Cheese to the People: Flute & Fromage Opens in Whistler Village
New boutique Whistler cheesemonger and natural wine shop invites visitors to sip, sample and explore
Flute & Fromage, an independently-owned cheesemonger serving high-quality BC and international cheeses, small plates, and natural wines, has opened its doors in Whistler Village.
Flute & Fromage is owned by Tara May, a local who channeled her après ski experiences at the Flute Bowl in Whistler’s Symphony Amphitheatre, paired with explorations of chic delis in Sydney, Paris, and the Swiss Alps, into designing the intimate shop. Fuelled by a conviction that food and wine should be fun, the Flute & Fromage experience is crafted around taste, ambience and enjoyment.
Tara developed her passion for cuisine at York University in Toronto, where she studied food systems and economic development with a focus on local wine production, geographical indication/appellation regulation labelling, and tourism. While travelling, she realized Whistler – her on-and-off home for 30 years – was missing a space where visitors could sample and shop for high-quality cheese and charcuterie, with an option to pair their selections with natural wine. Flute & Fromage is her vision come to life.
The shop is anchored around a well-stocked deli, where visitors can partake in complimentary cheese and charcuterie tastings while they browse. Skilled cheesemongers are on-hand to answer questions and provide recommendations – a welcome perk to navigate the impressive selection of seasonal cheeses, meats and accompaniments. Guests can also purchase to-go cheese and charcuterie plates and gift boxes, including the Signature “Cheese to the People” box – a gourmand’s delight. To-go options are available for purchase in-store and online, for pickup or complimentary delivery throughout Whistler, and within the Sea to Sky region for a flat rate of $30.
For guests who prefer to stay and lounge, Flute & Fromage has a nine-seat serviced outdoor patio with scenic mountain views. Inspired by European alfresco dining, the cozy retreat offers a respite amid the bustle of Whistler Village where guests can sip natural wines, local cider, craft beer and organic sodas, and share beautifully prepared cheese and charcuterie boards. Light snacks and small cold and hot dishes are also available – think tuna nicoise salad, burrata with seasonal vegetables, and tartiflette – as well as a daily feature sandwich.
Designed by Bidgood, Flute & Fromage’s interior naturally elevates cheese to the forefront. Guests are greeted with a custom curved display case filled with cheeses, and a minimalist design enhanced by tactile elements encourages tastings and exploration. Sedimentary materials form the foundation, complemented by contrasting textures like glossy, blue-stained wood and powder-coated metal. Together, they evoke the coastal mountain ranges, paying homage to the seasonality of the shop’s offerings and Whistler’s landscape.
“I’m thrilled to welcome guests into my labour of love. After so many years of ideating and planning, it’s an incredible feeling to open the doors to Flute & Fromage,” said Tara. “It’s my privilege to open the shop in Whistler, a place that I have called home for 30 years. It’s a haven for cheese and wine lovers, but it’s also a gathering place for anyone seeking connection, conversation and enjoyment.”
Flute & Fromage is located at 102 - 4305 Village Stroll in Whistler, BC, and is open daily from 11am-7pm. Dining on the serviced outdoor patio is accommodated on a first-come first-serve basis for walk-ins. Learn more, and shop Flute & Fromage’s selection of fine cheese and wine online, at www.fluteandfromage.com.
About Flute & Fromage
Flute & Fromage is an independent cheesemonger serving high-quality local and international cheeses, small plates, and natural wines. Located in the heart of Whistler, BC, the shop is owned by Tara May, a Whistler local for over 30 years, who took inspiration from her après ski experiences at the Flute Bowl in Whistler’s Symphony Amphitheatre, as well as explorations of chic delis in Sydney, Paris, and the Swiss Alps. The shop features a well-stocked deli, cheese and charcuterie to-go plates and gift boxes, and a nine-seat serviced outdoor patio serving cheese and charcuterie, small plates and snacks alongside natural wines, craft beer and cider. Flute & Fromage is open daily from 11am-7pm. Learn more, and shop Flute & Fromage’s selection of fine cheese and wine online, at www.fluteandfromage.com.
