Choosing the perfect wine and cheese pairings is an art that can elevate your grazing experience. To create enjoyable combinations for yourself and your guests, consider the intensity of both the wine and cheese, aiming to pair bold wines with strong cheeses and lighter wines with milder cheeses.

The wine and cheese enthusiast knows it helps to balance flavors by pairing complementary or contrasting tastes, such as sweet wines with salty cheeses or crisp wines with creamy cheeses. Regional pairings often work well, as wines and cheeses from the same area frequently complement each other due to similar terroir and traditions.

To help you prepare for your next wine and cheese board, we’ve curated the perfect tips to help you along the way, in addition to the best wine and cheese pairings that will impress your guests.

Key Things To Keep In Mind About Wine and Cheese Pairings:

• What grows together goes together.
• Bolder red wines go well with aged cheeses.
• Cheeses with potent smells go better with sweeter wines.
• Experiment with what you think will work best with the overall palate of your guests.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar

A cab and aged cheddar pairing works exceptionally well because the bold, tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon complements the sharp, complex flavors of aged cheddar. The wine’s dark fruit notes and the cheese’s nutty undertones create a harmonious balance on the palate.

Chardonnay and Brie

The buttery, creamy texture of Brie pairs beautifully with the rich, full-bodied nature of Chardonnay. The wine’s subtle oak notes enhance the cheese’s earthy flavors, while its acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness, creating a refreshing contrast.

Pinot Noir and Gruyère

There’s no question that Pinot Noir, with its red fruit flavors and earthy undertones, complements the nutty, sweet characteristics of Gruyère. The wine’s acidity balances the cheese’s richness.

Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese

The crisp, green notes of Sauvignon Blanc pair wonderfully with the tangy, creamy texture of goat cheese. The wine’s herbiness enhances the cheese’s tartness and earthy flavors.

Port and Blue Cheese

Port wines are sweet and are the perfect answer to the salty, pungent flavors of blue cheese. The wine’s richness and residual sugar balance out the cheese’s strong, sharp taste, resulting in a luxe flavor combination.