A Guide To Curating The Perfect Wine + Cheeseboard

The best day of the year is almost here – National Cheese Lover’s Day! Landing on the calendar on January 20th, National Cheese Lover’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of our favorite pastimes – Creating the perfect wine + cheeseboard! Check out our guide below for some of our favorite tips and tricks to stun at your next gathering.  

Curate Your Selections

A cheeseboard is nothing without the main character – We’re talking about cheese, of course! You’ll want to select a variety of crowd-pleasers that will offer a different selection of flavors and textures. 

Soft Cheeses: Brie or Camembert for creamy, buttery textures, Semi-Soft: Havarti or Fontina for mild flavor, Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar or gruyere for a sharp, nutty bite, Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola or Stilton for bold, tangy tastes.  Tip: Shoot for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person.

Don’t Skip Seasonal Flavors

Curate your board to the season! Don’t be afraid to loop in seasonal fruits and nuts to add variety.

Winter Fruits: Dried figs, dates, and fresh pomegranate seeds, Nuts: Toasted walnuts or candied pecans for crunch, Preserves: Cranberry chutney or spiced apple butter, Savory options: Pickled vegetables or marinated olives for contrast.

Add Textures for Variety

Cheeses have a very distinct texture, you’re going to want to find some options on the opposite end of the spectrum to balance that out. 

Crackers: Include a mix of seeded, whole-grain, and buttery options, Bread: Sliced baguette or rustic sourdough for heartiness, Crunchy elements: baked crackers, breadsticks, or even veggie sticks can loop in some crunch

Don’t Forget the Wine!

What’s cheese without its best friend wine? Picking the perfect pairing makes all the difference in setting your board apart. 

Some of our favorites include the Pinot Noir from Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, the Sauvignon Blanc from Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena, or a high-elevation Chardonnay from Shannon Vineyards in Lake County. 

Tip: If you’re worried about finding a wine that matches everyone’s tastes, ask your guests to bring their favorites! That way you all get to share your favorites. 

The Aesthetic Factor

If you’re going for the total package, don’t forget about the presentation!  

Layer Colors: Alternate light and dark elements like meats or nuts and cheeses for contrast, Accents: Adding touches like rosemary sprigs for winter or dried flowers for summer, Keep it tidy: Don’t crowd your board so much that your guests are overwhelmed, sometimes less is more!