Cheese lovers, rejoice! June 4th is National Cheese Day, and there’s no better way to honor this delicious holiday than with a classic pairing: wine and cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a summer picnic, or a sophisticated gathering with friends, pairing the right wine with the right cheese can elevate your experience from good to unforgettable.
Here’s a curated guide to some of the best wine and cheese pairings to help you celebrate in style.
Brie & Champagne
Why it works: The creamy, buttery texture of Brie is beautifully balanced by the crisp acidity and effervescence of Champagne. The bubbles cut through the richness, refreshing your palate with every sip.
Try it with: Triple-cream Brie and a Brut Champagne, such as Chamagne Jacques Lorent, Brut Grande Reserve
Aged Cheddar & Cabernet Sauvignon
Why it works: Aged Cheddar has a bold, sharp flavor that stands up to the tannins in a robust Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s dark fruit notes complement the nutty, tangy finish of the cheese.
Try it with: 2-year aged white Cheddar and a California Cab such as Gambler’s Ghost.
Goat Cheese & Sauvignon Blanc
Why it works: The bright acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the tanginess of fresh goat cheese, making this a go-to summer pairing.
Try it with: Classic French chèvre and a Loire Valley Sancerre such as Les Carrieres De Mezy Sancerre or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc such as Mussel Bay.
Blue Cheese & Port
Why it works: The saltiness and intensity of blue cheese demand a sweet counterpart. Enter Port: rich, sweet, and strong enough to meet the bold character of blue cheese head-on.
Try it with: Roquefort or Stilton and a ruby or tawny Port such as the ones from Pocas.
Manchego & Tempranillo
Why it works: Spain meets Spain. The nutty, firm Manchego pairs wonderfully with the cherry, leather, and spice notes of a Tempranillo. It’s earthy, balanced, and totally satisfying.
Try it with: 6-month aged Manchego and a Rioja Reserva such as Bodegas Olarra, Cerro Anon
Gouda (Aged) & Merlot
Why it works: Aged Gouda is rich, caramel-like, and slightly crunchy. Merlot’s smooth tannins and ripe fruit provide just the right contrast and complement.
Try it with: 12+ month aged Gouda and a soft, fruit-forward Merlot such as Sydney Back Merlot from South Africa.
Camembert & Pinot Noir
Why it works: The mushroomy rind and creamy core of Camembert find a lovely match in the earthy, berry tones of Pinot Noir. This pairing is subtle, elegant, and endlessly enjoyable.
Try it with: French Camembert and a Burgundy such as Les Allies, Bourgogne Pinot Noir or Oregon Pinot Noir such as Oregon Grove, Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley.
Quick Pairing Tips for Cheese Boards
- Keep it regional: Wines and cheeses from the same region often pair well naturally.
- Balance intensity: Mild cheeses go with light wines; bold cheeses need bolder wines.
- Offer variety: Create a board with a range of textures and flavors—soft, hard, aged, funky—and pair a few versatile wines like sparkling, white, and red.
Final Thoughts
National Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a delicious experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just dipping your toe into cheese and wine pairings, there’s a match out there for every taste.
So grab a glass, cut the cheese (in the best way), and toast to the love of dairy and grapes!
Happy National Cheese Day!
Printable Pairing Chart
| Cheese | Wine Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Champagne | Creamy texture meets crisp bubbles. |
| Aged Cheddar | Cabernet Sauvignon | Sharp, nutty cheese balanced by bold tannins. |
| Goat Cheese | Sauvignon Blanc | Bright acidity + citrus enhances the tangy cheese. |
| Blue Cheese | Port | Salty + sweet contrast that’s rich and decadent. |
| Manchego | Tempranillo | Nutty cheese + cherry-spice wine = Spanish harmony. |
| Aged Gouda | Merlot | Caramel notes + soft fruitiness make a smooth combo. |
| Camembert | Pinot Noir | Earthy cheese + delicate red fruit flavors = elegant match. |