Fall gatherings are a wonderful way to spend time with those you love! What better way to enjoy conversation, food, and flavors than a stunning charcuterie arrangement with delightful wine pairings?

When it comes to creating the perfect board, I’ve learned that matching seasonal cheeses and wines isn’t just about taste—it’s about creating a unique experience for your guests.

Over the years, I’ve worked on creating combinations and tasting various pairings to find what works best. One insider tip: pairing cheese and wine from the same region often yields surprisingly great results.

In this blog, I’ll share my top tips for pairing fall cheeses and wines. You’ll learn which textures and flavors complement each other, and how to set up a stunning spread that will keep your guests talking.

Get ready to become a pairing pro and take your hosting skills to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Mix cheese textures on your board – soft, hard, and crumbly.
• Pair creamy cheeses with crisp white wines and hard cheeses with bold reds.
• Match wine and cheese from the same region for great flavor combos.
• Classic fall pairings: Cabernet with aged cheddar, Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese.
• Serve cheese at room temp and chill whites to 45-50°F, reds to 60-65°F.

Essential Tips for Pairing Seasonal Cheeses and Wines for Fall Gatherings

Fall brings a bounty of rich cheeses and bold wines. I’ll share my top tips for pairing these seasonal treats at your next gathering.

Selecting the right cheese texture

I love picking cheeses with different textures for my fall gatherings. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert spread easily on crackers. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda offer a nice contrast.

I mix in some crumbly blue cheese too. This variety creates very unique flavor pairings for my guests.

Texture matters for wine pairings. Creamy cheeses go well with crisp white wines. Harder cheeses match nicely with bold reds. I always include fresh cheeses like goat cheese as they pair great with light, fruity wines.

Having a range of textures lets me create perfect bites for everyone’s palate.

Choosing wines that complement the richness of fall cheeses

Fall cheeses tend to be rich and bold. They need wines that can stand up to their flavor profiles. High-acid wines work beautifully with rich, creamy cheeses. The acid cuts through the fat and makes each bite pop.

For aged cheeses, I reach for bold red wines. Their tannins match the cheese’s intensity. Sweet wines work magic with salty cheeses too. The contrast creates a taste explosion.

I also love to match wines and cheeses from the same region. It’s fun to explore local flavors this way.

Popular Fall Cheese and Wine Pairings

Let’s explore some perfect pairings that’ll wow your guests at your next gathering!

Classic Pairings: Cabernet Sauvignon with Aged Cheddar

I love pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with aged cheddar. It’s a classic combo that never fails to impress. The bold, tannic red wine cuts through the sharp, creamy cheese perfectly. Aged cheddar has intense flavors that stand up to Cab’s rich fruit notes. The sharper the cheddar the better the pairing in my opinion!

A bite of aged cheddar with a sip of Cab is pure bliss.

This also lends a gorgeous pop of Autumn flair with the deep red wine and orange cheese that look great on a fall cheese board.

Some notable cheese brands that are my “go-to” when purchasing for my boards include: Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar & Costco Coastal White Cheddar Cheese. These two are fabulous aged white cheddar varieties! Now for a rich orange cheddar, I love to grab Extra Sharp Tillamook Cheddar or Extra Sharp Cracker Barrel from just about any grocery store for convenience.

Light and Crisp: Sauvignon Blanc with Goat Cheese

Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese make a perfect pair. The crisp, zesty wine cuts through the creamy cheese. I love how the wine’s grassy notes match the tangy goat flavor. It’s a classic combo that never fails to impress guests at my fall gatherings.

I especially love to grab a nice Herb Chevre Goat Cheese. Brands like Montchevre or Vermont are among some of my favorites and are easy to find at your local store. For a lovely twist, go for a Cranberry Goat Cheese to highlight the season.

Even folks who are weary of goat cheese often fall in love when paired correctly! A nice herb goat cheese, a touch of honey, and some candied nuts make for an incredible bite! Give it a try on your next board!

Rich and Creamy: Pinot Noir with Brie

Moving from light and crisp to rich and creamy, let’s talk about Pinot Noir with Brie. I love this combo for fall gatherings. Pinot Noir’s red fruit flavors match Brie’s buttery taste.

The wine’s acidity cuts through the cheese’s fat, making each bite perfect.

Not a fan of red wine? Brie is also excellent with Chardonnay! A buttery chardonnay can sure bring out those beautiful flavors in the brie.

My favorite brie cheese is always a double or triple creme variety. Costco has a wonderful French Brie perfect to serve chilled or served warm for a gooey and delicious treat! Grab some fig jam to spread alongside the brie and you will be in heaven!

Bold and Spicy: Syrah with Gouda

I love pairing bold Syrah with smoked Gouda. The wine’s spicy notes match the cheese’s smoky flavor perfectly.

For an even bolder bite, I recommend a Black Label Aged Gouda. Go for an 18-month or longer age on the gouda and mesmerize your taste buds! Aged gouda is among some of my all-time favorite cheeses! Keep an eye out at your local store and don’t hesitate when you see it!

Unique Combination: Combining Blue Cheese with Riesling

Moving from bold Syrah and Gouda, let’s explore a unique pairing. Blue cheese and Riesling create a surprising match. The sweet Riesling balances the salty, tangy blue cheese perfectly.

I love how the wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness. It also pulls out the sweet notes of the blue cheese, really elevating your palate.

Try a creamy Gorgonzola or even a Cambozola with a sweet Riesling. Serve small portions with dried fruit and nuts. Honey and Lavender will take this flavor combination to the next level!

Pairing Manchego with Honey

Let’s dive into another harmonious pairing perfect for your gatherings: Manchego and honey. (I know not a wine, but a notable combo!) This duo is a true celebration of contrasting yet complementary flavors that bring warmth and sophistication to your board.

Manchego, with its firm texture and buttery, nutty profile, pairs beautifully with the sweet, floral notes of honey. The cheese’s subtle sharpness is mellowed by the honey’s smooth sweetness, creating a balanced and irresistible taste experience. Opt for a well-aged Manchego to fully appreciate its depth of flavor, which stands out yet harmonizes perfectly with the honey. Grab a bottle of white wine from the region to bring the flavors together in a stunning way!

Looking for more irresistible pairings?

How to Arrange Your Fall Cheese and Wine Spread

Let’s talk about putting together a gorgeous board! Grab a beautiful wooden board to start. Maybe some petite pumpkins and gourds to add that festive fall flair!

Setting up a visually appealing cheese board

I love creating eye-catching cheese boards for my gatherings. A great board starts with variety. I mix soft, hard, and crumbly cheeses. Then, I add pops of color with fresh and dried fruits. Don’t forget to grab a variety of cured meats- from salami to prosciutto or maybe a spicy soppressata!

Nuts, crackers, and rustic bread slices offer different textures. I arrange items in groups and use small bowls for jams or honey. Labels are wonderful to help guests know what they’re trying in the cheese department! The key is balance – not overcrowding the board but filling it enough to look abundant.

For a stunning fall board, I use seasonal items. I add sliced apples, pears, and figs. Grapes and pomegranate seeds bring a pop of color. Roasted pumpkin seeds and candied pecans are perfect fall touches. Maybe some pumpkin spice pretzels or seasonal chocolates. Add on those adorable petite pumpkins or gourds to tie the theme together. Some stores offer autumn leaf cookies, crackers, or chips, which add the cutest touch!

Garnish the board with rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks to add aroma and decor. The goal is to create a board that’s both beautiful and delicious!

Interested in learning more? At Sweet Moments Co, we offer On-Demand Charcuterie Classes where we ship you all of the ingredients and you can learn to craft your own beautiful Charcuterie Boards. Check out our current offerings Online Cooking Classes. We will take you through new and unique cheese varieties to help enhance your charcuterie game!

Tips for serving temperatures and portions

I serve cheese at room temperature for the best flavor. I take it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before guests arrive. For wine, I chill whites to 45-50°F and reds to 60-65°F.

I offer 1-2 ounces of each cheese per person. For wine, I plan on 1/2 bottle per guest. I like to have extra on hand just in case. Small portions let folks try more pairings without getting full too fast. Especially if you are enjoying a cozy fall dinner to follow!

Conclusion

I hope we have inspired you through this blog while sharing some new tips and tricks! Have fun when selecting your cheese varieties, and take a moment to truly enjoy the beauty that wine and cheese bring to your table!

Cheers to you and we hope you enjoy the cozy vibes of autumn with each sip and bite!

FAQs

1. What wines go well with sharp cheddar?

Cabernet Sauvignons and Malbecs pair nicely with sharp cheddar. These bold reds complement the cheese’s strong flavor. For a lighter option, try an unoaked Chardonnay.

2. How do I create a fall-themed cheese plate?

Start with seasonal cheeses like Gruyère and Fontina. Add dried apricots, fig preserves, and salami. Include a mix of soft and semi-hard cheeses. Pair with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a perfect autumn spread.

3. Can sparkling wines work with cheese?

Absolutely! Champagne and Prosecco are great with softer cheeses. They cut through rich, creamy textures. Try pairing a Franciacorta with fresh ricotta or a washed-rind cheese for a delightful contrast.

4. What’s a good wine for blue cheese?

Sweet wines balance blue cheese’s strong taste. Try Sauternes, Rieslings, or a late-harvest Gewürztraminer. If you prefer reds, a robust Shiraz can stand up to the cheese’s intensity.

5. Are there regional pairings I should know?

Yes! Match foods from the same area. Pair Chablis with French Brie, or California Cabernet with Point Reyes Blue. This honors the concept of terroir in both wine and cheese-making.

6. How do I pair wines with a charcuterie board?

For a varied board, choose versatile wines. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Grenache works well. Include a mix of cured meats, cornichons, and different cheese types. Don’t forget a bubbly option like Prosecco for cleansing the palate!