FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about Antonelli's Cheese? Browse the topics below for helpful information about visiting our shops, cheese, events, trays, Cheese Club, gifts, and shipping.
Visit & Shop
Locations & Visiting
Is your business open to the public? Can I come in?
Our Hyde Park Retail Shop, Hyde Park Tasting Room, Hyde Park Tray Pickup Window, South Lamar Tasting Room, and South Lamar Tray Pickup are open to the public. Please check our current hours before visiting.
What are your store hours?
Our hours and holiday schedules can change throughout the year. Please check our current hours before visiting, or contact us at 512-531-9610 if you would like help planning your visit.
Mobility Accessibility
Antonelli's locations have accessibility accommodations, while some Hyde Park spaces are historic and physically constrained. South Lamar is our most accessible tasting room, with nearby accessible parking and an adjustable dining-height table.
Hyde Park Cheese House has a ramp and accessible parking on the north side, with a dining-height table available in the annex by advance request. Hyde Park Cheese Shop is accessible from the north/alley side via a ramp walkway. The interior is compact, and staff can help create space or provide a stool.
Language Accessibility
Standard services are provided in English. Some team members may be bilingual or multilingual. Occasionally Antonelli's may host a specifically labeled event in Spanish or with an ASL interpreter, but those services are not available at every event. Guests with accessibility concerns should contact the support team so Antonelli's can discuss accommodations.
Ordering & Services
How do I pick up my cheese order?
Pickup instructions depend on the location selected with your order. Please follow the pickup details in your order confirmation. If you have any questions, contact us at 512-531-9610 or info@antonellischeese.com.
How do I order cheese online for local pickup?
We do not currently offer individual fresh-cut cheeses for online ordering. For local pickup, we recommend choosing from our cheese and charcuterie trays or our curated gift boxes and bundles. Both are great ways to enjoy a selection of Antonelli's favorites without having to choose individual cheese cuts.
Do you deliver locally around Austin?
Local delivery may be available for eligible orders in the greater Austin area. Available delivery options, dates, windows, and fees will be shown during checkout when applicable.
I want to return an item
Returns are circumstance-specific. Customers with a concern should contact the team at 512-531-9610 or info@antonellischeese.com.
Do you have a catalog?
We have an Events Catalog that outlines our current private event offerings.
For cheese and charcuterie trays, you can view our current Tray offerings. Trays are available for local pickup or local delivery.
Our Antonelli's Cheese Signature Box can be ordered for pickup, local delivery, or shipping.
We do not maintain a catalog of the specific cheeses available in our Retail Shop because our selection changes regularly based on seasonality and availability.
About Antonelli's
Are you hiring? How can I work at Antonelli's Cheese?
Antonelli's is a small team and may have limited openings. Please visit our current employment page to see available positions. Openings change throughout the year, so the website is the best place to find our current opportunities.
Will you stock my product? How do I become a supplier?
Potential vendors and suppliers should begin by completing our New Product Submission Form. Our team will review the information and contact you if we would like to learn more or request samples. Please do not send samples unless our team requests them.
Do you give donations for fundraisers and events?
We love supporting our community and receive many donation requests throughout the year. You can learn more about our approach to giving on our Philanthropy page.
If your organization would like to be considered for our Charitable Cheese Cause, please submit your information through that application.
For other donation requests, including support for fundraisers and events, please complete our Donation Request Form.
Because we are a small business, we are not able to accommodate every request, but we appreciate you thinking of Antonelli's Cheese.
Can I buy a T-shirt?
Yes. We typically carry a small selection of shirts in our Retail Shop, including our Antonelli's logo shirt and seasonal designs.
You can also shop a broader selection of Antonelli's merchandise online. Online merchandise is produced and shipped by a third-party fulfillment partner.
Can I use Antonelli's Cheese name and/or logo on my restaurant menu?
Wholesale customers purchasing specialty cheese through Antonelli's may request permission to use the Antonelli's name and/or logo on their menu.
Cheese & Food
Buying Cheese & Our Selection
What does “fresh cut to order” mean?
Antonelli's cuts cheese to order to preserve freshness and flavor, reduce waste, and let guests buy only the amount they need. Customers may purchase small or large quantities rather than fixed pre-cut sizes. Cheesemongers can help recommend an amount.
What products do you sell?
Antonelli's carries a rotating selection of domestic and imported artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, craft beer, boutique wine by the bottle, and pairings such as chocolates, nuts, preserves, honey, vinegars/oils, olives, and fresh bread. The shop may also carry serving boards and cheese knives.
How do you choose the cheeses and products you sell?
Our selection is team-driven and informed by product tastings, producer relationships, customer fit, and the expertise of our cheesemongers and certified cheese professionals. We look for cheeses, charcuterie, pairings, and specialty foods that tell a great producer story, represent quality craftsmanship, and align with our mission: “Do Good. Eat Good.”
Our selection evolves throughout the year as products, seasons, and availability change.
Do you sell whole cheese wheels?
We sell whole wheels and offer a 20% whole-wheel discount. Availability varies, and exceptions may apply to scarce or seasonal cheeses such as Rogue River Blue. Wholesale customers can order through our wholesale ordering site.
Do you have to buy cheese by the whole pound only?
No. Antonelli's cuts cheese to order and encourages customers to buy the amount they expect to use, framed as roughly a 7–10 day supply. Customers can call 512-531-9610 for help estimating quantities.
Cheese 101
What is a cheese shop?
A specialty cheese shop emphasizes quality, expertise, service, product care, and a passion for cheese. Antonelli's focuses on sourcing quality cheese, serving it at its best, and offering products related to cheese as pairings, serving tools, or gifts.
What is a cheesemonger?
A cheesemonger is a cheese seller and specialist who learns product care, flavor, history, and producer stories, then helps customers understand and enjoy cheese.
How many styles of cheese are there?
Antonelli's uses seven practical style categories: Fresh; Soft-Ripened/Bloomy Rind; Washed Rind; Semi-Soft; Firm; Hard; and Blue. The categories are a useful internal/customer framework rather than a universally definitive classification system.
What are the differences between milk types?
Cheese flavor varies greatly with breed, diet, season, aging, and terroir. Antonelli's broadly describes cow's milk cheeses as diverse and often buttery, grassy, or sweet; goat's milk cheeses as often tangy or acidic; sheep's milk cheeses as often rich, nutty, or oily; and water-buffalo cheeses as often lactic with wet-hay notes. Treat these as broad tasting tendencies, not guarantees.
What does artisanal mean?
Antonelli's uses “artisanal” to describe cheeses involving meaningful human craft and adaptation, with traceability to the cheesemaker and milk source. We use the term to describe the role of craft and traceability, not as a judgment that all industrial production is inherently bad.
What does farmstead mean?
Antonelli's defines farmstead cheese as cheese made on a farm that also raises and cares for the animals producing the milk, often allowing the milk to be used close to where it is produced.
Can I eat the rind?
Many natural cheese rinds can be enjoyed, and Antonelli's encourages customers to taste the rind when appropriate because it can contribute to the cheese experience. Some rinds may not add desirable flavor or texture.
Dietary & Cheese Questions
Do you sell raw milk cheese?
Antonelli's sells raw-milk cheeses. Raw milk cheeses sold in the United States are subject to federal aging and safety requirements. Our selection changes regularly, so please ask a cheesemonger if you are looking for raw milk options.
I'm pregnant, what cheese can I eat?
Antonelli's does not provide pregnancy-specific medical guidance and directs customers to their doctor regarding which dairy products are appropriate.
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose generally decreases during cheesemaking and aging, which is why some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate firmer, aged cheeses differently. Individual tolerance varies, so please consult your medical provider for guidance specific to you.
Do you sell vegan “cheese”?
We do not currently sell vegan cheese or non-dairy cheese alternatives. For events, a vegan plate may be requested in advance. Please note that the vegan plate does not include vegan “cheese.”
Serving, Storage & Pairing
How do I make a cheese board?
A great cheese board usually starts with 3–5 cheeses with a mix of milk types, styles, and textures, plus accompaniments that bring in salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami flavors. Suggested presentation styles include spacious or negative-space arrangements, color-blocked layouts, or more abstract presentations.
For more tips, ideas, and step-by-step guidance, check out our How to Build a Perfect Cheese Board guide.
What is the best way to serve cheese?
For best flavor, Antonelli's generally recommends letting cheese warm from refrigerator temperature for about 45–60 minutes in a moderate room, around 65°F, using separate knives for different cheeses, and pre-slicing the first piece or two of a large wedge to guide guests.
What should I pair with my cheese?
Encourage customers to have fun with pairing. Classic options include fresh fruit, nuts, olives, preserves, and honey; more adventurous options include savory preserves, chocolate, mustard-based condiments, and charcuterie. Beverage pairings may include wine, beer, tea, coffee, soda, or other drinks depending on the cheese.
Which wines should I pair with cheese?
Sparkling wines and other bubbly drinks can be especially cheese-friendly; examples include Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Txakolina, Lambrusco, beer, sparkling water, and sparkling cocktails/mocktails. We often favor structured whites without excessive sweetness, such as Pecorino, Chenin Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner; rosé with moderate acidity or light sweetness; and lighter reds with lower tannin, such as Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre. Big tannic reds can be less cheese-friendly; suggested alternatives include Montepulciano, Carmenère, and Syrah.
What is the best way to store a cut piece of cheese?
Antonelli's generally recommends buying what will be eaten within about a week. Suggested storage methods include reusing breathable cheese paper; a container with controlled humidity and periodic fresh air; or wax paper/aluminum foil, especially for blue cheese, with loose outer plastic so plastic does not directly contact the cheese.
How long does cheese last out of the fridge?
Cheese can tolerate some time out of refrigeration but may develop texture or flavor changes, and we strongly recommend refrigeration in hot Texas conditions. We also emphasize buying modest quantities for freshness.
How long can I keep cheese?
Antonelli's recommends buying cut cheese in quantities intended to be enjoyed within about a week for best quality. For unopened cryovac products or whole wheels with manufacturer dating, follow the date and instructions on the package.
Other Foods & Beverages
Do you sell charcuterie?
Antonelli's carries a broad curated charcuterie selection from multiple artisan producers, including familiar and unusual cured meats. Products may be available as whole salami sticks or sliced whole-muscle meats.
Do you sell bread?
Yes. We carry fresh bread from Texas French Bread. Baguettes are delivered daily, and we also use a sourdough loaf for our raclette experiences.
Do you sell olive oil?
Antonelli's partners with Con' Olio for extra-virgin olive oil and rotates seasonal oils from the northern and southern hemispheres for freshness.
Do you sell balsamic vinegar?
Antonelli's partners with Con' Olio for aged balsamic vinegar, including an 18-year balsamic from Modena.
Do you sell canned or tinned fish?
Antonelli's carries a curated selection of tinned seafood that may include sardines, anchovies, calamari, octopus, and similar products.
Do you sell alcoholic beverages?
Yes. Our Hyde Park Retail Shop carries a rotating selection of wine and beer by the bottle. At events in our Hyde Park and South Lamar Tasting Rooms, we also offer wine flights, wine by the glass or bottle, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
For eligible tray orders, customers can also add a bottle of wine for pickup or licensed local delivery. Selections change regularly, so please check current availability when visiting or placing an order.
Public Classes & Events
Finding & Booking Events
Where can I see what classes are available?
Please visit our current Antonelli's classes and events calendar to see upcoming public events and available tickets.
Do you have cheese tasting events that anyone can join?
Yes. Antonelli's offers public cheese-tasting events. Please visit our current public events calendar to see upcoming classes and available tickets.
Is the South Lamar Tasting Room open for events?
Yes. Our South Lamar Tasting Room hosts in-person events and classes. Please visit our current public events calendar to see upcoming events and available tickets. You can also sign up for our newsletter to hear about future events.
Can I buy tickets to an event on the same day the event begins?
Same-day ticket purchases are allowed, but ticket sales close four hours before the event starts so the team can prepare plates.
Tickets & Reservations
What is your tasting room class ticket cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule your tickets as long as your event does not begin within the next 4 hours.
Search the email inbox of the person who purchased the tickets for an email from Antonelli's Cheese with the subject “Your Upcoming Cheese Experience Starts Here!” Be sure to check your spam or junk folder as well.
That email includes two links:
- Cancel your reservation
- Reschedule to the same class on a different date
If you would like to switch to a different type of class, please cancel your current reservation. We will issue store credit within 3 days that can be used toward your new tickets.
If you need additional help, please contact us.
My friends and I bought tickets separately. Can we sit together?
Yes. If tickets were purchased separately, please include a seating request in the booking field for notes, allergies, or seating and list the names of the other ticket purchasers so our team can seat your group together.
Please check your reminder emails to confirm that your seating request was included. If it was not, email info@antonellischeese.com with the request and we will get it added.
Is there an age restriction to attend an event?
Antonelli's recommends ages 13+ for the structured content of the experience.
Food & Beverages at Events
Do you serve gluten-free or allergen-free products?
We offer gluten-free crackers at events. Please note that our facility is not gluten-free.
Guests should list all allergens in the booking notes so our team can plan in advance and discuss available accommodations.
Can I request certain cheeses or make substitutions?
Public events are curated around the event topic, so Antonelli's does not generally offer cheese substitutions or special cheese requests. Private-event requests can be considered, and our team will try to accommodate where appropriate.
For our cheese and charcuterie trays, selections are also curated rather than fully customizable. You may request that we avoid a particular cheese or style, such as “no blue cheese,” or request a substitution. Depending on the time of year and product availability, we may or may not be able to accommodate your request.
Should I plan on eating dinner before or after?
Popular classes and events include roughly a half-pound of cheese plus pairings, bread, and other items, and guests often feel full afterward.
Can I bring my own drinks to a public cheese class (BYOB)?
Public cheese classes in Antonelli's Tasting Rooms are not BYOB and outside beverages are not permitted. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options may be available for purchase.
Do you offer wine and beer pairing events?
Antonelli's hosts specific beverage-pairing events and also offers tasting-room beverage service at other events, including wine flights, wine by the glass, bottles, beer, and non-alcoholic options. Outside beverages/BYOB are not permitted in the Tasting Rooms.
During & After Class
Can I purchase any of the products I taste at class?
Yes. Guests can order any of the products tasted during the event near the end of class. Our event hosts will bring the products directly to you for tableside checkout.
Where can I get a copy of a menu from a past cheese tasting event?
Please email us at info@antonellischeese.com to request a copy of a past cheese tasting event menu.
Do you offer cooking classes?
Antonelli's hosts mozzarella-making and butter-making classes throughout the year. Please check our events calendar for upcoming classes and availability.
Private Events
Booking
How can I book a private event?
Please complete our private event inquiry form to start a conversation with our Events Team. We will follow up with availability, options, and next steps for your group.
Can I host a private cheese event at my home or business?
Yes. We offer private events at customer-selected homes and businesses. Please complete our private event inquiry form to learn more about current options and availability.
Can I book a virtual cheese event with fewer than 12 guests?
Virtual event options and minimums may vary. Please submit our private event inquiry form, and our Events Team can let you know what options are currently available for your group size.
Managing Your Event
What is your private event cancellation policy?
Private event cancellation and rescheduling terms are governed by the current contract for your booking. Please review your contract or email bookings@antonellischeese.com before making a change so we can confirm the options available for your event.
Cheese Trays & Catering
Ordering
Can I place an order now to pick up or deliver a cheese tray today?
Same-day tray availability varies by product, location, and preparation capacity. Please check the current tray offerings online or call us at 512-531-9610 and we will be happy to help with the best available option.
Do you make cheese boards to go?
Yes. An in-store cheese board to go generally needs at least 15 minutes to prepare, and we suggest calling ahead at 512-531-9610.
Do you cater for business meetings or large events?
Yes. Antonelli's offers cheese and charcuterie platters for business meetings and large events. You can view our current cheese and charcuterie tray offerings online.
For special requests, such as a cheese-wheel wedding cake or a custom cheese course, please contact our team so we can discuss the options.
Choosing a Tray
What do your cheese trays contain?
Our tray selections vary by style and season and typically feature a curated assortment of cheese along with complementary meats or vegetarian accompaniments, fruit, pickled items, nuts or crunchy snacks, and preserves.
Please view our current cheese and charcuterie tray offerings for the most accurate description of each tray and its contents.
How many trays do I need to buy?
For grazing:
- Large Grazing Table: 50+
- Small Grazing Table: 30+
- Large Tray: 24+
- Small Tray: 8+
If intended as a full meal:
- Large Grazing Table: 13–18
- Small Grazing Table: 9–12
- Large Tray: 5–8
- Small Tray: 2–4
Do you offer a cheese tray for two people?
For two or small groups, we suggest a Cheese-y Dinner for 2; a small Cheese + Meat + Treats tray that can be broken down and enjoyed over several days; or a smaller charcuterie/cured-meat platter.
Are the cheeses hand-cut?
Yes. We hand-cut all products for our cheese boards that require cutting, and each board is assembled by our team.
Pickup, Cancellation & Shipping
Can I pick up my cheese tray early or later than the pickup window?
The selected pickup window is used to plan production, so an order is not guaranteed ready before the scheduled pickup time. Late pickup can generally be accommodated. Customers needing a different time should contact the pickup location. We recommend choosing pickup about 1–2 hours before serving so the items have time to come closer to room temperature.
I don't need a tray anymore. What is your cancellation policy?
Tray cancellation requests must be made the day before the scheduled pickup or delivery. Please email info@antonellischeese.com or call 512-531-9610 to request a cancellation. Approved cancellations are refunded to the original payment method.
Can I ship a Cheese Tray?
Prepared cheese trays are not shipped because they are designed as ready-to-eat presentations and do not hold up to parcel shipping. Please visit Antonelli's current shippable gift/product offerings instead.
Cheese Club
What is Antonelli's Monthly Cheese Club?
Antonelli's Cheese Club is a recurring cheese experience featuring a curated monthly selection of cheeses and supporting information.
You can learn more about the club and explore our Cheese Club videos. Current membership options, pickup or shipping details, and monthly timing are available through our Cheese Club information and signup pages.
How do I access my Cheese Club membership portal?
Your Cheese Club membership portal can be accessed through Table22's website. Log in using the email address associated with your membership to manage your account.
If you cannot access your account or are unsure which email address was used, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Can I pick up my Cheese Club box on a different day?
Cheese Club pickup windows are designed around the freshness of the monthly selection. If you cannot pick up during the scheduled window, please contact us as soon as possible and we will let you know what options are available.
How do I give Cheese of the Month Club as a gift?
You can purchase a Cheese Club membership as a gift through our Cheese of the Month Club page. Enter the recipient information during signup and choose the available membership and fulfillment options.
Shipping & Gifts
Gift Boxes
Do you sell gift baskets?
Yes. We offer curated gift boxes that can be picked up, delivered locally, or shipped. You can view and order our Antonelli's Cheese Signature Box online.
Customers can also visit our Hyde Park Retail Shop for in-person help selecting items for a gift.
Can I choose what cheeses come in my gift box?
Gift boxes are curated rather than fully customizable. Customers can note allergens to avoid, and Antonelli's will do its best to accommodate.
Gift Cards
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. We offer both physical and electronic gift cards. Physical gift cards can be purchased at our Retail Shop and Tasting Rooms. Electronic gift cards can be purchased online and delivered immediately or scheduled for a future date. Both types can be used for online or in-person purchases.
How can I check my gift card balance?
Please email us at info@antonellischeese.com. Our team will be happy to provide you with your current gift card balance.
Cannot find my electronic gift card that I just purchased
Electronic gift-card emails can take a little time to arrive. Please check your spam or junk folder and search for Antonelli's Cheese. If you still cannot find it, contact us at info@antonellischeese.com and we will help locate the purchase.
Shipping
Do you ship outside the United States?
We ship within the United States and do not currently offer international shipping. Available shipping methods and timing are shown during checkout based on the destination and products in your order.
My package arrived with melted ice packs and it smelled. What should I do?
Some cheeses can develop strong aromas during transit, and ice packs may thaw by the time your package arrives. Please refrigerate the contents promptly and allow the cheese to cool before evaluating its condition.
If you are concerned about your shipment, please contact us before discarding any items so our team can help assess the situation and determine the best next step. We may not be able to offer a replacement or refund if the contents are discarded before we have a chance to review the issue.