Wine and Cheese Pairing Ideas

Wine and Cheese Day

Happy Wine and Cheese Day 2023! Honestly, it is just an excuse for me to share one of my favorite things to do! Eat cheese and drink wine. Cheese and wine go together like peas and carrots. One makes the other so much better and that makes for a great pairing.

When we were in Italy, we fell in love with the custom of Apertivo. Apertivo is the tradition of enjoying wine or a cocktail with some salty bites late in the afternoon. Apertivo is designed to hold you over for a later dinner but it also whets your appetite.

When talking with others about food and wine pairings, I like to use the theory of “what grows together goes to goes together”. It is a simpler way of thinking what a great pairing might look like.

Here are some of my favorites. Let me know if the comments what some favorites are in your world.

Brie and Bubbles

One of my favorite bries or triple-creme cheeses is d’elice de bourgogne. The acid and sharpness of a chilled glass of champagne helps to cut through that fattiness you feel on your tongue when you take a bite of brie. It is a classic pairing that I truly love. 

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of my favorite varietals. We love it so much that my husband and I did a Sidewaysesque on  tour to drink all the Pinots on the central coast of California. Check that trip out here. 

The berry fruit in the Pinot goes perfectly with the nuttiness of a gruyere. Gruyère is used a lot in French cooking so it is not be surprising that Pinot is a perfect match.

Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese

it is currently 100° in Texas and has been for a couple of weeks. I think the good Lord that we have a pool to cool off in on these hot evenings. I love a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc in the heat. My husband calls them “porch pounders“.

The citrus and mineral notes of a really lovely Sauvignon Blanc makes my taste buds dance. Pairing it with the herbaceous flavors of a goat cheese. Winner, winner Sauvignon Blanc dinner.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cheddar

Big, bold cabernet sauvignon. When people say they only like California wines, Cabernet is what comes to mind. A big, bold, red wine that is dry and full of tannins. If something is as bold as a Cabernet Sauvignon, you want to pair it with a cheese that will match it, versus fight with it. I think a very sharp American cheddar cheese is the answer. 

Rose and Havarti

Rose is one of those crisp wines that can transport you to the south of France in one sip. Even if it isn’t a French wine, it does the trick! Havarti is one of those cheeses that is incredibly mellow. It’s laid-back nature pair as well with rosé.

Sangiovese and Pecorino Romano

Sangiovese is one of my favorite red wines. As a huge fan of Texas wines, Sangiovese is one of those that really shines here in the Lone Star State. Sangiovese is the varietal of the world famous Italian wine, Chianti. It should be no surprise that I like pairing it with Pecorino Romano cheese. I like to cut into chunks versus slices. The texture of the cheese pairs nicely with the big strong tannins of the wine.

Syrah and Blue Cheese

Que sera sera. I know that has absolutely nothing to do with this, but I had to say it. Whatever will be will be. A good blue cheese pairs well with the bold and punchy Syrah. Syrah needs some salty goodness paired with it for that balance. 

That’s a wrap

There are so many other wine and cheese pairings, I could go on for days.

I hope that these wine and cheese pairings will come to good use for you. Whether it’s having friends over on a Friday night or girlfriends over for book club. A wine and cheese pairing is always a good idea.