it with you. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Whether you're looking for your next favorite summer white or the rosé you'll wish you had bought another bottle of, stop by Saturday between 12 and 5. Gary will have both open and would love to pour you a taste.

Sometimes the best wines aren't just the ones that score well—they're the ones that become part of your own story.

No two gatherings are exactly alike, and neither are our platters.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, heading out on the boat, celebrating a birthday, or feeding a crowd, every platter begins with a conversation. What do you love? Who are you feeding? From there, our cheesemongers build something that's uniquely yours.

The platter pictured here is one of our recent custom creations, thoughtfully assembled with artisan cheeses, artisan charcuterie, fresh grapes, dried fruit, and all the little touches that make people gather around the table.

Whether it's for two or two hundred, we'll create a platter that's just right. Bring your favorite board, let us use one of ours, or simply stop in and say, "Have fun with it." Those are some of our favorite words to hear.

Because the best gatherings always seem to begin around a great platter.

You'll occasionally spot us out exploring Connecticut's back roads in our 1942 Dodge pickup. She's been part of our family for more than 20 years and still reminds us that the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. If you see us, give us a wave—we're probably on our way to discover something delicious.

Bandit's Corner

Hi friends,

Bandit Monkey Brown here.

I've been spending a lot of time looking out the window lately.

Not because I'm bored...

I'm just wondering what the Dog Days of Summer have in store for me.

Will there be more boat rides?

Picnics?

Hikes through the woods?

Maybe even a swim or two?

I'm game for just about anything.

The funny thing is, as I'm getting older—I'm about eight months old now—I'm starting to appreciate the little things just as much as the big adventures.

Sitting on the couch with Mom and Dad.

Running laps around the property.

Watching the birds and squirrels from my favorite window.

And then there's something called a binky.

If you don't know what a binky is, imagine a frozen puppy popsicle stuffed with all kinds of delicious things. It comes out of the freezer, keeps me busy for a while, and makes me think life is pretty wonderful.

Speaking of wonderful...

I have a new favorite game.

I sneak over, grab one of Mom or Dad's napkins, and take off running around the house like I've just won the Puppy Olympics.

They chase me.

I zig.

I zag.

I'm convinced they'll never catch me.

Eventually they stop chasing and offer me something they call a cookie exchange.

I drop the napkin...

They give me a cookie.

Everybody wins.

Although I did overhear them telling someone it's becoming a "bad habit."

I don't know what they're talking about.

Seems like a perfectly fair trade to me.

So here's my Bandit thought for the week...

Don't spend all your time waiting for the next big adventure.

Sometimes the best moments are the little ones.

A quiet afternoon.

A walk with someone you love.

A frozen binky.

A boat ride at sunset.

Or a cookie exchanged for a napkin.

Life has a funny way of reminding us that happiness doesn't have to be complicated.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I just spotted a squirrel.

Or maybe a napkin.

Either way, I'm on it.

See you all soon at 109.

With tail wags, zoomies, and one eye always on the cookie jar,

Bandit Monkey Brown

Assistant Cheesemonger

Newly appointed Vice President of Cookie Negotiations

Platter orders can be placed online making it super easy!

Place your orders for all of the family events and gatherings!

Let's get out and drive! WKNDDRVR and 109 Cheese in Kent are the perfect destination

breathe, eat cheese, get home,

drink wine and repeat if needed.

Organic /Biodynamic / Sustainable

It's what we strive for in all our shops.

The less ingredients the better!

Come visit us and see!

Come visit us at WKNDDRVR and let's talk about cars, detailing, automotive art and so much more.

Do you need a Rally / Pit stop? We have great parking, bathrooms and food! Let us help you coordinate a great driving event. Any questions about the gallery?

Email Us

Come have lunch and sit in the gallery and enjoy!

We are now carrying CarPro and Griot's Garage automotive cleaning and maintenance products in our gallery

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Come check out the new exhibit by Richard James in our gallery now.

Also, we have the continuation work from

Chuck Queener

Steve Klucik

Bryan McCarthy

Ridgefield Cheese shop Phone 203 438 5757

Kent Cheese shop and Gallery phone 860 592-0366

Wine shop phone 203 438 5767

Thank you for supporting and believing in us and your continued encouragement.

Monica, Todd & Bandit Brown