Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings: 13 Expert Matches You Must Try

Wine and cheese pairings bring an elevated and classy touch to any occasion. Whether you're inviting friends over for dinner, planning a cosy romantic evening, or simply indulging yourself, understanding how to pair wine and cheese can add that extra special touch. This guide shares timeless combinations, expert tips, and even features a convenient chart to make your pairing journey enjoyable and easy.

Why Do Wine and Cheese Work So Well Together?

At the core of this timeless pairing is a blend of textures and flavours that complement each other beautifully. The cheese, with its creamy richness and umami notes, gently softens the wine's acidity and tannins. In return, the wine refreshes your palate, highlighting the complex flavours of the cheese. The result? An even more enjoyable and satisfying tasting experience that's sure to delight.

Key Principles of Wine and Cheese Pairings

To enjoy your wine and cheese pairing, it's wonderful to learn a few simple principles. These tips not only help you steer clear of mismatches but also allow each great combination to shine even more.

Complement vs. Contrast

One of the best ways to pair flavours is to decide whether to complement or contrast them.

• Complementary Pairings bring together similar traits, such as a creamy Brie with a rich, oak-aged Chardonnay. The wine and cheese share textural and flavour qualities that blend smoothly.
• Contrasting Pairings highlight differences that just work. A classic example is pairing a salty, bold blue cheese with a sweet Port. The sweetness tames the intensity of the cheese, creating a balanced bite.

Match Intensity and Texture

A good pairing happens when both the wine and cheese complement each other perfectly, without one overpowering the other. It's all about tuning into the richness of their flavours and textures to create a harmonious balance.

• Bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah pair best with aged, robust cheeses such as aged Cheddar or Gouda.
• Delicate wines like Pinot Grigio or light rosés are better suited to mild cheeses like mozzarella or young goat cheese.

Also consider the texture: rich, high-fat cheeses often coat your palate and can soften the tannins in wines, making for a smooth pairing. On the other hand, crumbly or dry cheeses may require a wine with sufficient body or acidity to balance their characteristics perfectly.

Regional Harmony

There’s wisdom in the saying: “What grows together, goes together.” Wines and cheeses from the same region often share flavour profiles that complement each other, thanks to their common terroir influences and culinary traditions.

• Spanish pairings like Tempranillo and Manchego celebrate smoky, savoury notes that echo the region’s character.
• French pairings like Champagne and Brie show how creamy textures and bright acidity can interplay beautifully.

Best Red Wine and Cheese Pairings

Cabernet Sauvignon & Aged Cheddar

This pairing combines two bold flavours of equal strength. The firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon cut through the rich, sharp texture of aged Cheddar, while the wine’s dark fruit notes bring out the savoury umami of the cheese. It’s a classic and reliable match, perfect for those with a hearty palate.

• Ideal for: Fans of bold, intense flavours.
• Best occasion: Cosy winter dinners or BBQs.
• Avoid if: You prefer mild cheeses or low-tannin wines.

Pinot Noir & Gruyère

Pinot Noir’s light body and red fruit notes make it a lovely pairing with nutty and slightly salty Gruyère. Its subtle earthiness complements the complex, aged flavours of the cheese without overpowering it, resulting in a refined and well-balanced match.

• Ideal for: Those who enjoy elegant, understated pairings.
• Best occasion: Wine tastings or light gatherings.

Malbec & Smoked Gouda

Smoked Gouda has a sweet, caramelised flavour with a savoury richness that pairs beautifully with the plush tannins and blackcurrant notes of Malbec. The smoky undertone in the cheese echoes the wine’s dark, earthy character, adding a sense of depth and a touch of drama to each bite.

• Ideal for: Fans of smoky, savoury pairings.
• Best occasion: Barbecue or fireside gatherings.
• Avoid if: You dislike smoked flavours or bold reds.

Syrah/Shiraz & Blue Stilton

This pairing works because of the contrast. The peppery spice and dark fruit notes of Syrah complement the bold saltiness of Stilton, while the wine’s acidity and tannic grip help balance the cheese’s rich, pungent creaminess.

• Ideal for: Adventurous tasters who enjoy bold flavours.
• Best occasion: Holiday cheese boards or after-dinner courses.
• Avoid if: You’re not a fan of blue cheeses or peppery reds.

Merlot & Camembert

Soft, mellow Camembert pairs beautifully with a glass of Merlot. With its fruity notes of plum and cherry, gentle tannins, and smooth finish, Merlot complements the cheese’s earthy, mushroomy rind and its rich, buttery interior.

• Ideal for: Lovers of soft, creamy cheeses.
• Best occasion: Romantic dinners or cosy wine nights.

Love red wine but want to understand it better? Discover the 15 most popular red wine types, their signature flavours, and food pairing tips in 15 Popular Red Wine Types Every Wine Lover Should Know.

Best White Wine and Cheese Pairings

Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese

This is a classic pairing where the wine's sharp acidity complements the tang of the cheese. Sauvignon Blanc’s bright citrus and grassy notes lift the creamy, slightly sour taste of goat cheese. The wine’s minerality also highlights the cheese’s subtle herbal undertones.

• Ideal for: Fans of zesty, herbal flavours.
• Best occasion: Spring brunches or outdoor tastings.

Chardonnay & Brie

Whether oaked or unoaked, Chardonnay has a creamy texture and full body that complements the richness of Brie. Oaked versions tend to add vanilla and buttery notes that meld with the cheese’s soft interior, while unoaked styles cut through its fattiness more cleanly.

• Ideal for: Those who enjoy buttery, luxurious textures.
• Best occasion: Evening boards or wine-focused dinners.

Riesling & Washed-Rind Cheese (e.g., Munster)

Riesling, especially the off-dry varieties, pairs beautifully with the pungent, funky aromas of washed-rind cheeses. Its crisp acidity and subtle sweetness help to tame the cheese’s sharpness, while also revealing surprising floral and fruity notes in the pairing.

• Ideal for: Adventurous tasters and aromatic wine lovers.
• Best occasion: Cheese-forward dinners or winter pairings.
• Avoid if: You dislike funky cheeses or semi-sweet wines.

Chenin Blanc & Comté

This versatile grape has enough acidity to cut through the richness of Comté, a nutty, semi-hard cheese. The apple and honey notes in Chenin Blanc bring out the cheese’s sweet and savoury qualities, creating a refined and layered pairing.

• Ideal for: Balanced palate seekers who enjoy sweet-savoury combos.

Gewürztraminer & Roquefort

Gewürztraminer’s fragrant floral notes and hints of lychee pair beautifully with the sharp, salty taste of Roquefort. Its low acidity and slightly sweet, perfumed profile create a lovely contrast with the intense blue cheese, making for a bold yet harmonious pairing.

• Ideal for: Fans of sweet-salty contrasts and floral aromas.
• Best occasion: After-dinner pairing or unique tasting event.
• Avoid if: You find perfumed wines or blue cheese overwhelming.

Ready to explore the wines behind the pairings? Learn the key characteristics, flavour profiles, and best food matches of white wines in our guide: Types of White Wine: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Styles, Flavours & Pairings.

Sparkling, Rosé, and Fortified Wines

Champagne & Triple-Crème Brie

Champagne’s sharp acidity and delicate bubbles cut through the richness of a triple-crème Brie, leaving your palate refreshed with each sip. The wine’s toasty, bready notes also mirror the cheese’s creamy mushroom flavours, making for a decadent yet perfectly balanced indulgence.

• Ideal for: Those who appreciate rich textures with bright contrast.
• Best occasion: Celebrations, anniversaries, or elegant brunches.

Rosé & Havarti

A Provence-style rosé, with its crisp acidity and subtle berry notes, pairs beautifully with the gentle creaminess of Havarti. It's a light, refreshing combo, perfect for summer lunches or brunch spreads.

• Ideal for: Fans of soft cheeses and fresh, fruity wines.
• Best occasion: Outdoor gatherings, picnics, or light midday meals.

Port & Stilton

One of the classic pairings: the sweet, warm notes of port balance out the sharp saltiness of Stilton. The rich, jam-like fruit in the wine complements the cheese’s pungent blue veins, resulting in a luxuriously mouth-coating finish.

• Ideal for: Dessert lovers and fans of sweet-savoury contrasts.
• Best occasion: Holiday feasts, after-dinner boards, or cold evenings.
• Avoid if: You dislike strong blue cheeses or fortified wines.

Looking to find the right bubbly for your cheese board? From Champagne to Prosecco, uncover the best styles and pairing ideas in Types of Sparkling Wine: A Complete Guide to Every Bubbly You Should Know.

Wine and Cheese Pairings Chart

Wine and Cheese Pairings Chart
Wine	Cheese	Ideal For	Avoid If
Cabernet Sauvignon	Aged Cheddar	Bold, intense flavours	You prefer light wines or mild cheeses
Pinot Noir	Gruyère	Elegant, understated pairings
Malbec	Smoked Gouda	Smoky, savoury pairings	You dislike smoked flavours or bold reds
Syrah/Shiraz	Blue Stilton	Bold, adventurous flavours	You dislike blue cheese or peppery reds
Merlot	Camembert	Soft, creamy cheeses
Sauvignon Blanc	Goat Cheese	Zesty, herbal flavour fans
Chardonnay	Brie	Buttery, luxurious textures
Riesling	Washed-Rind Cheese	Aromatic wine lovers	You dislike funky cheese or semi-sweet wines
Chenin Blanc	Comté	Sweet-savoury balance lovers
Gewürztraminer	Roquefort	Sweet-salty contrast lovers	You find perfumed wines or blue cheese overwhelming
Champagne	Triple-Crème Brie	Rich textures, bright contrast
Rosé	Havarti	Fresh, fruity wine lovers
Port	Stilton	Dessert fans, sweet-savoury contrasts	You dislike strong blue cheeses or fortified wines

Tips for Hosting a Wine and Cheese Night

• Serve Cheese at Room Temperature: Take it out 30-60 minutes prior.
• Start Mild, End Bold: Gradually increase intensity across tastings.
• Provide Variety: Offer 3-5 cheese types and both red and white wines.
• Use Neutral Palate Cleansers: Bread, apples, and water reset the taste.

Conclusion

Getting the hang of wine and cheese pairings doesn't require a sommelier's badge, just a basic understanding of flavours and a curious nose. Take a look at our chart, experiment with different combinations, and let your palate lead the way. Whether you're enjoying a glass on your own or hosting friends, a well-chosen pairing is always sure to impress.

FAQ

1. What is the best wine to pair with cheese?

The ideal wine to accompany cheese depends on the type you're serving. For hard cheeses like aged Cheddar, a robust red such as Cabernet Sauvignon tends to work well. Meanwhile, soft cheeses like Brie or goat's cheese are often complemented nicely by white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Why do wine and cheese go together so well?

Wine and cheese go wonderfully together because the richness of the cheese balances out the acidity and tannins in the wine, while the wine itself helps to clean the palate and bring out the cheese's flavours. It makes for a much richer and more interesting tasting experience.

3. What cheese goes well with red wine?

Red wines pair well with cheeses that have bold or aged flavours. Great options include:

• Aged Cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon
• Smoked Gouda with Malbec
• Blue Stilton with Syrah

4. What white wine is best with cheese?

Crisp and aromatic white wines enhance creamy or tangy cheeses. Popular pairings include:

• Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese
• Chardonnay with Brie
• Riesling with washed-rind cheeses

5. Can you pair sparkling wine with cheese?

Yes, sparkling wine goes beautifully with cheese. Champagne, especially with a rich triple-crème Brie, works particularly well because of its acidity and bubbles that help cut through the cheese’s richness.