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."
This article focuses on pairings of wine and cheese, for a more comprehensive overview of food and wine pairing check out this article.
Why Pair Wine and Cheese?
Wine and cheese are a perfect pairing because they share a fermentation process that enhances flavors. When matched correctly:
- Wine balances the richness of cheese
- Cheese softens wine’s acidity & tannins
- Together, they create a smoother, more enjoyable taste experience
Example: Pair our Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve with aged cheddar for a delightful combination.
Wine & Cheese Pairing Basics: 4 Easy Rules
- Match Intensity – Bold cheeses pair best with full-bodied wines, while mild cheeses match light wines.
- Go Regional – Wines and cheeses from the same region naturally complement each other.
- Balance Acidity & Fat – High-acid wines cut through the richness of creamy cheeses.
- Sweet Meets Salty – Dessert wines (like Gewürztraminer) contrast beautifully with salty cheeses.
Example: Pair creamy goat cheese with our crisp Cellar Beast Sauvignon Blanc for a fresh, tangy combination.
Beginner-Friendly Pairings to Try First
Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing pairings to get started:
Pro Tip: Start with classic pairings before experimenting with your own!
Classic Wine & Cheese Matches You’ll Love
1. Brie + Chardonnay: A Creamy Match
- Our Chardonnay Reserve’s crisp acidity and subtle oak notes enhance Brie’s buttery richness.
- Best served as: A light appetizer or mid-afternoon snack.
Pair our Cellar Beast Rosé 2023, or our Cabernet Franc Rosé with soft cheeses for a delightful experience.
2. Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold & Balanced
- Our Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve features dark fruit and earthy notes that contrast perfectly with sharp cheddar.
- Perfect for: Dinner parties and cheese boards.
Pair our Cabernet Franc 2023 with aged cheddar for a delightful experience.
3. Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc: A Tangy Delight
- Bright citrus acidity in Sauvignon Blanc elevates the tangy creaminess of fresh goat cheese.
- Great for: Brunch and outdoor gatherings.
Learn more about food and wine pairing here.
DIY Pairing Tips: Craft Your Own Combinations
- Start Simple: Choose a cheese you love and pair it with a wine of similar intensity.
- Experiment with Contrasts: Try creamy cheeses with acidic wines or salty cheeses with sweet wines.
- Host a Tasting Party: Invite friends, provide a variety of cheeses & wines, and compare flavors!
Book a guided tasting with our sommelier.
Host a Wine & Cheese Event at Cellar Beast
Looking for a unique event space? We offer:
- Vineyard weddings
- Corporate tastings
- Private pairing events
Add a Gourmet Wine & Cheese Tasting!
- Customized menus crafted by our sommelier
- Local & imported cheeses paired with Cellar Beast wines
- Interactive pairing session for groups
Explore our event packages here.
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: Answering Your Top Wine & Cheese Pairing Questions
Q. What wines pair best with strong cheeses?
A. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve complement aged/sharp cheeses best.
Q. Is white wine better for soft cheeses?
A. Yes! Crisp whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhance Brie’s creamy texture.
Q. What’s the easiest cheese to pair with multiple wines?
A. Brie! It works with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Champagne thanks to its mild flavor.
👉 Read more pairing tips on our blog.
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.
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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.
Explore these pairings in person at our Andreas, PA tasting room.
