





San Jose: Devine Cheese & Wine closing its doors


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Devine Cheese & Wine in San Jose Announces Closure After Nearly Two Decades of Local Charm
By Emily R. Hayes – Research Journalist
San Jose’s culinary scene has just lost one of its long‑standing staples. Devine Cheese & Wine, the family‑run shop that has been a neighborhood destination for cheese aficionados and wine lovers alike, has officially announced that it will close its doors at the end of next month. The decision, described by owner Daniel Devine as “a personal and financial one,” has sent a ripple of sadness through the local community and prompted reflections on the broader challenges faced by small, specialty food retailers in the Bay Area.
A Legacy of Artisan Selection
The 800‑square‑foot storefront on Oakridge Avenue first opened its doors in 2006, when Daniel and his wife, Laura, converted a modest grocery space into a curated cheese shop. Over the years, Devine Cheese & Wine built a reputation for sourcing both domestic and international cheeses, many of which were only available in limited quantities. The shop also offered a rotating selection of boutique wines, artisanal crackers, and homemade pâtés, creating an intimate tasting experience that drew regulars from across the city.
According to a 2018 feature in the East Bay Express, Devine’s selection was praised for its emphasis on “hand‑made, high‑quality products that carry the story of their makers.” The shop’s “Cheese of the Month” program, in which patrons could order a new variety each month, became a local favorite. Local food critic Maya Patel noted that Devine had “set a benchmark for artisanal retail in San Jose.” The shop’s small‑scale, personalized service has been a model for many newer specialty food stores, according to a 2023 interview Daniel gave to the Silicon Valley Food Network.
Why the Doors Are Closing
When the announcement was posted on the shop’s website—linked in the original article—the owner cited a combination of rising rent, supply chain instability, and a desire to pursue other passions. “The market has changed,” Daniel told the East Bay Times. “With rent climbing and a younger generation that prefers online grocery options, I’ve decided that it’s time to close this chapter.”
The article references a local news piece that detailed a steep 18% increase in commercial rent at the Oakridge shopping center over the past five years. In addition, supply chain disruptions caused by global shipping bottlenecks and the recent resurgence of artisanal producers in Europe further squeezed margins. While the shop’s loyal clientele had often paid a premium for specialty products, the price adjustments required to remain profitable were no longer sustainable.
Community Reaction
The closure has spurred a wave of responses on social media, with many customers expressing disappointment. “It’s not just a shop,” said longtime customer Jordan Reyes, who shared a photo of his favorite gouda on Instagram. “It’s a place where we gather for wine nights, and a source of inspiration for our own cooking.” Local chefs have echoed this sentiment, noting how Devine’s curated selection often served as the starting point for new dishes in their restaurants.
The shop’s former building will now be part of a broader redevelopment plan for Oakridge. A local development company, announced in a follow‑up link from the article, plans to convert the space into a boutique hotel and café. “We’re excited to continue the tradition of hospitality at this address,” the company’s spokesperson said. “The new concept will honor the history of Devine Cheese & Wine while offering a fresh experience for residents and visitors.”
Daniel Devine’s Next Steps
While the shop’s physical presence will cease, Daniel Devine appears to be keeping his entrepreneurial spirit alive. In a statement linked to the original article, Daniel announced that he will launch a small‑scale, online subscription box service focused on artisanal cheeses and wines. “I want to bring the same care and selection to people who can’t make it to Oakridge,” he explained. The subscription service will feature curated monthly themes and virtual tasting sessions, allowing Devine to retain a connection with his loyal customer base.
A separate link in the article led to a press release from the San Jose Business Journal, which reported that Daniel had secured a partnership with a local food distributor to streamline logistics for the new venture. The partnership is expected to reduce shipping costs by 15% and enable a broader reach across the Bay Area.
A Broader Trend
The closure of Devine Cheese & Wine is not an isolated incident. The East Bay Times has reported on a recent wave of small specialty retailers shutting down in the region, citing similar pressures of high rents, shifting consumer habits, and the increasing dominance of large grocery chains. The article references a 2024 study by the Bay Area Retail Association that found that 32% of specialty food stores in the San Jose area have closed since 2019, a decline that experts link to the pandemic’s long‑term effects on local commerce.
However, community leaders view the trend with optimism. The East Bay Times features an editorial that argues for a stronger support network for small businesses, including tax incentives, rent control measures, and community‑driven “buy‑local” campaigns. “Devine Cheese & Wine’s legacy will live on in the conversations it sparked about quality, sustainability, and local flavor,” the editorial concludes.
Closing the Chapter, Opening a New One
On August 26th, Devine Cheese & Wine will be closed for the last time. The shop’s final days will likely be a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and anticipation for the future. While the physical space on Oakridge Avenue will soon transform, the memories—cheese plates shared, wine tastings hosted, conversations sparked—will linger in the hearts of San Jose’s residents. Daniel Devine’s new online venture promises to keep the spirit of the shop alive, albeit in a new form. As the city moves forward, the closure serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the enduring importance of local, artisanal entrepreneurship.
Read the Full East Bay Times Article at:
[ https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/08/26/san-jose-devine-cheese-wine-closing-its-doors/ ]