Best Cheese Shops in Sacramento

Did you know January 20 is National Cheese Lovers Day? It is a day devoted to all the cheesy goodness that is such an integral part of our diet. Whether you just prefer a good cheddar on your sandwich or are a connoisseur of fine European fromage, do your part and celebrate National Cheese Day this year. If you are looking for select places to purchase gourmet cheese in Sacramento, check out one of these area cheese shops.

If you are from Sacramento, Corti Brothers is likely one of the first places that comes to mind for cheese. Earning a reputation as one of the top specialty grocery stores in the area, the cheese selection here is impressive. And one of the best elements – look for flavor descriptions and beverage pairing suggestions on the labels.

Taylor's Market
2900 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 443-6881
www.taylorsmarket.comAnother landmark in Sacramento, Taylor's Market is the spot for gourmet cheeses. The collection here is a bit more eclectic, ranging from some interesting domestic finds to gourmet international specialties. A standout offering in times past includes a domestic cheddar rubbed with coffee and lavender.

Related: Best Italian Delis in the Sacramento Area

Whole Foods
4315 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
(916) 488-2800
www.wholefoodsmarket.comThe benefit of picking up cheese at Whole Foods is volume. Because Whole Foods is such a big chain, it has the ability to stock an overwhelming selection of cheese – over 500 varieties in some cases. Did you know employees take online cheese courses through Whole Foods University? Try not to get sidetracked by the accompaniments like caviar, chocolate, gourmet honeys and even Lambrusco wine jelly.

Nugget Market
2000 Town Center Plaza
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 375-8700
www.nuggetmarket.comWhile Nugget Market may also be a regional chain, it stocks an impressive selection of gourmet cheeses. The Davis location is said to stock over 200 varieties. And similar to Corti Brothers, look for some flavor profiles listed on shelves for those who may not be entirely familiar with what each cheese tastes like. A personal recommendation is Piave Vecchio. Similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano, Piave is a nutty, pasteurized cow milk cheese from Veneto in northern Italy. Nugget Market can also make customized cheese platters for special events and gatherings. Perhaps a National Cheese Lovers Day party?

Dedrick's Cheese
312 Main St.
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 344-8282
www.dedrickscheese.comHead out to Placerville to Dedrick's Cheese and check out its gourmet selection of over 300 cheeses, fresh breads, meats and more. Dedrick's Cheese focuses on artisanal, farmstead and premium cheeses, including many award-winning varieties from boutique producers in California and international cheese makers. Be sure to check out the selection of gourmet sheep cheeses, including Fleur du Maquis, meaning "flower of the underbrush," with its thicket of herbs, dried peppers and mold that make up its aromatic rind.

Erin De Santiago is a freelance travel and food/wine writer and photographer from Sacramento, California. She is a regional membership coordinator for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and writes for a number of publications in addition to publishing her own blogs. She has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.