Wine and Cheese Party: No Experience Necessary Our handy suggestions help you host an easygoing gathering with confidence.
By Scott Jones; Flash Design: Claire Solomon
This type of entertaining is tailor-made for the busy holidays, allowing folks to sip on
something refreshing while enjoying small nibbles rather than eating a large, heavy meal.
A Perfect Pair
Red wine/cheese
Cabernet Sauvignon--Cheddar (sharp), Swiss, Asiago, Aged (dry) Jack
Merlot--Cheddar (sharp), Monterey Jack, Gouda
White wine/cheese
Chardonnay--Cheddar (mild), smoked mozzarella
Sauvignon Blanc--blue (Gorgonzola and Roquefort), goat cheese, Comté, Gruyère
Riesling--Brie, Camembert, Gruyère
Champagne or sparkling wine--Brie, Camembert, fontina
Putting It Together
When selecting cheese, remember that soft cheese tends to be mild or tart and hard cheeses are
often salty and more assertive in flavor. Use this guide when selecting wines. Young, fresh,
and creamy cheeses are best with light, acidic whites. Apply the same thought to most aged,
full-bodied cheeses and red wine.
Presentation can run the gamut from a simple two- or three-cheese selection with a couple of
wines to a more elaborate sampling of multiple cheeses paired with individual wines. It's up to
you--the event can be as casual or as formal as you prefer. Either way, stick with our serving
suggestions, and you'll look like a pro.
For more suggestions and to ask me questions, check out the Food & Wine Resource Guide at
southernliving.com/foodandwine.
Serving Tips
Plan on 3 to 6 ounces of cheese and 2 (6-ounce) glasses of wine per person.
Remove cheese from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving, but keep it covered to preserve freshness.
Use separate knives for each cheese, and serve on a wooden cutting board or a large, flat platter.
Avoid placing strong and mild cheeses next to each other.
