5 WINE & Cheese Pairings For Your Next Event

These are some of my favorite pairings fit for a holiday party, wedding day apps, bachelorette party, date night, dinner tonight... Pairings are ordered from light to heavy.

Viogner is one of my favorite, if not absolute favorite, white wine varietals. This is also a varietal you can bet will be a crowd pleaser for entertaining. Viogner is delicious solo, but if you find it in a blend with sweeter grapes like Grenache Blanc or Chard, you're likely in for a treat. Viogner also blends happily with red varieties.

Why it works: Viognier is often floral, bright, somewhat nutty, a little "green" and full of subtle secondary flavors. Triple cream is delicate, texturally wonderful, and cuts into the acidity of the wine without adding too much salt or pungent flavor.

Chardonnay has had it's hard days in the eyes of the average consumer. When I offer Chard to guests, or even patrons in previous restaurants, I often get the typical "I don't like Chard, it's too buttery, it's too sweet, etc." as my eyes are rolling out of my head in other imaginary dimension. Chardonnay is beautiful, unfortunately, it's been under siege by mass-market options that have stripped away it's acid and made it an oily, buttery, candy-like sad wine. *rant over*

Why it works: I learned this pairing at a winery where I used to work, and it has stuck with me because it is magic. Tete De Moine is a hard, strong, nutty, buttery, rich cheese. It is best served shaved on a girol, but if you don't have a girol, use a peeler--as thin as possible. Chardonnay with a balanced amount of malolactic will blow you socks off with this cheese.

Read More