The Shop
Bloomy, soft-ripened, blue-veined, flowery and peppery. Ridgefield’s 109 Cheese & Wine Shop is a center for the education and appreciation for artisanal cheese and wine in northern Fairfield County and 109 Cheese Market, Kent in Litchfield County.
109 Cheese & Wine is owned by Monica and Todd Brown.
109 Cheese & Wine is owned by Monica and Todd Brown, whose story together began in late 2001 on a blind date at Baxter Park. Monica arrived mid-conversation on her cell phone, busy selling 2000 Bordeaux futures, while Todd was doing his best to make the date go better than it was going. Luckily, things improved—second and third dates followed, and eventually so did marriage.
Before long, Monica’s dream of opening a wine shop became reality. Together they launched Cellar XV in Ridgefield, a boutique wine store focused on finding great wines around the $15 mark. The shop quickly developed a loyal following, but Monica soon felt the pull toward her next great love: cheese.
In 2009, Monica and Todd opened 109 Cheese just across the street from Cellar XV. The cheese shop quickly became a destination for thoughtfully sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty foods. As the shop grew in popularity, they made the decision to sell Cellar XV and focus entirely on building 109 Cheese & Wine—eventually adding a small boutique wine shop dedicated to food-friendly, small-production wines.
Over the years, the business has grown to include a second location in Kent, Connecticut, as well as a classroom space above the Ridgefield shop where tastings, classes, and special events bring people together around the table.
At the Kent location, Todd also created WKNDDRVR, a small gallery space that celebrates automotive culture, design, and the spirit of the open road. The gallery blends Todd’s love of vintage cars, art, photography, and road trips with the same sense of craftsmanship and storytelling that defines 109 Cheese & Wine. It’s a place where car enthusiasts and food lovers often find themselves sharing the same conversations.
Monica is both a sommelier and cheesemonger, passionate about curating exceptional products from around the corner and around the world. Todd, an avid car enthusiast and lifelong foodie, handles marketing, storytelling, and social media while also helping guide the day-to-day operations of the business.
When they’re not in the shops, Monica and Todd enjoy road trips, time on Candlewood Lake, and exploring great food destinations wherever they can find them.
At home and in the shop, they share life with their rescue pup Bandit Monkey, who has quickly become part of the 109 family.
“Quality of life and spending it with the ones you love matters more than anything,” says Todd. “Life is short—eat real food, drink great wine, and enjoy your friends and family.”
In addition to cheese and wine, 109 Cheese & Wine offers specialty foods, curated gift baskets, wine cellar consulting, kitchen goods, and the occasional unique antique find.
Come visit us at:
109 Danbury Road in the Marketplace at Copps Hill in Ridgefield
or 6 Kent Green Boulevard in Kent, Connecticut.
