Andy Montoya
Victoria has a lot to offer when it comes to cheese, from rustic blue cheese to award-winning farmhouse-style cheeses and traditional Italian varieties. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of options for tasting and purchasing cheese in Victoria. You can visit cheese shops, such as Charelli's Cheese Shop Delicatessen, The Cheese Box, and That's Amore, or head to the farm gates of cheesemakers like Bassine Speciality Cheeses and Yarra Valley Dairy for a more rustic experience. For those looking to indulge, there are also cheese and wine pairings at Milk the Cow and Stage Wine Bar. With its growing cheese culture, Victoria is a destination worth seeking out for cheese lovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Blue Cheese |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized Cow Milk, Sheep Milk |
| Fat Content | 35% |
| Aging Period | 2 Months |
| Flavor | Earthy, Salty |
| Texture | Soft |
| Color | Golden Rind |
| Aroma | Strong |
| Pairings | Sweet Wine |
| Use Cases | Cheese Boards, Baking |
| Availability | Local Markets, Cheese Shops, Restaurants |
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What You'll Learn
Victoria cheese tasting in British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia, has a burgeoning cheese culture, with a growing cheese knowledge, strong community support for local producers, and a variety of outlets for buying artisan dairy products. The city is now a destination for cheese lovers.
One of the best ways to experience Victoria cheese is to visit the farms and cheesemakers themselves. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks on Morningstar Farm in Parksville offers a self-guided tour where you can visit the creamery's cows, learn about its history in the "Mooseum", and sample cheese and wine. The farm is open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm, except on major holidays. Another cheesemaker to visit is Natural Pastures Cheese Co. in Courtenay, which has a cheese shop and tasting room that welcomes visitors most days.
For those who want to taste a variety of cheeses from different producers, there are several restaurants and bars in Victoria that offer cheese plates and boards. Stage Wine Bar is a neighbourhood spot that serves small plates, cocktails, and wines by the bottle or glass. They offer a build-your-own cheese plate option, with a card listing the currently available cheeses, many of which are locally made. Bodega, located at the mouth of the historic Trounce Alley, serves tapas and small plates, including a cheese and charcuterie board. For a more local experience, 10 Acres uses produce grown on its own company-owned farm or sourced from other local purveyors. Chateau Victoria's Vista 18 restaurant, located on the 18th floor, offers snacks like goat cheese flatbread and beer cheese soup, along with a view.
If you're looking for a more educational experience, L'Apéro Cheese Experience at Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen offers a chance to learn about 15 unique cheeses from B.C., Quebec, France, Spain, and Holland. Guillaume Kieffer, the shop's former cheesemonger, leads the tasting and shares his knowledge of the nuances of cheese flavours, from citrusy and fruity to nutty and earthy.
With its mix of local cheesemakers, dedicated communities, and diverse tasting opportunities, Victoria, British Columbia, offers a delightful journey for cheese enthusiasts.
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Victoria cheese and wine pairings
Victoria is a semi-soft, creamy cheese with a white crust and a buttery flavour. It is often compared to Brie and Camembert. When it comes to wine pairings, there are some general rules to follow. Firstly, wines and cheeses from the same region usually complement each other well. For example, a French cheese like Brie is best paired with a French wine like Champagne. Secondly, look for textural contrasts between the cheese and wine. Fresh, lighter cheeses go well with crisp, lighter wines, while heavier, denser cheeses are better suited to bigger, bolder wines. Lastly, it is recommended to always taste the wine before the cheese for the optimum effect.
With these principles in mind, here are some specific wine pairings for Victoria cheese:
- Sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco, are excellent choices for cutting through the creaminess of Victoria cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
- White wines, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can also be a good match for Victoria cheese, especially if they have crisp, acidic profiles that contrast with the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Light-bodied red wines, such as Gamay or Beaujolais, can provide an interesting contrast to the buttery flavour of Victoria cheese, adding a fruity or earthy twist to the pairing.
- For those who prefer rosé wines, a crisp, dry variety could be a good option to pair with Victoria cheese, offering a refreshing alternative to the more common red and white wine pairings.
Remember, wine and cheese pairing is subjective, and personal preferences may vary. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings!
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Cheese shops in Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC, is home to a thriving cheese scene, with a growing cheese culture, strong community support for local producers, and numerous outlets for buying artisan dairy products. Here are some of the top cheese shops in the city:
Charelli's Cheese Shop & Delicatessen
A well-loved cheese shop and delicatessen in Victoria, Charelli's has expanded over the years to include a large selection of cocktail-making accessories, housewares, and unique, high-end food products. They specialize in event planning and catering and are known for their exceptional service and creations. Charelli's offers a range of gourmet gift baskets and curated selections of cookbooks and housewares, in addition to their extensive cheese and deli offerings.
Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen
The oldest cheese shop in Victoria, Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen, offers a wide variety of cheeses, including imported options, totaling over 200. Their selection includes standout Quebec cheeses, such as the Grey Owl ash-coated goat cheese, Avonlea clothbound Cheddar from Prince Edward Island, and washed-rind Blue and Brie cheeses from Upper Bench Winery & Creamery.
Natural Pastures Cheese Company
Natural Pastures Cheese Company has an Artisan Cheese Shop located at their cheese factory in Courtenay on Vancouver Island. They offer a full line of handcrafted cow and water buffalo milk cheeses, including seasonal treats exclusive to their store. Their cheese experts are always happy to help customers choose the perfect cheese and provide tasty samples.
L'Apéro Wine & Cheese Bistro
L'Apéro is a wine bar and shop in Victoria that showcases a diverse range of cheeses, providing expert advice to enhance customers' tasting skills. They offer guidance on discovering cheeses based on seasons and local availabilities and even share the story behind each cheese. L'Apéro has a shop and an online store where customers can find everything needed to build delicious cheese boards. They also provide delivery services.
The Root Cellar
Part farmers' market and part grocery store, The Root Cellar offers a wide range of local, seasonal, and organic produce, as well as an extensive selection of dairy products. Their deli manager, Liv Kosub, curates two cheese cases, featuring local producers and unique offerings, such as goat cheese from Smits & Co. and Natural Pastures' water buffalo milk cheeses.
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Victoria cheese-making process
Victoria has a rich cheese culture, with several cheesemakers across the state offering cheese-making classes and tastings. The process of making cheese is an ancient one, with its roots in Europe, but each region, local tradition, and terroir imparts a unique character to the cheese.
The first step in the cheesemaking process is to receive milk from the farm, which is then pasteurized before the cheesemaking begins. The milk is coagulated with heat, bacterial cultures, and rennet, and then pressed and preserved with salt. Some cheeses are made fresh each morning and sold before noon, while others are aged for several months. Farmhouse cheeses are made on dairy farms, while others are produced in large facilities from pooled milk and shipped worldwide.
The Milawa Cheese Company in Victoria's High Country combines European tradition with Aussie innovation to create award-winning artisan cheeses. Their popular King River Gold cheese is made from cow's milk, non-animal rennet, cultures, and salt. The rind is regularly washed by hand to prevent mould growth and encourage the growth of Brevi Bacterium Linens, which gives the cheese its golden rind and distinctive aroma.
The Little Qualicum Cheeseworks in Victoria also makes farmstead cheeses using milk from their own dairy cows. Natural Pastures in Comox creates a variety of cheeses from local buffalo milk, including brie, mozzarella, paneer, Comox Brie, Camembert, Verdelait, and Aged Farmhouse cheeses. The Salt Spring Island Cheese Company specializes in tangy goat cheeses, such as molded chèvre with herbs, spices, and flowers, and the white and blue Juliette.
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Victoria cheese-inspired dishes
Victoria cheese is a rustic blue cheese made with a blend of cow and sheep milk. It has a distinct earthiness and saltiness that becomes more pronounced with ageing. Here are some Victoria cheese-inspired dishes and ideas on how to use it:
Cheese Platters and Boards
Create a stunning cheese platter or board with Victoria cheese as the star. Pair it with crackers, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, honey, and jams. For a more substantial offering, add some charcuterie meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or cured sausages.
Salads and Appetizers
Crumble or grate Victoria cheese over a bed of mixed greens, walnuts, and sliced apples, and a vinaigrette dressing for a tasty salad. It can also be used in appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or phyllo cups filled with cheese, honey, and thyme.
Pasta and Risotto
Add chunks of Victoria cheese to pasta dishes, like a creamy penne with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes or a hearty risotto with mushrooms and peas. The cheese will melt and create a rich, indulgent sauce.
Soups
Victoria cheese can be a delicious addition to soups, such as a creamy tomato soup or a hearty potato and leek soup. Add it towards the end of cooking to retain its flavour and texture.
Sandwiches and Paninis
Grill paninis with Victoria cheese, sliced apples, and arugula on multigrain bread. It also pairs well with ham or turkey in a classic sandwich, providing a creamy texture and a flavour boost.
Desserts
While savoury dishes are more common, Victoria cheese can be used in desserts too. Try it in a cheesecake or a fruit and cheese plate, where the sweetness of the fruit complements the salty cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Victoria cheese is a rustic blue cheese made with a blend of pasteurized cow and sheep milk. It has a distinct earthiness and saltiness that becomes more pronounced with ageing.
Some cheese shops in Victoria include Charelli's Cheese Shop Delicatessen, The Cheese Box, The Farmer's Daughter, Appel Farms Cheese, and The Roost Garden Market.
Some restaurants in Victoria that serve cheese-focused dishes include Bodega, The Tapa Bar, and Chateau Victoria’s Vista 18.
Some cheese makers in Victoria include Bassine Speciality Cheeses, That’s Amore, and Salt Spring Island Cheese Co.
Some popular types of cheese in Victoria include King River Gold, brie, camembert, parmigiano, gouda, and marinated feta.
