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Provide a thoughtful selection of wines for guests to sample—ideally 3 to 5 options ranging from crisp, fruity whites to full-bodied, complex reds—and be sure to have plenty of wine glasses on hand for all attendees. Procure an array of artisanal cheeses to offer, like aged cheddar with delightful sharpness, creamy brie with an irresistible rind, and tangy goat cheese with herbal notes. Paying attention to these important details will help craft a wine and cheese party that feels refined yet relaxed—an evening of effortless indulgence enjoyed amongst friends.
What Is Needed?
To create the ideal wine and cheese party, more than just the wine and cheese themselves are required. The core elements of wine and cheese may seem simple, but thoughtfully curating the accessories and serving pieces elevates the experience. These accessories show thoughtfulness, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in this luxurious tasting experience.
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A wine and cheese party is more than just the wine and cheese. While the wine and cheese are central, curating the right accessories and serving pieces takes the event to the next level.
- A corkscrew is an essential tool for opening wine bottles.
- With the wide variety of cheese textures, from crumbly and soft to firm and dense, a specialised cheese slicer allows for neat slices for tasting.
- To display the cheeses properly, a wooden cheese board with grooves and indentations keeps each cheese in place.
- Wine glasses should enhance the appreciation of the wine.
- Small plates allow each guest to assemble their own pairings of cheeses, meats, fruits and spreads.
The Wine
The most important thing is picking out wines that you know well and like to drink, so you can confidently recommend them. Stick to varieties that tend to have mass appeal so there's something for everyone. For reds, you can't go wrong with classic crowd-pleasers like Pinot Noir, with its light and fruity flavour; Cabernet Sauvignon, with its full body and hints of oak; or the smooth, medium-bodied Merlot.
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Safe bets for white wines include the buttery, oaky Chardonnay; the light and crisp Pinot Grigio; or the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus notes. Having three or four diverse options in terms of body, taste, and aroma will ensure your guests can find a wine that suits their preferences.
The Cheese
While traditionally paired with wines, hard and salty cheeses are not the only option for crafting a delightful wine and cheese board. Soft cheeses can also beautifully complement the complex flavours of wine. With this flexibility in cheese choice, it becomes easy to design an impromptu platter that appeals to many tastes.
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The key is to intentionally choose 3–4 cheeses that offer a range of textures and flavours—some hard and crumbly, others soft and spreadable. Thoughtfully curating this small selection provides contrasting and complementary textures and tastes that pair nicely with wine. Carefully choosing just a few cheeses with different styles and textures allows you to easily create an impromptu platter that feels special yet uncomplicated. Any assortment of 3–4 cheeses can yield a thoughtfully curated wine pairing board.
The Snacks
A cheeseboard is a delightful way to complement both red and white wines. An artful arrangement of cheeses provides a creamy base. Soft, spreadable cheeses like Brie offer a rich, buttery flavour that pairs well with light and fruity wines. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar have concentrated, sharp tastes that stand up to bold reds. Dried fruits lend brightness and sweetness; figs, apricots, and dates layered amongst the cheeses tie the board together.
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Crunchy, toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts provide crunch and nuttiness to balance the fruits’ sweetness. Vibrant grapes and berries make the spread pop with colour and freshness. Crispy crackers or slices of French baguette serve as vehicles for eating, allowing you to sample and combine flavors. Thoughtfully selecting and arranging an array of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers creates a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds. The varied components harmonise without overpowering the wines they accompany.
Wine And Cheese Board
The key is to start with some structure. Before placing any food, add decorative bowls or other non-edible items spaced out on the board. This creates a frame to build upon. Next, position the larger wedges of cheese, bunches of grapes, crackers, and anything else sturdy so they can stand on their own. Space these out evenly to continue establishing order.
Finally, take smaller, more delicate snacks like nuts, jams, and dried fruits to artfully fill the gaps. Pay attention to variations in colour, texture, and height as you insert the finishing touches. With an intentional placement focused on structure first and details second, you’ll end up with a presentable charcuterie board anyone would be delighted to snack on.
