Wine and cheese go together like, well, wine and cheese. They are a classic combination that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. The rich, complex flavors of cheese and wine complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying experience for the palate. You don’t have to be a complete expert to do a wine and cheese pairing or tasting party! I have some quick, beginner tips below for you on wine and cheese pairing. And, at the end, my favorite picks for wine and cheese pairing party essentials!
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Cheese & Wine Pairing Tips
If you’re planning a wine tasting party, it’s essential to pair your wines with the right cheeses. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect pairing:
- Consider the intensity of the wine and cheese.
When pairing wine and cheese, it’s essential to consider the intensity of each. The intensity of the cheese should match the intensity of the wine. For example, a light white wine will pair well with a mild cheese, while a full-bodied red wine will pair well with a strong cheese.
- Pair wines and cheeses from the same region.
Wines and cheeses from the same region often pair well together because they share similar flavors and characteristics. For example, a Chianti wine from Tuscany, Italy, pairs well with a Pecorino cheese from the same region. You can usually tell from the labels, but don’t be afraid to ask the employees at the store if you’re not sure or need help getting to the right spot!
- Pair wines and cheeses with similar aromas and flavors.
Wines and cheeses that share similar aromas and flavors often pair well together. For example, a Sauvignon Blanc wine with a grassy aroma pairs well with a goat cheese with a similar grassy flavor. Look for flavor notes on the label of the wine and cheese. When in doubt, ask the experts at the store!
- Pair acidic wines with creamy cheeses.
Acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. White wines have a tendency to be more acidic than red wines, but some examples of acidic wines are: champagne/sparkling, Sauvingnon Blanc, Reisling, and Pinot Noir.
- Pair tannic wines with hard, aged cheeses.
Tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah pair well with hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Cheddar. The tannins in the wine soften the texture of the cheese, making it more palatable. I know what you’re thinking, what the heck does Tannic mean? It refers to the tannins in the wine. Tannins are a molecules present in the wine from the grape skin or bark. When discussing a tannic wine, we basically are talking about dryness and/or bitterness. Tannic wines include Cavernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Nebbiolo.
Sample Wine and Cheese Menu
Now that you have some tips for pairing wine and cheese, let’s talk about the perfect wine tasting party menu. Here are some classic wine and cheese pairings to get you started:
- Chardonnay and Brie: This classic pairing is a favorite among wine and cheese lovers. The rich, buttery flavor of Brie pairs perfectly with the crisp, fruity flavor of Chardonnay.
- Pinot Noir and Gouda: The earthy, nutty flavor of Gouda pairs well with the light, fruity flavor of Pinot Noir. This pairing is perfect for a casual wine tasting party.
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Parmesan: The bold, tannic flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan. This pairing is ideal for a more formal wine tasting party.
- Riesling and Camembert: The sweet, floral flavor of Riesling pairs well with the creamy, tangy flavor of Camembert. This pairing is perfect for a summer wine tasting party.
- Merlot and Cheddar: The smooth, velvety flavor of Merlot pairs well with the sharp, tangy flavor of Cheddar. This pairing is perfect for a winter wine tasting party.
This board was created from one of the beautiful boards in this book.
When planning your wine tasting party menu, it’s important to consider the preferences of your guests. If you have guests who prefer sweet wines, consider pairing them with a fruit and cheese platter. If you have guests who prefer dry wines, consider pairing them with a more robust cheese.
In addition to wine and cheese, consider serving other appetizers and snacks to complement the flavors of your wine and cheese pairings. Charcuterie boards, fruit platters, and crackers are all great options. Don’t forget to provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks to keep your guests hydrated throughout the party.
Wine and Cheese Party Must Haves
These items are some of my favorite party supplies for a wine and cheese party. Having the proper supplies makes throwing a wine and cheese tasting party so much easier! Plus, you can be real fancy without spending too much money overall!
Cheese Board Set – Including Tiny Bowls & Utensils
This is my new favorite cheese board. The quality is so good and the board is so smooth and also thick. It comes with all the things you need like cheese knives, small bowls, sppons and a fork. You can literlally have party centerpiece with this beautiful set. Check out the book below for a great way to make a cheese board, the easy way.
Pick up this gorgeous cheese board set here.
Individual Cheese Plates with Chalk
These are great for a party because everyone can have their own portion. There’s no worrying about how much you’re taking, or running out of certain things. These trays can also be written on. They come with a super clean chalk that doesn’t create dust like normal chalk (so you don’t have to worry about the food getting dirty). Great for labelling your cheeses at a tasting party! And, they’re easy to clean.
Check out this set of cheese plates here.
Wine Tasting Sheets
I love these sheets because you can put your glasses on the actual sheet to organize the wine. You can also take notes as you taste and it’s all together in an organized way. Then the guests can take their sheet home so they remember what wines they liked best (and didnt like – if any).
Grab your wine sheets here.
Wine Tasting Glass Sampler
This is just a super cute set. If I was having a small party, this combined with the individual cheese plates would be perfect! Even for bigger parties, you could have one of these per table and use them to distribute the wine in a fun and aesthetic way.
Check out the wine glass sampler set here.
This Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life
This book is seriously the best. It has step by step, with pictures, how to put together beautiful board. I mean, they come out gorgeous. With ingredients lists and plenty of visuals, this book just makes it so easy. You can check out an example in my video below.
Pick up your done the easy way cheese board book here.
If you want to check out a full list of my favorites for wine and cheese parties, here’s my Amazon Storefront Wine & Cheese list!
Wrap Up
In conclusion, pairing wine and cheese is an art that requires some knowledge and practice. By following the tips above and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a perfect wine tasting party that your guests will remember for years to come. Check out more fun party ideas and tips on EventOTB’s Pinterest boards! Happy pairing and partying!