CHEESE BOX 80 –

November 25

Welcome to our Cheese box 80 – November 25! 

FAREWELL KERVELLA

Another curveball with the mixed news that Kervella Cheese is closing, as Gabrielle and Alan head towards a well earned retirement. You can read more about them and their story on our website. Gabrielle and Alan standout in the New Zealand artisan cheesemaking community because they both have decades of cheesemaking experience in Europe and elsewhere. The most common story of NZ cheese makers is motivated mid-career people deciding to pursue their dream of making great cheese. The Kervella folk started in NZ fully formed. Their cheeses can be ethereal – including the Essence we have included this month – and we will miss them very much. We still have a few dozen other excellent cheesemakers in NZ though!

🎄 LIMITED EDITION CHRISTMAS CHEESE BOX

We’ve just curated our 2025 Limited Edition Christmas Cheese Box and it’s now available for order! This year again, it’s a festive selection that celebrates the best of New Zealand’s artisan cheesemakers.

This limited-edition box features a delicious mix of four small-batch cheeses, a gourmet new range of locally made Black Truffle crackers, and of course our tasting and pairing notes. All beautifully packed and ready to share (or keep for yourself!). Our Christmas boxes sell out fast every year, so if you’re keen to enjoy one or gift one, we recommend ordering early to secure yours. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season, whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Order yours at  thecheesewheel.co.nz/christmas-cheese-box or contact us directly for larger orders.

VERY OLD EDAM – FROM MAHOE

Tucked away in the Bay of Islands, Mahoe Cheese is a true family-run operation that’s been crafting award-winning cheeses since 1986. Using fresh milk from their own herd of Friesian-cross cows, one of the team’s cheese specialities is their very old Edam. A lovely aged cheese, this is a little salty, nutty, and quite mild. It goes perfectly with spring cherries, as it does with a dark beer, a pinot noir, or a cherry juice.

Region: Northland. Type of milk: cow

ESSENCE – FROM KERVELLA

Delicate, soft to semi-hard cheese and with a mushroom aroma, wonderful mouth feel, and a sweet and sour after-taste, this is peak cheese. Eat from your fingers or smeared on some fresh bread, enjoy with a glass of champagne, a light lager, or kombucha.

Region: Golden Bay. Type of milk: cow

SMOKED HAVARTI – FROM JONES FAMILY FARM

Havarti is very versatile and even more moreish when smoked. This sheep cheese goes well with apple juice, a sour ale, or a Merlot, and makes a great feature in your spring salads.

Region: Canterbury Type of milk: cow

PENINSULA BLUE – FROM BARRYS BAY

This classic blue is very smooth, very creamy, and a touch on the sharp side. It’s been aged for at least three months. Try it with a Riesling, a Doppelbock, or a berry mocktail, and a handful of walnuts.

Region: Canterbury Type of milk: cow