I'm glad this place is not on my way home from work as I'd be an even poorer man than I am today. I used to live one block away from a Whole Foods and would often find myself unable to resist making $50 impulse buys every other day due to the convenience and my love of good beer, cheese and produce. Well, The Wine & Cheese Cask has Whole Foods beat on at least two of those fronts. Their beer selection is drool worthy and they have the goods to satisfy your cheese needs. I'm a sucker for a well stocked, reasonably priced beer selection. I dig Liquor World, but I'm tight with TW&CC -- and not just because it's a much shorter walk from there to home. They have cheese. And you should know that cheese and beer is a just as great if not better combo than cheese and wine. I'm down with the vino as well, and use these guys in a pinch if my Trader Joe's reserves are depleted, but in my mind this place is The Beer & Cheese Cask. Oh, and they do indeed keep a good selection of the hard stuff as well. If they somehow decided to open up a kick-ass produce section, this would be shangri-la and I'd probably never see the inside of a Whole Foods again. Also, the positioning of The Biscuit right across the street makes for the best set-up to a no fuss salad-sandwich-beer night you're likely to come across in the area. read more

I ended up here in search of a wine that I could share with somebody else who had the same dislike for red wine as I have always had. Our palates are not sophisticated, in the least, when it comes to wines, but we seem able to navigate the LQ enough to find ourselves at a decision: Modern Riesling it was. Sleek black bottle, $8.99. Sold. I walked over, we passed money to and fro until we had ten. I walked to the register, the kid took the money, gave me change asked me if I wanted a bag, THEN asked me for my ID. Strange. Stranger still, I then moved aside while my friend gets smokes, the kid at the next register (who wasn't previously helping a customer during my transaction) repeatedly asks to ring me up for what I just paid for. Mmmm. Oh. Ok. I could die and go to heaven and it wouldn't really touch the joy of the amount of good wines and cheeses this place houses. I don't care for the price of the chips, or the crackers, or olive oils. But if you have to put together a plate, or a set up for a party - this is your spot. I wouldn't ask too much of the two employees I interacted with most recently, but, I'm sure you can find somebody with loads of info here. read more

The first impression I got after walking around the store was that I really liked the setup. Save the front cashier's area, It felt like you were walking around somebody's well-stocked cellar. There was a lot of very old, dark wood shelving a wide variety of pleasant drinks and specialty cheeses. The selection of specialty beer and distilled liquors here is adequate, what you should come for is the cheese and the wine -- specifically the wine, because of the staff. Just ask one of the people in the wine cellar (1) What you'll be eating/pairing with the wine (2) What your price range is optionally: (3) red or white (4) any other characteristic (tannins, dry/wet, sweet, spicy, earthy, etc.) Tell them this, and they will almost instantly give you the bottle you were looking for. read more

The wine and cheese cask is an intimate little treasure trove that sells all sorts of yummy cheese, amazing wines and clear flour baguettes. The store had so many interesting wines that it was hard to choose what to get. Unlike many uppity wine place where prices equate quality, wine and cheese cask has a laid back "oh you want a $10 european red? sure, this $7.99 bottle is great " feel where they work with you to help you with what you need. I talked to the proprietor for a long time and she was super patient with all my questions and didn't get annoyed when I was deliberately being difficult: Me: "Well i'm thinking something less than $10" Her: "Sure, how about a chianti?" Me: "No I find cheap chiantis harsh and undrinkable" Her (without batting an eyelid): "Oh okie, well a dolcetto is not so harsh and we have a great bottle for less than $10" Yes I was being obnoxious but she knew her wines well and really made an effort to know what I wanted instead of pushing expensive bottles on me. My new favourite wine store. *bliss* read more

The Wine & Cheese Cask has now replaced Whole Foods as my go-to cheese shop - they have an excellent selection of cheeses covering the major cheese-making regions, and their prices are great (I bought a quarter pound of Chimay cheese for $5 tonight, which is a steal). The employees I've spoken with seem to know their cheeses pretty well, too: when they were sold out of one cheese I was looking for, they recommended a great substitute. I can't speak to their wine selection, as I've bought all of one bottle there, but if you're a fan of cheese you should be shopping here. read more

Two Words: SANDWICH COUNTER Prosciutto Sandwich on Baguette with Fresh Mozzarella, Hot peppers, Oil and Vinegar. Yes you've taken a 5-6 dollar base sandwich and made it a 10 dollar sandwich but it is HUGE and worth every penny. They need to get rid of the carpeting but this place saved my life in grad school read more

The Wine & Cheese Cask is the gold standard against which all other fine liquor stores should be measured. World class selection at very reasonable prices. And the floor staff know their stuff, so if you need a suggestion or have a question, they can be very helpful. Oh, and they sell good cheese too, or so I've been told by my lovely wife. read more

I love the Wine & Cheese Cask. The staff is FAR more knowledgeable when it comes to wine. The two gentlemen who work in the back have NEVER steered me wrong, and the young lady also makes good recommendations, though she seems to prefer drier wines (be forewarned). I've purchased gifts and for parties here, and never been disappointed. The only time I was let down was when I bought a Riesling for myself. It was fine for my bf; but I prefer sweeter wines. Live and learn. As for the negative reviews: 1- Yes, they have an employee who can have an attitude sometimes. I've lived in the area for 8+ years. Sometimes he's a jerk, other times he's been nice and joked with me. Sometimes, people who deal with the public have bad days. I would only blame the management, in that it clearly has not been enough of a problem to fire this employee. Perhaps it hasn't been enough of a problem to even mention to management. 2- If you need cheese recommendations, I'm not sure what you are looking for here. They have a plethora of options. Frankly, the only downside I've had is: sometimes they run out of the cheddar/onion cheese. It's Delicious! Yes, it can be pricey; but I don't mind because I like to support local businesses, and I've used the knowledgeable staff in the past, and will continue to in the future. read more

What is "curated wine," for heaven's sake? Sounds a bit pretentious. We've been getting our wine here for years and never had a bad recommendation. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and can tell you all about wines in your budget range and which wines go best with various dishes, if that's what you require. They have been doing this for years. Also there are helpful labels on bins of wine throughout the store. This is a locally owned business of high quality and deserves our support. read more

The staff was amazing!!! They took every precautionary measure because of COVID-19. They went above and beyond to get us a very specific spirit that we had difficulty finding. Would absolutely recommend. read more

I made a Yelp account just to complain about this store. Their prices are absurdly overpriced. I assume it's because they have to make up for the large cheese selection that I'm sure people rarely buy. It was 10 degrees out when I visited. I could have gone to a different liquor store down the street and saved 15 dollars on the exact same item I purchased but I didn't because it was too cold out. They make you take off your gloves before entering the store. They also told me that they only allow specific medical Face masks and my cloth mask wasn't allowed. I have never seen these covid precautions anywhere. That on its own isn't a big deal but when you factor in the high prices and rude staff it's a bit much. The last time I came here the checkout person was very rude to me simple because I asked the bouncer ( yes, they have a door person) a question about the wine selection before I was forced to alter my wardrobe and search the store on my own. read more

The wine selections is phenomenal, and even if your favourite wine isn't there, the staff can occasionally order a case at no cost to you. I did this with a small producer from the russian river valley. I bought one and they now are just selling the other 11 bottles. I think this is part of their strategy for acquiring such a legendary selection. I'm hearing a lot about their prices, but it isn't as bad as anywhere else, their wine is just of a higher caliber and costs more normally. Lots of their bottles are actually a few dollars cheaper than my old wine shop. Then there's the staff. Highly knowledgeable, but rarely amicable, they could help, but usually don't. I'm a young wine drinker, which means always dealing with a certain brand of prejudice that this store has in spades. I know I'm 24, but I just want some advice on which $10-$ 20 Maconnais would go with my chicken tonight. Looking at the cheese girl, I feel like I'm biting into her first born, rather than a half cracker with a triple cream smeared ontop. I've been trying to wine these guys over for weeks. I bought a few hundred dollars worth of stuff there for a party and all I encountered was resistance. I did get advice on one bottle of wine, which no one drank due to its unsavory character. It was really bad. Also, they have no wine tastings. Every wine store has wine tastings, except these bastards. Minus one star for the snobbiness, minus two stars for agism and the lack of wine tastings. I'm going back, but let it be known that it is because of the selection. My advice for most people is to do research beforehand and know what you are doing. If you have a car, try the Wine Gallery in Brookline. The staff kick ass and are extraordinarily helpful. Also, wine tastings, just like every other wine shop in the united states. read more

Good selection of wine (for example, I found a decently priced Vin Santo after having no luck looking in many of the larger wine shops), beer, cheese and a few other snack items. As with any specialty store, prices will be a bit higher than the markets but the quality is generally a step up as well. read more

I can't believe I'm about to do this. But, I was very unimpressed by the Wine and Cheese Cask. I have known about this lil wine joint for a few years and finally set foot in it. And, quickly walked out. Dirty, dingy, grimey and not in a good wine/cheese cask way. Dusty too. Come on?! People actually shop here? It smelled horribly too. Call me a snob, but I don't think this place was good at all. And, I'm not picky about where I get my wine. I won't be back. read more

Wine selection is very good. Cheese selection is decent (Whole Food has the same stuff and a lot more choices). Prices are correct for this type of specialty store. Don't expect bargains, it's not that type of place. However, I will never again stop in this store again after being treated so poorly by the staff. When I asked to sample a piece of cheese, the woman looked at me like I was trying to steal her pot of gold. Reluctantly cut a piece and put it on the "dirty" counter. Not a word exchanged. Not a smile. The person at the register was equally as charming. A good cheese & wine shop is rare in the States but not enough to forgive this kind of treatment. Consider the Cheese Shop in Concord or Whole Foods instead. read more

Protip: if you're running late for a dinner party and need to grab a bottle, make sure you build in a 10 to 15 minute buffer time: apparently the most happenin' place in Somerville at 6:30 on a Saturday night is the Cask. But while you're in line, make sure you try the cheese samples while you're waiting - you can't lose. The variety of wine (and little cracker assortments) is good and definitely reasonably priced, and although it is a bit hard to find specific bottles, just ask. read more

hankering for a salami stick (always. :P ) oh yeah, i wanted some cheese and wine. where to go? where to go? taptaptaptap (me typing search into yelp). wine & cheese cask. cerca de mi casa. excelente. huge selection of wines. little asian wine girl asked if i needed help while i perused. salami girl - not as helpful, but ahh who cares. i found what i needed. i'm not one to complain when people aren't stumbling over themselves to help me out. i'm a big girl. i take care of me. and me went home w/a salami stick. read more

This speciality market is directly across from Dali, and they even have a small parking lot. As the name would imply they have an impressive selection of cheese, wine, beer, and even cured meats like Jamon Serrano. Pick up some fresh bread and have rustic snack. (Closest T stop is Harvard Square, but you may want a cab from there.) read more

Great selection. The wine guys in the back know their stuff. The people in the front are another story - they are rude! Now that I think about it, I don't know if I've ever seen someone smile up front! Lastly, some stuff is pricier than it should be. When you've got competition like the martin brothers, savmor, etc. you should be more competitive! read more

Shitty service. Miserable hipster girl behind the counter won't give anyone the time of day. Warm beer. Doesn't accept AmEx. Congratulations, Savenor's is WAY better than you. read more

Do you know your wines? your speciality cheeses? No worries...the staff here do. They'll take really good care of you AND they know their artisan beers too. Best part-and I'm a bit of a lush so I know this--they have the best wine prices in town (if you don't count Trader Joe's, of course). Try the port cheese marbled with Guiness...it's my new favorite. read more

I understand that carding everyone in a party is policy, but when the 41 old has ID and is with his 27 year old sister on a Sunday buying some rose, and the store you've frequented regularly for the past 2 yrs won't offer you (at the least) a genuine apology or (at the most) bend the rules or pass a small discount on for your troubles when you drive all the way home to get your ID and come back - well you've lost my business. read more

The Wine and Cheese Cask has a very good selection of wine, cheese, and beer. Moreover, their prices on beer are consistently as good or better than most other places, while their wine is pretty much on par with most of what's around. Cheese selection is great, though pricey, but that kind of comes with the territory of nice cheese. This place gets 3 stars in my book for one reason: I have shopped there probably more than a dozen times now, and I have NEVER been asked by the staff if they could help me find anything. Not once. When I sought out an employee to ask a question, it was usually answered accurately--but never enthusiastically. I've also had friends who claim to have been treated downright rudely, but I can't really dock them points on my review as I've never experienced it firsthand, so they still get 3 stars from me. If you want some good wine, beer, or even bourbon, they've got it. If you want a consistent and close relationship with a retailer to keep you abreast of what's new and interesting in the world of wine and craft beer, look elsewhere. read more

Good selection, although I find the staff to be snobby and rude. Additionally they aggresively try and up sell you to buy a more expensive selection. read more

THE BEST SANDWICHES! They are so good. Great selection of wine, too. And cheese, if you know about cheese. But the sandwiches, man. That is why I am writing. You can just tell the ingredients are fresh and everything is made to order. There is also a nice selection of random treats, including my favorite salt and pepper potato chips. Would have a sandwich from here everyday if carbs weren't the enemy. Keep up the good work guys! read more

Love this place. I've been coming here for I don't know how many years and I'll never change. I buy by the case---a selection of the monthly wines and then maybe one or two more high end. They have a good range---from the less expensive but still great wines to the high end, celebration wines. Steve always gives great advice. Kim is wonderful, too. You can ask any question and they answer without making you feel silly. They have a good selection of beers and liquor which I rarely buy--only when kids are in town. Great cheese and bread, too. This is a great place to be a regular. You won't be sorry. read more

This place has you covered, not only do they have a range of wine, beer and liquor, they also sell bread, cheese, and chocolate! If you're ever going to a dinner party, this is your place to stock up. The staff is also friendly and helpful, and they're open late! A+ read more

There's really not much more to say than has already been said. Amazing selection of wines with a variety of price points. Great selection of meats, cheeses and chocolates. No snobbish staff. We grabbed two bottles and some chocolates on the way home from dinner. Great choice. read more

The Wine & Cheese Cask - Best chocolate ever. - Cheese Shops Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Want to talk to someone about wine without worrying they'll look down on your budget or preferences? Go here. The variety is enormous, and the staff will help anyone find what they want. It's also fun to browse the wines from all over the world. read more

1. Wine-side is the best or among the best in the city. 2. cheese-side they label which cheeses are raw-milk (my preference). They will taste things out for you graciously. 3. they vend Clear Flour bakery baguettes etc. 4. they're nice 5. they're priced well. And they have lots of great what I call ten-dollar-ringers. It's a rare wine shop that takes real interest in the small bottles and finds interesting things. Wine-side Kim, Steve, and ? (sorry) are all real pros, and very nice. They really know their shit. One day I asked about vintage Port as a gift--I wanted to know for a birthday present if I could buy a bottle in the year my friend was born. The fellow looked up which Port houses had made a vintage that year. In other words, if they can't answer a question on the spot, they will find out for you. Kim et al have placed special orders by just one bottle--a lot of places make you buy a case. They're kind when you don't know things. Steve recommended a cheese match for a bottle the other day--and he was right on; they were a great mix. I can reliably count on WC to have bottles at all price points that I would want to drink again. One of my favorite things about the WC is that I can count on intelligent conversation about the products. It's a little touch-in to a world I treasure and is hard to find except among other real cognoscenti--conversation that is all the pleasure, none of the bullshit. read more

First time here, definitely won't be coming back. Super duper rude employees at the cash register. Too bad since this place is on my way home from the gym, but guess what - so is Whole Foods, and Whole Foods doesn't smell like expired cheese, either. Bye Felicia. read more

This place has amazing beer selection... shipyard off season. Etc Plus really helpful staff and great wine selection to boot. Great stop!

It's a decent place to pick up boozey provisions. They have things like La Fin Du Monde chilled and ready to go as well as domestic beers. I'm not much of a wine drinker anymore but I used to get mixed cases (you get a discount on them) here as far back as the late 90's. Their liquor selection is far superior to most of what's available in the immediate neighborhood. I will agree with some of the recent posters though that their staff seems to behave as if customers buying alcohol are the enemy lately. I wasn't mistreated, but I certainly did not feel all warm and fuzzy over the transaction. read more

Fantastic. Kim was amazing when helping my friend and I pick out wine/cheese pairings for an upcoming party. She worked with our price budget and didn't push it - even suggesting bottles that were cheaper than our threshold. I truly appreciated the helpfulness of the staff and the variety of wines and cheeses to choose from (and learn about)! read more

With not only wine and beer but cheese, olives, and a variety of other goodies on hand, this is my go-to stop before almost any party or potluck I attend. The staff really know their stuff, and I've always gotten great recommendations. I've discovered a fair few of my favorite beers here, and can count on them to carry special editions that aren't always available in bigger places. read more

Have been a customer for decades for all kinds of purchases, including special orders. The negative reviews about customer service are very surprising as the staff have always been very courteous. read more

I was stoked to find bresaola so close to home. They sliced it super thin and I ate it on the way home.

Amazing selection of wine, beer, spirits, meats, and cheeses. The sandwiches are also phenomenal, and I used to come here for lunch multiple times per week when my office was nearby. read more

This was my first and only xenophobic experience in Cambridge. I showed my passport to pay for a six pack. The shop assistant demanded the ID of my wife too, which she did not have on her. Since it seemed unnecessary, I asked why her passport is needed too and whether it is OK if she leaves the shop and I buy the beers by myself. As a side note, we are conspicuously well above the required age. The shop assistant denied to serve us, so my wife had to walk back to our apartment for her ID. I stood at the cashier at the meantime and noticed that the same shop assistant did not ask for the ID of the American customers. Such a discrimination between American and non-American customers is unacceptable and shameful. read more

Good selection of wine at decent prices. Many are hard to find. And the cheese...you'll be dumbfounded and awestruck at the selection of cheeses from all over the world. I never knew some fo these types existed! A great place to expand your wine and cheese palate. read more