This fall, a new specialty cheese shop will join the bustling activity near Findlay Market.
The Rhined, owned by Stephanie Webster and her husband Dave, will offer gourmet cheeses; charcuterie, including preserves, pickles, olives and condiments; and beer and wine for retail sale. A full rehab of the 636-square-foot space, located at 1737 Elm St., is currently underway.
Once renovation is complete, the space will feature a cheese counter with seating for 12. The counter will give patrons an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet cheese flight paired with a glass of wine or local craft beer.
“A lot of people don’t realize that cheese pairs well with beer,” Webster says. “The carbonation cuts through the fat of the cheese.”
The shop will primarily carry local beers, paying homage to Cincinnati’s rich brewing history.
Commitment to promoting local products extends beyond the beer offerings. The shop is particularly focused on exposing customers to the many world-class cheeses that are produced throughout the Midwest. The Rhined will carry a selection of 50 cheeses, including options sourced from Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Pricing will run from $12-30 per pound.
Pricing reflects the hand-crafted nature of the product being sold.
“That might seem expensive to some people,” Webster says. “We’re doing this for the cheesemakers, and we want to make sure they get a solid price for the amazing product that they make. And once they taste the cheese, they’ll know that it’s worth it.”
In the past year, the Websters have gotten familiar with many of the family, artisanal cheesemakers that The Rhined will ultimately promote.
“We’ve been visiting cheese shops in other cities, tasting a lot of cheese, meeting cheesemakers, talking to people in the industry, and trying to do our homework and research,” Webster says. “We want to make sure that we do this right for our city, and for our neighborhood.”
The Rhined is expected to open by October, just in time for holiday gift-giving and entertaining.
“It will be a welcoming place that anyone can come into to learn about cheese,” Webster says. “Once you have the cheese, you’re going want to buy it.”
Follow The Rhined on Instagram @therhined for updates and all things cheese.
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