I first gained experience with fine cheeses while working with approximately 80 cheeses at the Cheese Shop in Williamsburg, VA.  Since then, I have had seven years experience working with exotic and delicious cheeses.  My goal at Bella Vino is to offer you a small but diverse selection of about 30 cheeses, many of which will only be offered at Bella Vino.  Unlike higher-end grocery stores, we cut every cheese to order so that you only have to buy the amount you want.  Also, we will always be willing to taste you on any cheese before you buy it, so you can be certain of its quality and condition.  I work with a high-quality food purveyor to ensure that I get the best products.  I always try to refrain from selling cheese if it is not mature, and I get rid of cheese that is too old.  While all of these practices are common in a fromager in Europe or New York City, they are quite rare in Richmond.  As such, I feel that I can offer you some of the best cheeses in town.  The following are some cheeses that are unique to our shop: Vacherin Pierre Clarin:  This is a French cheese from the region bordering Switzerland and Italy.  It is a creamy, yet full-flavored cheese with fruity, winey, and floral notes. Cabrales:  Cabrales is an infamously-strong blue cheese from Spain.  Salty and pungent, it is not for the faint of heart! Gres de Vosges: This soft little cheese with an edible orange rind comes from Alsace in France.  Think of it as a milder, creamier style of Munster.  Great with a fruity white wine or melted over potatoes! Idiazabel:  From the Basque region of Spain, Idiazabel is a hard sheep’s milk cheese similar to some Italian Pecorinos.  It has a unique flavor that begins with fresh straw and ends with a salty sharpness.  It is an excellent accompaniment to all lighter red wines. Rogue Smokey Blue: Two years ago this cheese won best new product from Specialty Foods magazine, taste it and you’ll see why!  A milder and creamier blue cheese that has been lightly smoked, it is exceptionally addictive.