Welcome to Your Cheese Journey: A Year of Discovery at Ornery Olive

At Ornery Olive, we believe that every great charcuterie board tells a story—and at the heart of that story is cheese. Throughout 2026, we're embarking on an exciting journey to deepen your appreciation for one of the world's most beloved foods. Each month, we'll spotlight a different cheese, exploring its origins, flavor profiles, pairing suggestions, and the craftsmanship behind its creation.

Whether you're a seasoned cheese enthusiast or just beginning to explore beyond the basics, this monthly series is designed to transform the way you experience cheese. We'll take you from the rolling hills of European dairy farms to innovative American creameries, uncovering the traditions, techniques, and passion that make each variety unique.

Why Cheese Education Matters

Cheese isn't just an ingredient—it's a culinary art form with thousands of years of history. Understanding the differences between a creamy Brie and a crumbly aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, or knowing why certain cheeses pair beautifully with honey while others shine alongside fig jam, elevates your entire dining experience. When you know your cheese, you make better choices for your charcuterie boards, dinner parties, and everyday snacking.

At Ornery Olive, we craft custom charcuterie experiences that celebrate quality and creativity. By sharing our cheese knowledge with you, we're inviting you into our process and empowering you to become more confident in your own culinary choices. Imagine impressing your guests not just with a beautiful board, but with the stories behind each carefully selected cheese.

Your Quarterly Journey Through Cheese

We've thoughtfully organized 2026 into a progressive cheese education, moving from firm, aged varieties to softer, more delicate textures:

Quarter 1 (January-March): Hard Cheeses We'll begin with the bold, intense world of hard cheeses—those aged masters with crystalline textures and concentrated flavors. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Manchego, and Pecorino Romano are the result of extended aging periods, often spanning multiple years. Their low moisture content creates those satisfying granular textures and develops deep umami notes, nutty sweetness, and complex flavor profiles. These cheeses are perfect for grating, shaving, or savoring in small pieces where their intensity can truly shine.

Quarter 2 (April-June): Semi-Hard Cheeses As spring arrives, we'll explore semi-hard cheeses—the structured, versatile favorites that balance firmness with approachability. Think aged Cheddar, Gruyère, and younger Manchego. These cheeses undergo moderate aging periods that develop concentrated flavors while maintaining sliceability. You'll discover why these varieties are beloved for both cheese boards and cooking, offering everything from sharp tanginess to sweet nuttiness.

Quarter 3 (July-September): Semi-Soft Cheeses Summer brings us to the creamy middle ground of semi-soft cheeses. Varieties like Havarti, Gouda, and Fontina offer pliable textures and crowd-pleasing flavors ranging from mild to moderately sharp. These are the workhorses of the cheese world—excellent for melting, perfect for sandwiches, and versatile on any board. We'll explore how their moderate moisture content and aging creates the ideal balance of flavor and functionality.

Quarter 4 (October-December): Soft and Fresh Cheeses We'll conclude the year with the delicate, creamy world of soft and fresh cheeses. From bloomy-rind Brie and Camembert to fresh chèvre, mozzarella, and burrata, these high-moisture cheeses offer mild, approachable flavors and luxurious textures. You'll learn the art of ripening soft cheeses to perfection and discover why fresh cheeses provide the perfect counterpoint to bold flavors on your holiday boards.

What You'll Learn Each Month

Every featured cheese will receive the spotlight it deserves. We'll dive into production methods, explore regional variations, suggest perfect pairings from our own boards, and share insider tips for selecting, storing, and serving. You'll learn which wines complement specific cheeses, how to identify quality indicators when shopping, and creative ways to incorporate these varieties into your cooking and entertaining.

Join the Conversation

This isn't just about us sharing information—we want to hear from you. What cheeses are you curious about? Share your experiences, photos of your own cheese boards, and pairing discoveries on Instagram by tagging @orneryolive. We'll feature your creations and build a community of cheese lovers right here in Highlands Ranch and beyond.

Whether you're planning your next event with one of our custom charcuterie boards or experimenting at home, let 2026 be your year of cheese education. Together, we'll explore flavors, celebrate craftsmanship, and discover that the perfect cheese can turn any moment into something memorable.

Ready to begin? Check back in January for our first hard cheese feature, and prepare your palate for a year of delicious discovery.

Follow along at orneryolive.com and on Instagram @orneryolive for monthly updates, pairing tips, and exclusive offerings.