Complex, cultured and aged to perfection... We’re talking about cheese and wine, of course, and no holiday celebration is complete without them. Great for gifting, indulging, small celebrations and big flavor alike, these two food groups are a natural pairing across the board. Luckily, Mike and Jeremy are also a dynamic duo, leading our teams of wine stewards and cheesemongers and their respective departments to delicious new heights every day.

Mike Taylor, Grand Pourer (a.k.a. Director of Adult Beverages): When it comes to wine, beer and spirits, Mike Taylor has the experience, passion and knowledge worth raising a glass to. Certified Wine Educator, Certified Spirits Specialist and former chef, Mike has a Culinary Arts degree and more than 32 years in the food and wine industry. Thanks to his expert skills and refined palate, we’re able to offer a diverse collection of adult beverages to put you in the holiday spirit all year long.

Jeremy Patin, The Big Cheese (a.k.a. Director of Specialty Cheese Operations): One of only 1,000 or so Certified Cheese Professionals in the world, Jeremy has been sharing his expertise at Nugget Markets for the last 15 years. Inspired by his passion for simple, rustic food and its power to bring people together, he uses his background in biology to share the art and science of artisan cheese with novice cheese lovers and connoisseurs alike.

MT: What sorts of wines can you find at Nugget Markets? 
I’m proud to say we offer one of the largest selections of fine wines, craft beers and spirits. From great values to premium rarities, hyperlocal items to worldwide imports, we offer around 300 beers, 500 spirits and more than 1,000 wines at most of our stores. Our talented wine stewards are also happy to help with perfect pairings, special orders and more.

MT: Do you have any personal favorites this holiday season?
The red table wines of Portugal, especially from the Douro region, continue to impress me for their complexity, quality and incredible value in all price ranges. They provide great drinking pleasure now, or if you want to age it a few years. I also love our exclusive Single Barrel Whiskeys which make great gifts (if you don’t keep them yourself).

MT: What go-to meal pairings would you recommend?
While there are some tried-and- true wine pairings and general rules of thumb, I always recommend you drink what you like. When in doubt, I tend to lean towards a rosé, pinot noir or sparkling wine. Let our wine stewards know what your preferences are, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

JP: What will I find at a Nugget Markets cheese counter?
Our cheese counters are a destination, complete with specialty cheesemongers ready to help you find the perfect cheese for a party, a pairing or just a Tuesday night. We stock our counters with more than 400 cheeses and would love to give you a sample and help you find your next favorite.

JP: What cheeses are you excited about this holiday season?
I always get excited as the weather cools down to play around with melting cheese. Whether in fondue, on a next-level grilled cheese or in a gooey mac and cheese, you can’t go wrong with melted cheese. This year, I’m especially excited about brûléeing cheese—it is SO MUCH FUN. With just a little sugar and heat, you develop amazing flavors and textures.

JP: How should I shop for specialty cheese?
Visit often and pick out a piece you can easily finish in a single sitting or two. Cheese isn’t meant to store in your fridge for weeks. Also, feel free to ask our talented cheesemongers for help. The world of cheese can be intimidating, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’s the best culinary trip you can take!