The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wine and Cheese Party

Are you looking for a way to make your next get together special? Why not throw a wine and cheese party - the perfect combination of sophistication and fun! Not only will such an event wow your guests, it’s also relatively easy to do. Follow this ultimate guide to hosting a wine and cheese party, from selecting the best wines and cheeses through to setting up your own unique theme that will make this night truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re entertaining friends or family, let yourself be inspired with our tips on how it all comes together for an unforgettable evening.

1. Plan Your Guest List: Decide who you want to invite and how many guests you can comfortably accommodate. Consider the size of your space, the amount of food and wine you'll need, and any dietary restrictions your guests may have.

2. Choose Your Wines: Select a variety of wines that complement your cheese selection. Offer a mix of reds and whites and include a range of price points. Aim for 3-4 different types of wine to pair with the cheeses.

3. Choose Your Cheeses: Offer a variety of cheeses, including soft and hard cheeses, mild and strong cheeses, and different types of milk (cow, goat, sheep). A good rule of thumb is to offer at least one type of cheese from each category: aged, blue, firm, and soft.

4. Set Up Your Table: Arrange your cheeses and wines on a table or board. Label each cheese and wine with the name and type so your guests know what they are trying. Provide crackers, bread, and fruit to complement the cheese.

5. Serve Your Wines: Serve your wines at the appropriate temperature. Whites should be chilled, and reds should be served at room temperature. Offer wine glasses for your guests to use.

6. Pair Your Wines and Cheeses: Encourage your guests to try different wines with different cheeses. Provide guidance on which wines go best with which cheeses.

If you’re unsure about which wine goes with which cheese, shiraz is a popular choice for pairing with cheese, as its robust tannin structure compliments the higher sodium cheeses such as blue or cheddar very well. Shiraz also pairs extremely well with other bold flavours found in hard Italian cheeses and intense nutty flavours of Gruyere.

For red wines, softer styles like Merlot are very popular because their fruity flavours can balance out the salty notes present in semi-soft cheeses such as Brie, Fontina and Provolone.

For white wines, lighter options such as Sauvignon Blanc are great for soft goat's milk cheese and heavily spiced cheeses like Manchego. The high acidity creates a freshness on the palate while balancing out the saltiness of these stronger flavours.

7. Add Ambience: Create a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere with candles, flowers, and soft lighting. Play some music in the background to set the mood.

8. Enjoy Your Party: Relax and enjoy your party with your guests. Encourage conversation and mingling. Don't forget to take pictures to capture the memories.

As you can see, you don’t have to be a wine expert to host a wine and cheese party. It can be a fun and easy way to entertain your guests. By following these tips and adding in great wine and even better people, you can create a sophisticated and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.