Wine & Cheese Pairing Board

What's on the board

Amounts and prices for each item are in the book, or open the board in the Board Builder for amounts sized to your guest count.

Why it works

Each cheese is matched to a wine with two simple rules: what grows together goes together, and sweet wine goes with salty blue. Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, Rioja with Manchego and Port with Stilton are all classic regional matches.

Set the cheeses in a line from the mildest, fresh goat cheese, to the strongest, Stilton, and pour the wines in the same order. Honeycomb by the Stilton, membrillo by the Manchego and fig jam by the Gruyère give each pairing its own sweet bridge.

Timeline

1. T–45 minTake the Manchego and Gruyère out of the fridge.
2. T–30 minTake out the brie and Stilton; chill the white and sparkling wines.
3. T–20 minTake out the goat cheese and meats; slice the baguette.
4. T–10 minPlace the cheeses in a line from mild to strong, each with its sweet partner.
5. T–0Add the meats, fruit, nuts and crackers; label each cheese with its wine.

The seven-step placement plan (what goes where, and why) is in the book.

Questions

More boards

• Pairings & Sweet Beer & Charcuterie Board Serves 8–12 · $55–$85 Beginner–Mid
• Classic, Budget & Luxury Classic American Charcuterie Board Serves 8–12 · $40–$65 Beginner
• Seasonal & Holiday Holiday Charcuterie Board Serves 12–16 · $85–$140 Intermediate

Want more ideas? Read How to Build a Wine and Cheese Board: Applying Pairing Science to Assembly or Wine and Charcuterie Board: The Complete Pairing Guide.

All boards →