Explore the Best Wine and Cheese Pairings for Every Occasion
By Kim McCullough, Owner and Co-Founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse - "As a Level One Sommelier with a deep passion for viticulture and education, I invite you to explore the art of wine and cheese pairing to enhance every culinary moment."
Why Pair Wine and Cheese?
Wine and cheese are natural partners, both products of fermentation that create a harmonious flavor synergy. When paired correctly, the right wine can enhance the creamy richness of cheese, while cheese can soften a wine’s bold acidity or tannins. Together, they elevate each other to create a culinary experience greater than the sum of its parts.
Learn more about our vineyard’s story and philosophy here.
Basic Pairing Principles
- Match Intensity: Pair bold cheeses with robust wines, and delicate cheeses with lighter wines.
- Embrace Regional Pairings: Wines and cheeses from the same region often pair beautifully, thanks to shared terroir influences.
- Balance Acidity and Fat: High-acid wines cut through the richness of creamy cheeses.
- Contrast Sweet and Salty: Sweet wines, like Gewürztraminer, balance salty cheeses wonderfully.
Explore our Gewürztraminer and other wine options in our online shop.
Top Beginner-Friendly Wine and Cheese Pairings for an Unforgettable Tasting Experience.
Whether you’re hosting a tasting party or enjoying a quiet night in, these classic pairings are sure to impress:
- Brie + Chardonnay: The creamy texture of Brie complements the buttery notes of Chardonnay.
- Gouda + Merlot: Gouda’s nutty richness pairs beautifully with Merlot’s fruity undertones.
- Cheddar + Sauvignon Blanc: The sharp, bold flavors of aged cheddar beautifully balance the crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc.
Book a private tasting to try these pairings for yourself.
Classic Pairings to Get You Started
1. Brie + Chardonnay: A Creamy Match
Cellar Beast’s Chardonnay, with its crisp acidity and subtle oak notes, perfectly complements the buttery flavor of Brie. Serve this pairing as a light appetizer or a mid-afternoon treat.
Shop our Chardonnay Reserve here.
2. Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon
The bold flavors of our Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring dark fruit and earthy notes, balance the sharpness of aged cheddar. A must-try for any dinner party.
Learn more about Cabernet Sauvignon in our blog.
3. Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc: A Tangy Delight
Our Sauvignon Blanc’s bright citrus acidity pairs harmoniously with the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a refreshing, mouth-watering combination.
Read about the best Sauvignon Blancs for pairing here.
Craft Your Own Pairings
- Start Simple: Begin with a wine and cheese you love and expand from there.
- Experiment with Contrasts: Pair creamy cheeses with acidic wines, or salty cheeses with sweet wines.
- Host a Tasting Party: Invite friends to explore combinations together.
Book your spot for a guided tasting with our sommelier.
Host Your Event at Cellar Beast Winehouse
Looking for a memorable venue? Cellar Beast offers an elegant vineyard setting for weddings, corporate events, and private tastings. Customize your event with our sommelier-curated wine and cheese pairings for an unforgettable experience.
Explore our event packages and amenities.
Customized Wine and Cheese Pairing Sessions
If you really want to make your event special, why not include a gourmet Wine and Cheese Pairing session, selected specially for your event by our sommelier? We can customize a tasting menu of some of our best wines to go with a wide range of the finest local and imported cheeses. Groups love this activity, and it is a great way to get them all to interact.
FAQs
1. Which wines pair best with strong cheeses?
Bold red wines, like our Cabernet Sauvignon, complement aged or sharp cheeses beautifully.
Shop our Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve here.
2. How do I plan a wine and cheese party?
Select diverse wines and cheeses, including mild, creamy, and sharp options. Add fresh fruit, nuts, and water for cleansing the palate.
3. Is white wine better for soft cheeses?
Yes! Soft cheeses, like Brie, pair wonderfully with crisp whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Shop our Sauvignon Blanc Reserve here.
4. Why do wine and cheese go so well together?
Both wine and cheese are products of fermentation, which naturally harmonizes their flavor structures. When properly paired, the acidity in wine can counterbalance the fat in cheese, allowing individual flavors to shine without overwhelming your palate. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we see this synergy every day in our tasting room, where a perfect pairing can elevate even the simplest meal into a memorable experience.
5. How do acidity and tannins affect cheese pairings?
- Acidity in wine helps cut through the richness of cheese, enhancing flavors and preventing heaviness on the palate.
- Tannins in red wines bind to proteins and fats, creating a smooth or sometimes gripping sensation. When matched with a fatty cheese, the tannins soften, and the cheese flavors pop. At our vineyard, we love demonstrating how these two elements create a balance that can transform the tasting experience.
6. Should I serve bread or crackers with wine and cheese?
Offering bread or crackers is always a good idea. They act as a neutral base, allowing guests to cleanse their palate between tastings and truly appreciate the wine and cheese flavors. We often serve plain crackers and rustic bread in our Cellar Beast tasting room for this reason—simple accompaniments help highlight the main event: your wine and cheese.
7. What is the easiest cheese to pair with multiple wine styles?
Brie is a crowd-pleaser that pairs effortlessly with a wide range of wines, from crisp Chardonnay to soft Pinot Noir, thanks to its mild flavor and creamy texture. It’s an excellent starter cheese if you’re unsure which wine style your guests prefer, and it remains a top pick in many of our curated pairings
About the Author:
Kim McCullough is the Owner and Co-Founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse, combining her expertise in winemaking and food pairing to create unforgettable experiences. A certified Level One Sommelier from the Wine School of Philadelphia, Kim has a refined palate and extensive knowledge of wine regions and sensory analysis. Her passion for crafting terroir-driven wines extends to designing wine-pairing experiences, including the perfect combinations of wine and cheese.
With a dedication to sustainable winemaking and education, Kim brings a unique perspective to wine appreciation, making it approachable for enthusiasts and beginners alike. She lives in Allentown, PA, where she balances her role as a winemaker and educator with her passion for creating moments of connection through food and wine.
Discover Kim’s insights and expertise as she guides you through the art of pairing wine with cheese in this beginner-friendly guide.
About Cellar Beast:
Discover the art of wine at Cellar Beast. Our handcrafted wines and curated tastings are designed to expand your palate and deepen your appreciation for wine’s rich complexities. Join us for an unforgettable experience at our stunning Pennsylvania vineyard.
