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Elevate Your Palate on National Wine & Cheese Day with Exquisite Pairings

On July 25, foodies and wine connoisseurs will unite to celebrate National Wine & Cheese Day. This is the perfect occasion to raise a glass and savour the harmony between two of life's greatest pleasures: wine and cheese. To ensure a memorable experience, we have compiled a list of impeccable wine and cheese combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

First things first, however, and before we begin, let’s look at the art of pairing. Pairing wine and cheese requires careful consideration of flavours, textures and aromas. The goal is to find complementary elements that enhance each other, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when making your selections…

Alex Flanders  25 July 2023

THE ART OF PAIRING

Match Intensity

Pairing a bold, full-bodied wine like our St Hugo Shiraz 2018 with a robust and aged cheese can create a powerful flavour combination. Similarly, a light, delicate wine like our Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Turckheim 2019 pairs well with mild, soft cheese. Matching the intensity of both the wine and cheese ensures that neither overpowers the other.

Complementing Flavours

Look for flavours that complement each other. For example, a creamy, buttery cheese pairs beautifully with a Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2019 , as both share similar flavour profiles. A fruity, acidic wine like a Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Elsa Sauvignon Blanc 2021 pairs well with tangy goat cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.

Contrasting Textures

Contrasting textures can create an exciting sensory experience. With its effervescence, a De-Saint Gall le Blanc de Blanc or Parigot & Richard Cremant de Bourgogne 2014 sparkling wine cuts through the richness of a creamy, brie cheese, creating a delightful contrast on the palate. Similarly, a robust red wine (Te Mata Coleraine 2021) can stand up to the firmness of a sharp cheddar, creating a satisfying combination.

Now that you understand the basics of wine and cheese pairing let's explore some classic combinations that are sure to impress your guests.


So, without further ado, prepare your palate for a remarkable sensory journey!

Classic White Wine with Brie

The buttery and creamy texture of Brie cheese pairs exceptionally well with a crisp and refreshing white wine. Opt for a Villa Maria Taylor's Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2020 or a Bruno Colin Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020 to complement the subtle flavours of the cheese and create a harmonious balance on your palate.

Robust Red Wine with Aged Cheddar

If you prefer bold and intense flavours, combine a rich, aged Cheddar cheese with a robust red wine like a St Hugo DR3 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon or a Soul Growers Slow Grown Shiraz 2020 The strong, nutty notes of the cheese beautifully complement these red wines' earthy, tannic characteristics.

Sparkling Rosé with Goat Cheese

For a lighter and more vibrant pairing, reach for a Bellebonne NV Rosé to accompany the tangy and creamy nature of Goat Cheese. The effervescence of the wine brings out the subtle flavours of the cheese and provides a refreshing contrast on your palate.

Dry Rosé with Feta

For a Mediterranean-inspired pairing, opt for a Maison AIX dry Rosé to counterbalance the salty and tangy characteristics of Feta cheese. The wine's light acidity and fruity notes perfectly complement the cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.

Sweet Dessert Wine with Blue Cheese

To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in the luscious combination of decadent Le Tertre Du Lys D Or 2017 Sauternes dessert wine with the sharp and pungent flavours of Blue Cheese. The sweetness of a Port or a Sauternes beautifully complements the bold intensity of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you craving for more.

Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on National Wine & Cheese Day, these pairings are guaranteed to elevate your palate and create an unforgettable experience. You might opt for classic combinations or explore new horizons; the key is to enjoy the journey and savour every sip and bite. So, raise your glass and toast to the perfect harmony of wine and cheese!

About The Author

Alex Flanders

25 July 2023

Meet the seasoned hospitality aficionado and wine enthusiast who has left an indelible mark on the luxury hospitality landscape. With a Bachelor of Business degree in International Hotel and Resort Management from the prestigious Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, our author has garnered recognition for their exceptional service and leadership skills.

Formerly the Restaurant & IRD Manager at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, our author's tenure at this iconic boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney was marked by innovation and excellence. With a passion for hospitality deeply ingrained in their ethos, they brought a wealth of experience in food and beverage operations, restaurant management, and bartending to their role.

Having managed esteemed food and beverage outlets at Emporium Hotels, including a fine dining hatted restaurant, a lobby bar, and an online retail bottle shop, our author's expertise as a hotel sommelier and beverage manager shone through. Their instrumental role in transforming a lobby bar into a premium wine bar underscores their commitment to elevating guest experiences and driving business growth.

Though their journey at Pier One Sydney Harbour has come to a close, our author's legacy of excellence lives on. With a thirst for knowledge, a passion for creating memorable experiences, and an unwavering dedication to the industry, they continue to chart new horizons and contribute to the success and growth of organizations wherever they go.

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