Founded in 2021
Amazing cheese selection
Masterclasses & Events
Australia's Original Smelly Cheese Shop
Who we are
Established in the Adelaide Central Market in 2001, the Smelly Cheese Shop set out to sell exclusive and exceptional cheeses from around the world. But from the start, it was obvious this was not just another cheese shop. Owner Valérie Henbest’s passion for consuming and promoting cheese and cheese education soon put the shop on the map with over 300 cheeses, accompaniments and merchandise.
The Smelly Cheese Difference
Smelly Cheese Co is more than just a cheese shop. While we pride ourselves on offering the best selection of hard to find cheeses and accompaniments, that’s only part of the story. Our popular masterclasses in Adelaide and around Australia are fun, informative and delicious events. We partner with local wine producers and source a unique range from small European producers to ensure you have something perfect to enjoy with every cheese in store. Our carefully curated monthly subscription boxes are the perfect way to taste new cheeses and expand your knowledge.
Approachable
We don’t just love cheese. We love sharing the stories of the producers and the regions behind our products as well as answering our customers' questions around the topic.
Curious
We seek out new cheeses, new producers and get to know their stories. We want to know all about how the cheese is made, where it is made and how to serve it.
Knowledgeable
Valerie has been living and breathing cheese all her life and shares this knowledge with her team and the people she meets in the shop, at events and in the masterclasses.
Meet the Queen of Cheese
Valérie Henbest
Born and bred in Normandy, France, Valérie Henbest made the ultimate life change moving to Australia over 20 years ago. Valérie began by importing her favourite cheeses into Australia, focusing on building strong relationships with boutique French producers.
Always a baguette in hand
She enjoyed frequent visits to France, while also helping French producers to visit Australia and showcase their cheeses. Smelly Cheese Co still handpicks cheese from across the world to complement and contrast with the Australian cheeses on offer. Despite a packed schedule full of tasting evenings, online masterclasses and private tastings and events, you’re also likely to bump into her in the Central Market visiting her shop and her neighbours.