Celebrate National Wine & Cheese Day with the Perfect Pairing

Recognized each year on July 25, National Wine & Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of life’s most refined pleasures. For centuries, wine and cheese have shared the spotlight on tables around the world, and it's easy to see why. The savory, creamy qualities of the cheese soften bold tannins in the wine while the richness of the cheese is balanced by acidic notes in the wine.

When thinking about pairings, the classic rule of thumb is to think local. Often, the best matches come from the same geographical regions. For example, an Italian Asiago cheese alongside a glass of Chianti or a French Brie served with a bright Beaujolais. Outside of regional considerations, different styles of cheese tend to complement specific types of wine … so read on for more pairing suggestions.

Soft cheeses tend to be super creamy and spreadable, making them a wonderful companion to wines that are lively and crisp, providing a refreshing counterpoint to all that richness.

• Brie + Sparkling Wine – the bubbles cut through Brie’s creamy richness, making every bite feel light and luscious.
• Goat Cheese (Chèvre) + Sauvignon Blanc –the tangy goat cheese sings alongside a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant pairing.

Semi-soft cheeses bring a bit more punch and personality to the table, and they call for wines with a bit of character to match.

• Havarti + Riesling – creamy and mild, Havarti finds its zingy soulmate in a lightly sweet and refreshingly acidic Riesling.
• Now for the red lovers: Havarti + Merlot – the plush fruitiness of the wine balances the mild, buttery flavor of Havarti.
• Gouda + Pinot Noir – the creamy and slightly sweet cheese is perfectly balanced by a Pinot Noir’s soft tannins and red berry notes.

Hard cheeses tend to be bolder and these sharper cheeses demand wines with enough strength and depth to keep up.

• Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon – a classic power pairing as the wine’s tannins stand up well to cheddar’s salty bite.
• Pecorino Romano + Syrah – this salty, sharp sheep’s milk cheese pairs beautifully with Syrah’s peppery, bold character.

For those looking for a bit more flair, blue cheeses offer a unique tasting adventure. These intense flavors call for wines that bring a touch of sweetness to the party.

• Gorgonzola + Port – the cheese’sbold flavor is mellowed by the rich, sweet depth of a tawny Port.
• Stilton + Sherry – funky, creamy Stilton paired with syrupy sherry is a well-balanced, dessert-level indulgence.

As you can see, a general rule of thumb is to pair bold wines with strong cheeses and lighter varietals with more mild cheese selections. Of course, pairing tastes are personal, so whether you follow tradition or chart your own course, whip up a charcuterie board and eat and drink whatever brings you joy. No matter your preferences, there’s something undeniably luxurious about a well-curated wine and cheese pairing. Whether you're winding down after 18 holes of prime Nicklas Designed golf or hosting a sunset gathering on the patio, this duo brings effortless elegance—and plenty of flavor—to any occasion.

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