Few pairings feel as timeless and indulgent as wine and cheese. But behind the elegance is a simple truth: when paired well, the right wine and cheese combination can elevate both flavors into something truly memorable. If you’ve ever stood in front of a cheese case or wine aisle feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry — this guide is here to help you master the basics.
Why Do Wine & Cheese Work So Well Together?
The magic comes down to balance. Cheese’s creamy, fatty richness coats your palate, while wine’s acidity and tannins cleanse it between bites. The combination allows each flavor to shine. With so many varieties of both wine and cheese, there’s an endless array of possible pairings — but some principles make pairing easy.
The 5 Golden Rules of Pairing
1. Balance Intensity
Light cheeses pair well with light wines; strong cheeses call for bold wines. A delicate goat cheese might be lost with a big Cabernet, while a pungent blue cheese might overpower a light Pinot Grigio.
2. Consider Texture
Rich, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair beautifully with crisp wines like Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc that cut through the creaminess.
3. Sweet Loves Salty
Salty cheeses — like aged gouda or blue cheese — pair wonderfully with sweeter wines like Port, Riesling, or Sauternes.
4. Match Age
Aged cheeses often pair best with aged wines. The complex flavors that develop over time in both cheese and wine often mirror and complement each other.
5. Trust Your Taste Buds
While guidelines help, personal taste always wins. If you love a pairing, then it’s perfect.
Build Your Own Pairings at Home
- Soft Cheeses (Brie, Goat Cheese): Pair with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Champagne.
- Semi-Soft (Havarti, Fontina): Try with Pinot Noir or Rosé.
- Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Manchego): Match with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Malbec.
- Blue Cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort): Sweet wines like Port are excellent partners.
Final Tip
Don’t overthink it. The best way to learn is by tasting different combinations and noticing how each flavor evolves. Invite a few friends, open a couple of bottles, and make it an evening of exploration.
At Salt and Board Eatery, we love helping our guests discover new pairings — and we’re always here to offer a curated board and the perfect pour.
