Wine and cheese pairing chart
| Cheese | Best wines | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Brie & Camembert | Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir | Bubbles and acidity cut the creamy richness |
| Goat cheese | Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner | Tangy cheese + zesty wine: a classic Loire match |
| Blue cheese | Port, Sauternes, sweet Riesling | Sweetness balances salt and funk |
| Aged cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan | Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo | Firm, nutty cheeses stand up to tannin |
| Fresh mozzarella & burrata | Pinot Grigio, dry rosé | Light and fresh on both sides |
| Swiss & Gruyère | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay | Nutty, mild cheese needs a gentle wine |
| Manchego | Tempranillo, Albariño | Spanish cheese, Spanish wine |
| Mixed cheese board | Champagne, Gamay, Port for dessert | Something for every cheese |
5 rules for wine and cheese
- Pair by region: cheese and wine from the same place usually work.
- Soft, creamy cheese → bubbly or crisp whites.
- Hard, aged cheese → structured reds.
- Blue and salty cheese → sweet wine.
- Big tannic reds can taste bitter with soft cheese: save them for aged hard cheeses.
Building a wine and cheese night
Plan 3-4 cheeses (one soft, one hard, one goat, one blue), 2-3 wines and about 3 oz of cheese per person. Add charcuterie, nuts, honey and fruit. Our party wine calculator tells you how many bottles.
