Owned and operated by Jessica Arkwright and Raymod Cotteret, Must Wine Loft is a European-style wine and cheese experience unparalleled in the ‘Burg. Located at 442 2nd St. N., Must Wine Loft is open Tue – Thurs, 4pm-9pm, Fri–Sat 2pm-10 pm, and closed Sun and Mon. But starting June 5, they will extend hours in their private cellier next door. To enjoy the cellier, however, you must be a member. Reservations are not necessary, but encouraged, as seating is limited. Reserve your table at Must Wine Loft here.

As a resident sommelier, Jessica lends her wine knowledge, having studied the trade at Sepia restaurant in Chicago, while Raymond, a retired French chef, is “the cheese to the wine,” according to Jessica. And what a pairing they’ve managed to make, offering decadent and seriously Instagram-worthy wine and charcuterie. Check the full spread here.

“What grows together goes together”

Must Wine Loft offers curated charcuterie boards featuring cow, sheep, goat, and vegan cheeses, accompanied by beef, lamb, and pork. Each board is served with fresh and dried fruit, housemade fig mustarda, almonds, seeded crackers, and crostini. Additional accouterments are available: raw honeycomb, Mediterranean olives and preserves, apricot preserves, feta and pistou-stuffed peppadews, and much more. I haven’t even covered the wines yet.

Must Wine Loft has an extensive selection of wines that will satisfy every palate, many of which, Jessica says, “you won’t find at your standard store.” So, what wines are owners Jessica and Raymond excited about right now? “Min-Vin” wines, meaning, minimal-intervention—wines that are not standardly filtered of yeast cells (protein), technically making them vegan wines.

If you are new to pairing cheese and wine, and looking for a little assistance, Jessica preaches one general rule: “What grows together goes together.” Italian wines of a specific region will go best with cheeses of the same region. “Nature pairs with nature,” says Jessica. “It’ll come out on your palate.”