If you’ve ever fallen victim to a cheese and wine pairing that completely missed the mark, we feel your pain. There are layers of intricacy to consider when it comes to the delicate art of balancing flavors—a skill that takes years of learning and a sharply honed palate to develop. Luckily, we have a talented team who’ve put in the time and effort, and we asked them to share some of their favorite harmonious cheese and wine pairings to make your next grazing board sing.
So whether you’re hosting a formal Thanksgiving gathering or having a casual night in with friends, you can turn to these expert-backed combinations to make your home one that guests can’t wait to return to.
Parmigiano Reggiano & Amabile Centenario Lambrusco di Modena doc
“Lambrusco is a semi-sweet, chilled red wine that leans more acidic. It’s designed to go with cured meats or foods that contain high levels of fat and salt, like parm. The wine also offers a fruity sweetness that effortlessly highlights the tropical notes in the cheese.”
—Jeremy MacArthur; Wine, Beer & Spirits Category Manager
Harbison & Metropolitain Champagne
“The fermented element of the Metropolitain Champagne pairs beautifully with this cheese. Each sip cleanses the palate, making every bite taste like the very first. Harbison has a decadent, pudding-like consistency. Before you serve this pairing, cut off the top layer of cheese and nestle in a spoon.”
—Kim Martin, Cheese & Charcuterie Merchandiser
Ewephoria Gouda & Saviah Syrah
“There’s an underlying sweet current to the Syrah that picks up the honeyed notes in the cheese. Syrah has a jammy, gamey profile with brambleberry and dark-fruit qualities. The Gouda has a great balance of salted toffee and caramel elements that lift the darkness of the wine.”
—Julia Kelly, Cheese & Charcuterie Category Manager
Blue d'Auvergne & Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling
“A classic sweet-and-salty combo! Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Harvest Select Riesling possesses high aromatics and a rich quality that bring out new aspects of the blue cheese. Blue d’Auvergne delivers browned butter notes and a pleasant zippiness, and it’s much mellower than your typical blue cheese, making it a great option for folks interested in trying something new.”
—Kim Martin, Cheese & Charcuterie Merchandiser
Bijou Chevre & Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages
“The bold aspects of the wine are an even match for the cheese’s creamy, tangy nature. Beaujolais has high acidity and intense aromatics, while French-style chevre is more subdued than the usual wild, sharp chevre. The wine’s characteristics of bright, fresh stewed fruit harmonize well with the cheese.”
—Dominique Giaconia; Wine, Beer & Spirits Merchandiser
Sip and Snack Deliciously
Our wine stewards and charcuterie team members are deeply knowledgeable and happy to create even more pairings to suit your preferences. Ask them the next time you visit one of our stores—it’ll make their day!