The holidays are coming, and whether you’re hosting a dinner party, heading to someone else’s or just upgrading your usual night of home snacking, a good selection of cheese and charcuterie is always welcome. Fortunately, Baltimore has great local shops offering everything from artisan cheeses and imported cured meats to caviar, tinned fish, specialty crackers and bottles of wine. Some will put together a spread for you, so you have one less thing to worry about for guests. Here are five Baltimore shops worth visiting this holiday season, whether you’re putting together a party spread, picking up a host gift or keeping the good stuff to yourself.

Cheese Galore and More

  • 1125 S. Charles St.

Cheese Galore and More has been a Federal Hill staple for years, and on a sunny afternoon, you’re likely to find neighbors gathered outside on the sidewalk or in the parklet, enjoying a glass of wine and a bite to eat. Owner Sharon Johnson has created a neighborhood shop where you can browse a selection of artisan cheeses, imported cured meats, boutique wines and specialty groceries. The cheese case includes everything from creamy French brie and rosemary and garlic chèvre to aged Gouda and bold blues, but don’t leave without trying the house-made Asiago cheese dip. Grab a fresh baguette or some homemade crostini to go with it. You can also build your own charcuterie board with a selection of meats, cheeses and accompaniments. The shop regularly welcomes pop-ups from local favorites like Baltimore Beef Man and occasionally serves oysters, another reason to stop by even when you’re not stocking up for a party.

The Wine Source

  • 3601 Elm Ave.

The Wine Source may be best known for its impressive selection of wines, beers and spirits, but the specialty food counter is reason enough to visit. This worker-owned Hampden staple stocks artisan cheeses and cured meats, with selections ranging from truffle salami and pistachio-and-lemon-zest salami to Italian culatello and country ham. I’m particularly fond of the meats, which they slice fresh to order, making them a great starting point for building your own board. Not sure which cheeses to choose? The knowledgeable staff is happy to offer recommendations, whether you’re looking for something familiar or ready to try something new. Add artisan bread, crackers, olives and spreads, then head to the wine aisle to find a matching bottle. If you’d rather leave the assembly to someone else, The Wine Source offers custom cheese and charcuterie platters with 24 hours’ notice.

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Modern World

  • 1006 W. 36th St.

If you want to go beyond the traditional cheese and charcuterie board, Modern World offers plenty of interesting additions to the table. The colorful Hampden storefront is packed with specialty snacks from around the world, including an impressive selection of tinned fish, artisan crackers, unusual potato chips and even caviar, which isn’t always easy to find locally. The shop is also a destination for nonalcoholic drinks, with a wide assortment of alcohol-free wines, spirits, canned cocktails and other zero-proof options. Between the bright, playful displays and shelves of interesting finds, you might arrive looking for a tin of sardines and leave with an entirely different plan for your next gathering.

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Chesapeake Wine Company

  • 2400 Boston St., Suite 112

I stopped into Chesapeake Wine Company for a drink and a few snacks, only to discover that the Canton wine bar also offers cheeses and charcuterie to take home. Located inside the historic American Can Company building, the longtime neighborhood shop entered a new chapter in 2025 when Kim Bosley took ownership and brought a stronger focus on wines and spirits from women-owned producers. Settle in with a glass of wine and a cheese board to discover a new favorite, then buy some to enjoy at home or bring to your next gathering. The shop also offers prepared charcuterie boxes.

The Market at Hamilton

  • 5500 Harford Road

One of the newer additions to Northeast Baltimore, The Market at Hamilton comes from the team behind nearby Silver Queen Cafe, and it’s worth a visit even if you’re not putting together a cheese board. The neighborhood specialty market features a rotating selection of artisan cheeses, including Tulip Tree’s Trillium and Foxglove, Purple Haze goat cheese and Four Fat Fowl Camembert, alongside cured meats like chorizo and black truffle salami. But there’s plenty beyond the cheese counter, too. The shelves are stocked with specialty pastas, sauces, tinned seafood, gourmet mustards, vinegars and oils, including smoked tomato oil. You’ll also find everything from smoked sea salt and preserves to cookbooks, candles and serving accessories.