Located in Whistler BC, one of North America’s largest ski resorts, Flute & Fromage is an independently-owned fine cheese and wine shop with a belief that a great pairing of food and wine can be a casual affair.
Owned by Tara May, a Whistler local for over 30 years, the cheesemonger and aprés patio specialises in a cultivated cheese offering from around the world (as well as locally), alongside small plates and natural wines; Tara having sought inspiration from après ski experiences at the Flute Bowl in Whistler’s Symphony Amphitheatre, as well as visits to delis in Sydney, Paris, and the Swiss Alps.
Designed by award-winning design studio Bidgood, the small footprint of the space called for creative thinking. As the initial design unfolded, it became apparent that integrating large refrigeration units into the compact footprint needed to be embraced. A custom Italian-fabricated cheese case in a semi-circle shape connects the grab-and-go section to the cash counter, optimising flow while maintaining visual continuity.
Enhancing functionality and visual impact, the refrigeration units were clad in Skylight Zellige tile and topped with walnut-stained wood, adding warmth to the cool functionality of stainless steel. The diagonal arrangement of equipment divides the shop subtly, while custom vertical shelving—featuring scalloped metal supports powder-coated in toasted chestnut—draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of greater space.
Sustainability was an important feature of the design and as such, locally sourced marble flagstone and terrazzo tiles from Vancouver Island were chosen to reduce transportation impact, supporting regional craftsmanship.
Completed in May 2024 with branding by Glasfurd & Walker and construction by New Leaf Contracting, Flute & Fromage is a unique concept for Whistler. From the well-stocked deli with cheese and charcuterie available to purchase to take home, to the nine-seat outdoor patio serving more cheese and charcuterie, alongside small plates and snacks, natural wines, craft beer and cider, this is a place where the beauty of Whistler’s natural landscape meets the sophistication of urban design, and where locals and visitors alike can converge over a fantastic pairing of fine food and wine. Cheers to that.
Flute & Fromage Whistler Photography, Mary McNeill Knowles.
