Tasty Treasures in Small Packages (Photo by Ray Piedra)

Wine and Cheese

Wine and cheese tastings are a simple and elegant way to explore the flavors and textures of two perennial favorites that appear to be made for each other. Cheese provides a microcosm of the best aspects of why wine is so well suited to food. Like with all foods, cheeses offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and acidity that can complement or contrast wine. In the best-case scenarios, the flavors in both the cheese and the wine can amplify the other when paired together. For example, a bold and aged cheese, such as a sharp Cheddar, can bring out the complex flavors in a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination can elevate the taste experience, highlighting nuances that might not be as noticeable individually.

In some wine-producing regions, such as France, Italy, and Spain, to name but a few, local cheeses have evolved relative to the wines produced. This results in natural affinities between specific wine and cheese combinations due to shared terroir and culinary traditions. There are no hard and fast rules for wine and cheese pairing – personal preferences can vary, and exploring and experimenting with different combinations is a fun and rewarding way to discover both.

When organizing a wine and cheese tasting, especially in the beginning, it’s often more rewarding to pair complementary flavors and characteristics. As your skill in identifying your own preferences improves and your sense of adventure grows, you can take more risks (or throw caution to the wind and let ‘er rip!).

Here are some tips to help you plan a successful wine and cheese tasting:

Cheese Selection

Choose a diverse selection of cheeses, including different types such as soft, semi-soft, hard, blue, and aged. Aim for a range of flavors, from mild to intense, and consider including cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and sheep’s milk cheeses. Some popular cheese choices include Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Gouda, Roquefort, and Parmesan (one of my favorite wine cheeses). Want something unique? Include a Huntsman, Apricot Stilton, or other combination cheese.

Wines

Provide a variety of wines that pair well with different types of cheeses. Consider reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines – traditional options such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir all make for excellent pairing but don’t be afraid of other varietals. If unsure, consult a local wine shop or access your trusty internet. You can base your tasting around a theme or make it BYOB for the ultimate exploration. Who knows – you may decide to make it a “thing.” years ago, I started a roaming tasting club where a different member would host the tasting and set the theme each month. Everyone would bring one wine and a pairing cheese; in short order, we had tasted our way across the city and worldwide!

Tasting Order

Start with milder cheeses and lighter wines, then gradually progress to more robust flavors. This tried-and-true tasting regimen, used by nearly all wineries, helps to ensure that participants can appreciate the subtler nuances before moving on to more intense combinations or “burning out your taste buds!” For example, you can begin with fresh goat cheese paired with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, move on to a Brie paired with Chardonnay, and finish with a bold blue cheese alongside a rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The options are endless. Remember that after six pairings (maybe fewer if the wines or cheeses are exceptionally bold), you may not be able to differentiate the subtler flavor components.

Palate Cleansing

As with any tasting, be sure to offer a variety of accompaniments to enhance the tasting experience. These can include bread or crackers, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, honey, olives, or even charcuterie items such as cured meats. These additions can help cleanse the palate between tastings and offer contrasting flavors and textures. Just be sure to minimize extremely strong flavors – you don’t want to overpower the next pairing!

Tasting Notes

Some hosts like to prepare brief descriptions of the wines and cheeses, including information about the origins, flavor profiles, and other notable characteristics. This is especially useful for those with less experience, or when the selections or less common. Others prefer to provide tasting sheets to allow participants to record their own impressions and reactions. Whichever you choose, the key is to encourage discussion and the exploration of the different combinations. Half the fun is in the sharing. Discussing the interplay of the flavors adds to the overall enjoyment and educational aspect of the event. Most importantly, remember, wine and cheese tastings are subjective, and personal preferences may vary. The main objective is to have fun, explore new flavors, and appreciate the beautiful marriage between wine and cheese.