CheeseHaven’s Cheese Explosion: Over 250 Varieties and a Brand-New Wine Adventure in 2025
CheeseHaven in Port Clinton shatters its own record, offering 250+ cheeses, local delights, and debuting signature wines for 2025.
- 250+ cheeses now offered—double previous counts
- Open since 1949, drawing cheese lovers for 75+ years
- Signature wines launched, including white and pink Catawba
- Yearly rotation: Dozens of new and rare cheeses added annually
If you thought 125 cheeses was impressive, get ready for a flavor overload. CheeseHaven, the legendary Port Clinton destination, just shattered expectations by boosting its cheese collection to well over 250 varieties in 2025. Whether you’re hunting for an ultra-rare gouda or the creamiest spread, CheeseHaven has something to tempt every palate—and now they’re shaking things up with their own custom wine line.
Visitors to the iconic East Harbor Road storefront will spot the famous yellow sign—but the “125 cheeses” claim doesn’t even scratch the surface anymore. Inside, shelves overflow with rotating artisanal selections, handpicked by owners Lisa and Tom Geisheimer. Lisa explains CheeseHaven’s obsession with sourcing rare finds: adventurous customers regularly suggest new, global cheeses, and the store delivers in spades.
On top of that, CheeseHaven collaborates with historic Ohio winemakers—plus, for 2025, they’ve released their very own cheese-pairing wines, inspired by regional grapes and boasting the store’s playful mouse mascot on each label. A 75-year tradition just leveled up.
Why Has CheeseHaven Grown Its Cheese Selection?
Lisa Geisheimer says nonstop customer requests — especially from returning vacationers — push them to keep expanding and diversifying. Cheese aficionados ask for everything from truffled Swiss to rare sheep’s milk creations, and the team scours the globe to meet demand. Expect a new surprise with nearly every visit.
How Can You Visit CheeseHaven—and What’s New for 2025?
CheeseHaven opens seasonally from late April through October, every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Find them at 2920 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton.) Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and snag staff picks like the horseradish spread or smoked Swiss—hot sellers among Midwest foodies.
In 2025, look for:
- Four new, exclusive gouda flavors
- Rotating selections of legendary cheddar spread
- Local Ohio wines from historic labels, including Heineman’s and Lonz
- Signature CheeseHaven white and pink Catawba wines
For trip planning or more foodie inspiration, visit USA TODAY or check resources at Food & Wine.
Q: What Makes CheeseHaven a Must-Visit Landmark?
CheeseHaven isn’t just a cheese shop—it’s an Ohio vacation tradition. Many travelers first visited as kids and now return with their grandchildren. The ambiance, massive cheese counter, and quirky memorabilia guarantee an experience as memorable as the flavors.
How to Pair CheeseHaven’s Cheeses and Wines Like a Pro
- Pair tangy aged cheddars with crisp white Catawba wine for a refreshing bite.
- Smoked Swiss sings alongside a glass of fruity rosé or pink Catawba.
- Horseradish spread? Try with a light local red for a spicy kick.
- Ask CheeseHaven staff for pairing tips—each visit brings something new!
Find more on food pairings and wine tips at Wine Spectator.
What’s Next for CheeseHaven?
The 2025 season looks bolder than ever, with a continued focus on rare cheese finds, exclusive wine releases, and the tradition of treating customers like family. Repeat visitors know: nothing beats the stories and samples at this Port Clinton institution.
Ready to savor a bonanza of cheeses and discover your new favorite wine?
2025 CheeseHaven Tasting Checklist:
- ✔️ Taste exclusive new gouda varieties
- ✔️ Sample signature white and pink Catawba wines
- ✔️ Bring home the cult-favorite cheddar and horseradish spreads
- ✔️ Swap stories with the CheeseHaven team—and start a new family tradition!
Plan your own dairy adventure this season and experience the legend of CheeseHaven firsthand!