The radiant days of summer bring about the ideal occasion to delve into the enchanting alliance of wine and cheese. In celebration of the upcoming National Wine and Cheese Day on July 25th, we've carefully curated a guide to pairing some of our most cherished wines with select summer cheeses, plus we feature tips on crafting an impressive cheese board.
Napa Valley Viognier and Goat Cheese
Our Viognier, with its lush notes of ripe peach, delicate florals, and a hint of honey, engages beautifully with the bright tanginess of goat cheese. This pairing, with its contrasting flavors, creates a harmonious balance that is wonderfully light and perfect for a summer afternoon.
Napa Valley Chardonnay and Camembert
The creamy and buttery profile of Camembert aligns exquisitely with our Napa Valley Chardonnay, known for its tropical fruit notes and subtle hints of vanilla. This pairing, a delightful balance of richness and acidity, brings out the best in both the cheese and wine.
Napa Valley Petite Sirah and Blue Cheese
Our Petite Sirah, boasting robust flavors of dark fruits and hints of spice, pairs strikingly with the strong, pungent profile of blue cheese. The intensity of both the cheese and the wine offers a bold, yet balanced experience for those seeking a rich, flavor-packed pairing.
Oakville Cabernet and Aged Cheddar
The structured elegance of our Oakville Cabernet, with its ripe blackberry nuances and earthy undertones, finds a worthy partner in the nutty and slightly sharp flavor of aged Cheddar. The complexity of the wine beautifully complements the cheese, creating a pairing that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Creating Your Cheese Board
Crafting an impressive cheese board is an art in itself. Below are some tips to help you create a delightful centerpiece for your Wine and Cheese Day celebrations:
Variety
Select a range of cheeses to offer different textures and flavors. Alongside the cheeses suggested for the wine pairings, consider adding a soft cheese like Brie for contrast.
Accoutrements
Complement your cheese selection with fresh fruits, nuts, olives, and pickles. They not only provide contrasting flavors and textures but also add color and vibrancy to your board.
Bread and Crackers
A mix of fresh baguette slices and a variety of crackers gives guests options to enjoy the cheeses and also helps fill out your board.
Layout
Start by placing your cheeses at different points on the board. Add your accompaniments in clusters around the cheese and fill the remaining space with your bread and crackers.
Labeling
Consider labeling each cheese and suggest the Stags' Leap wine it pairs best with. This will guide your guests' tasting journey and stimulate conversation.
