From creamy brie to aged gouda and bold blue cheese, the right wine pairing can take a good cheese board to a whole new level.
The good news? You don’t need to be a wine expert to get it right.
A few simple pairing tricks are all you need to choose your wine, pick your cheese and build a board worth gathering around. Whether you’re putting together a simple cheese plate for two or loading up a charcuterie board for friends, here are a few tips and suggestions that will help you to put together wine and cheese pairings that really work.
Easy Picks-Pairings that Work & Why
There isn’t just one cheese for every wine. Think of these as delicious starting points, with a few alternatives to help you mix, match and discover your own favourites.
| Wine | Cheese to Try | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Riesling | Brie, Camembert, Havarti | Bright acidity cuts through rich, creamy cheese and refreshes the palate. |
| Pinot Gris | Havarti, young Gouda, Gruyère | Fresh fruit and acidity complement mild, buttery and nutty cheeses. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Chèvre, feta, fresh goat cheese | Zesty acidity is a natural match for fresh, tangy cheeses. |
| Gewürztraminer | Havarti, Munster, washed-rind cheese | Aromatic fruit works beautifully with creamy cheeses and more distinctive flavours. |
| Chardonnay | Brie, Camembert, Gruyère | A great match for creamy and nutty cheeses, particularly with a richer Chardonnay. |
| Rosé | Chèvre, goat cheese, feta | Fresh fruit and lively acidity balance the tang and creaminess of these cheeses. |
| Pinot Noir | Gruyère, Comté, Brie | Bright fruit, earthiness and softer tannins pair beautifully with nutty, savoury cheeses. |
| Merlot | Gouda, cheddar, Gruyère | Round fruit and softer tannins stand up nicely to moderately aged cheeses. |
| Cabernet Franc | Aged Gouda, aged cheddar | Savoury character and red fruit have enough structure for richer, aged cheeses. |
| Syrah | Aged cheddar, smoked Gouda, blue cheese | A bold, flavourful wine can hold its own beside stronger, more intense cheeses. |
| Late Harvest or Icewine | Blue cheese, Stilton | Sweet meets salty, one of the great contrasting combinations in wine and cheese pairing. |
| Sparkling Wine | Brie, triple cream, Parmesan | Bubbles and acidity slice through richness and leave the palate refreshed. |
A Few Simple Pairing Tricks
You could spend years learning the finer points of wine and cheese pairing, but you really don’t need to. Just remember these basic pairing tips to open a world of new options to explore.
Match the intensity. Delicate wines generally work best with milder cheeses, while bigger, bolder wines can handle stronger flavours.
Acidity loves creamy. Crisp wines such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc cut through rich, creamy cheese beautifully.
Salt loves fruit, and sweetness. Salty cheese can bring out the fruit in wine. And salty blue cheese paired with a sweet Late Harvest or Icewine? That’s a classic example of opposites attracting.
Don’t be afraid of contrast. Sometimes the best pairing isn’t about matching flavours at all. A fresh, bright wine against a rich cheese can make both taste even better.
And most importantly, there are guidelines, not pairing police. If it tastes great to you, it works.
Six Perfect Pairings We’re Loving This Season
Here are six really nice combinations we’re pairing on the Kamloops Wine Trail right now.
Monte Creek Riesling + Brie
Creamy • Smooth • Balanced
Bright acidity and fresh fruit cut through Brie’s buttery richness, refreshing the palate and inviting another sip, and another bite.
Monte Creek Cabernet Franc + Aged Gouda
Nutty • Creamy • Rich
Aged Gouda brings rich, savoury and nutty flavours that stand up beautifully to Cabernet Franc’s fruit and structure.
Monte Creek Rosé + Goat Cheese
Fresh • Creamy • Bright
Fresh, lively rosé meets the creamy tang of goat cheese for a pairing that’s bright, refreshing and easy to love.
Privato Pinot Noir + Gruyère
Nutty • Savoury • Smooth
Gruyère’s nutty, savoury character pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir’s fruit, earthiness and softer tannins.
Privato Pinot Gris + Havarti
Creamy • Mild • Balanced
Smooth, mild Havarti lets the fresh fruit and acidity of Pinot Gris shine without overpowering either one.
Privato Rosé + Chèvre
Tangy • Creamy • Refreshing
Creamy, tangy chèvre gets a fresh counterpoint from bright, fruit-forward rosé. Simple and delicious.
Pick. Pair. Pour. Enjoy.
And that’s really all there is to it.
Pick your wine. Choose your cheeses. Add your favourite charcuterie and board fixings. Then gather everyone around and start tasting.
Try the classics, experiment with something new and, most importantly, have fun finding your Perfect Pairing.
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