Wine and cheese go hand in hand like two peas in a pod, but pairing them together may seem like a daunting task. With so many types of wine and cheese to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make wrong choices. But fear not! As a sommelier, I’m here to share some dos and don’ts of wine and cheese pairing to help you elevate your next cheeseboard.

🍷 Do: Consider the Intensity of the Wine with the Cheese

When it comes to pairing wine with cheese, the intensity of flavors is essential. Pairing a mild cheese with a bold wine or vice versa, will result in a clash of flavors, ruining your perfect cheese plate. For example, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir pairs well with a mild and sweet cheese like brie or goat cheese. In contrast, bold and complex red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with aged cheese with sharper flavors like cheddar or parmesan.

A glass of Pinot Noir next to a plate of brie and goat cheese.

🧀 Don’t: Overwhelm the Plate with Too Many Cheeses

A cheeseboard with an overwhelming number of different cheeses can be intimidating. Less is more when it comes to cheese platters. Stick to a maximum of four to six different kinds of cheese, depending on the number of guests. Not only does it make it easier for guests to navigate your plate, but it also allows you to focus on the quality of each type of cheese you’re serving.

A cheeseboard with four different types of cheese.

🍷 Do: Think About Texture

The texture of the cheese you’re pairing with your wine can impact how they pair. Soft cheeses like Camembert pair well with light wines since their texture is smooth and easily coated by the wine. Whereas hard cheeses like Gouda pair well with medium-bodied wines since their density can stand up to the wine’s boldness.

A glass of Sauvignon Blanc, standing next to a plate of Camembert cheese.

🧀 Don’t: Ignore the Acidity of the Cheese

The acidity of the cheese can be an essential factor when pairing wine and cheese. Wines from higher acid content go best with tangy or acidic cheese since they balance each other out. A cheese like feta or goat cheese with high acidic content pairs well with white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

A plate of caprese salad with feta cheese, tomatoes, and basil, standing next to a bottle of Chardonnay.

🍷 Do: Experiment with Paring

Pairing wine and cheese can be fun and exciting when you step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new combinations. Don’t stick to the traditional pairings; instead, try new and creative duos that take your taste buds on a journey.

A person holding a cheeseboard with various cheese types and a glass of red wine.

🧀 Don’t: Forget to Enjoy

The most important thing when creating a cheeseboard and pairing wine with cheese is to enjoy yourself. Drink and taste what you like, experiment with different pairings, and have fun with it.

A person enjoying a glass of white wine while snacking on a cheese plate.

Wine and cheese are two foods that have been enjoyed together for centuries. Whether enjoyed together as an appetizer, a snack, or a full course meal, the art of pairing wine and cheese is an essential skill to have. Keep these dos and don’ts in mind, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your cheese plate and wine pairings.

A beautiful image of a full cheese plate and wine glasses.