AUSTIN, TEXAS — Specialty cheeses feature prominently into Whole Foods Market’s holiday plans this December, with the retailer providing a national stage to several brands through its 12 Days of Cheese event.

Organic-focused Whole Foods Market shared that its certified cheese professionals carefully selected distinctive artisanal cheeses for the occasion, which runs Dec. 13-24 at its stores.

The featured cheeses come from the United States, France, Spain, Switzerland and Italy.

Five domestic cheeses were selected: Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam (California), Uplands Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Wisconsin), Sartori Herbs de Provence BellaVitano (Wisconsin), Jasper Hill Presto Prosecco Washed Harbison (Vermont) and Vermont Creamery Cremont (Vermont).

The seven international cheeses on the list are: Cypress Grove Midnight Moon (Holland), Papillon Roquefort Révélation (France), Hervé Mons Pyrénées Brébis (France), Neal’s Yard Dairy Sparkenhoe Red Leicester (England), Emmi Kaltbach Cave Aged Le Gruyère (Switzerland), Ca de Ambros Taleggio (Italy) and Mitica Alisios (Spain).

“The holiday season is all about sharing special experiences, and our 12 Days of Cheese lineup brings together the very best of what I love about cheese – its ability to surprise, delight and spark connection,” said Whole Foods Market ambassador of food Cathy Strange. “Each cheese has a story: from rare, exclusive varieties to familiar favorites, every selection is an invitation to explore and savor. We’re thrilled to offer these incredible cheeses at a terrific value that make any holiday table truly unforgettable.”

Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam, Whole Foods shared, is a customer favorite. Made with organic cow’s milk, its rich flavor features crème fraiche and salted butter notes that evolve into “earthy, mushroomy” tones as it ripens.

Uplands Cheese Company’s Pleasant Ridge Reserve only gets produced during certain months and is crafted in an alpine style. Cheese experts describe its flavors as ranging from “savory and brothy to sweet and tropical.”

Sartori’s Herbs de Provence BellaVitano is a Whole Foods exclusive inspired by parmesan and encrusted with Herbes de Provence. It is said to feature notes of lavender, parsley and lemon zest, with buttery, caramel like character.

Jasper Hill’s Presto Prosecco Washed Harbison is wrapped in spruce and washed with Presto Prosecco. The cheese experts say consumers can expect “piney aromas, and a creamy, rich paste, with flavors of mushrooms and cultured butter.”

Vermont Creamery’s Cremont blends cow and goat milk, creating a fudgy interior within a wrinkled rind. Cheese specialists noted its flavors of “citrus, hay and a lightly peppery finish.”

Cypress Grove’s Midnight Moon goat cheese is aged for at least six months, creating what is described as a “crystal-studded paste,” with notes of “toasted nuts, salted caramel, and toffee with a clean, slightly citrusy finish.”

Papillon’s Roquefort Révélation is aged in caves in France’s Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. It is described as “a bold, velvety cheese with a peppery, spicy profile and hints of anise, chocolate, and a lingering, funky finish.”

Hervé Mons’ Pyrénées Brébis is a “smooth, buttery” French cheese with notes of “rosemary, hay, and toasted nuts.”

Neal’s Yard Dairy’s Sparkenhoe Red Leicester features a bright orange color and “bold” flavors, such as “earthy, musty aromas with savory notes.”

Kaltbach’s Cave Aged Le Gruyère is aged in sandstone caves, with flavors of “brown butter, toffee, and a satisfying crunch from tyrosine crystals.”

Ca de Ambros’ Taleggio is a creamy, Italian washed rind cheese. Cheese experts say its buttery flavor makes it “ideal for cheese boards or melting into dishes like risotto and gratins.”

Mitica’s Alisios comes from the Canary Islands, with a rind rubbed in paprika and “a smooth, mellow paste.”

Whole Foods shared that all 12 cheeses will be 35% off for Amazon Prime members and 28% off for all other shoppers during its 12 Days of Cheese. The retailer also is selling a 12 Days of Cheese sampler platter featuring four cheeses, sour cherry and fig spreads, and Taza Chocolate.