Discover a phenomenal local cheese range at Sabato
Sabato is raved about in the most prestigious New Zealand food and lifestyle publications for good reason! The carefully curated cheese section of this famous specialty store truly is a sight to behold. Dedicated to promoting the lovingly crafted products of Kiwi cheesemakers, Sabato offers a large range of award-winning cheeses and must-try gems from around the country.
After over 25 years of supporting Kiwi artisans, Sabato is well-placed to share the best of the best with their passionate customers. They are respectful custodians of the work of around 30 NZ cheesemakers and constantly add to their selection of Kiwi interpretations of European classics and innovative varieties paying homage to our unique heritage and local ingredients.
The Sabato cheese selection hosts an impressive cohort of award-winning Kiwi cheesemakers. Be sure to treat yourself to the crowd favourite Grinning Gecko Camembert, or Champions of Cheese award winner Mahoe Farmhouse Blue. Meyer’s take on a European Maasdam and the innovative products from Clevedon Buffalo Co are also among our top picks.
Sabato owners Jacqui and Phil Dixon say “The key is quality – our cheesemakers use locally sourced milk, produce in small batches and are in tune with their surroundings, resulting in maximum flavour impact.”
Sabato’s secret to providing such a spectacular range is keeping their staff in the know with extensive education about the cheese industry, regular tastings and sit-downs with the cheesemakers themselves. If you’re making a trip to Sabato, all staff will deliver a wonderful cheese buying experience. Don’t forget to watch out for their team of cheese experts:
Industry veteran and resident cheese curator Robyn Beckham is proud to present her hand-picked, diverse selection of Kiwi cheese. After 14 years at Sabato, she certainly knows her way around the cheese section! Robyn can recommend the perfect cheese for any palate or occasion.
Manager Neil Schultz boasts high level qualifications and over 30 years of experience alongside a lifelong passion for cheese and local artisans, and is on first name terms with all of the Sabato regulars.
Chris Carrad, armed with his world-renowned Diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and decades of industry experience, is the Sabato virtuoso of beverage and cheese pairing.
You will find Olivia Thom running demonstrations and tastings. She prioritises Kiwi cheeses so customers can enjoy the freshest products and the hidden gems of the local market. You won’t regret attending a Sabato tasting and discovering a new favourite cheese!
The Sabato team also works alongside top institutions such as The Grove, Sugar Club and Cable Bay Vineyards to bring the best in Kiwi cheese to some of the best dishes in the country. Their expertise is called upon by some of New Zealand’s most prominent chefs, including Josh Emmett, Julie le Clerc and Sid Chopra.
Keep an eye on the ever-growing Sabato cheese selection via social media, the Sabato website and online store and reviews from local chefs and lifestyle publications. If you’re lucky, you might even nab a prize in one of their regular giveaways.
Sabato have earned their place as one of the top stores in New Zealand due to their respect for the craft and commitment to offering the greatest in local cheese. They are loved by customers and cheesemakers alike, and we promise you will love your next visit too!
57 Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Mon-Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sun 10.00am – 5.00pm