Hosting a virtual wine tasting party or wine and cheese party has no established guidelines. To simplify the party planning process, there are a few rules to abide by, nevertheless.
To mention a few, you will need to know what to gather, when to expect guests, how to prepare ahead of time, and what to serve. Fortunately, we have broken out the steps below to get you in the party mood.
Start Time
It is better to hold wine and cheese parties either before dinner, say around 4 p.m., or later in the evening, around 9 p.m., after your guests have finished their meal.
Pro Tip
If you are unable to meet with your loved ones in person, consider holding a virtual wine tasting party! To do so, schedule a time to meet online and agree to bring your favorite wine and snacks so that everyone may join in the pleasure.
Perfect Pairings
To obtain the greatest results, choose cheeses and wines that go well together and offer a range of both to suit the tastes of every visitor. Usually, you want to change your selections to correspond with the season. We’ll loosen the restrictions and let all foods during an unplanned wine and cheese party, though. Discover your best choices for everything wine, cheese, and snacks by looking below!
Choosing the Right Wine
I think that the wine you like the most is the finest one to provide at your gathering. Still, I also advise giving your visitors a variety of selections. For an entertaining wine tasting, you might even serve a flight! See the most often served wines down below.
- Pinot Noir
- Aged Port
- Champagne
- Moscato
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Provence Rosé
- Riesling
- Malbec
Selecting Cheese
Though soft cheeses also go well with wine, salty, hard cheeses do. Having said that, planning and wine and cheese party should be easy to prepare. You don’t have to serve each one of them. Rather, you should pick three to four distinct kinds of cheese and use the following suggestions to make sure your board has a wide range of options.
- Choose from different textures including hard, medium, and soft.
- Include cheese from different sources including cows, goats, sheep, or vegan sources.
- Use a variety of flavors by including cheeses coated in herbs, drizzled with truffle oil, or smoked.
Pro Tip
For an aesthetic wine and cheese board, cut your cheese into different sizes and shapes including circles, cubes, wedges, slices, and more!
The Finest Selection of Cheese
- Gouda – This cheese goes well with Cabernet
- Aged Cheddar – This cheese tastes wonderful with Malbec.
- Manchego – This sheep milk-based cheese is excellent for people who are allergic to cow’s milk cheese and goes well with a sparkling wine like red Rioja.
- Ricotta – pairs nicely with Riesling.
- Parmesan – delicious with bubbly Prosecco;
- Gruyere – a romantic match with Chardonnay
- Brie – goes well with a variety of wines, but Merlot is my personal favorite
- Bleu Cheese – goes well with Pinot Noir or sweet Port
- Feta – pairs beautifully with salty feta! I prefer it best with a dry Rosé or a bright red wine.
Wine Tasting Snacks
While the wine and cheese are the stars of the show, it’s important to have some other snacks on hand to keep your guests satisfied. Consider offering a selection of charcuterie, olives, and marinated vegetables to add some variety to the spread. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t forget to include some decadent chocolates or fruit tarts for dessert.
Allergy-Friendly Options
It’s important to consider the dietary restrictions of your guests when planning your tasting party. Fortunately, there are plenty of allergy-friendly wine and cheese options available that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. For guests with lactose intolerance, consider serving lactose-free cheeses or dairy-free alternatives such as nut-based cheeses. For those with gluten allergies, opt for gluten-free crackers or breads to accompany your cheese selections. And don’t forget about vegan guests – there are plenty of plant-based cheeses and wines to choose from that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
How to Make a Wine and Cheese Board
When it comes to selecting the wines for your tasting party, think about pairing the flavors of the wine with the flavors of the cheese. A general rule of thumb is to pair white wines with lighter cheeses and red wines with stronger cheeses. However, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your palate.
Now that you have your wine and cheese board set up, it’s time to think about the presentation. Arrange your cheeses, accompaniments, and wines on a large wooden board or platter, making sure to leave plenty of space for guests to move around and sample each offering. Label each cheese and wine with a small card to help guests keep track of what they’re tasting.
Finally, don’t forget to set the mood for your wine and cheese tasting party. Dim the lights, light some candles, and put on some soft music to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Encourage your guests to take their time savoring each bite and sip, and don’t be afraid to spark up some conversation about their favorite pairings.
In conclusion, hosting a wine and cheese tasting party is a fun and sophisticated way to entertain your friends. By following these tips on how to make a wine and cheese board, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and delicious experience for your guests. So gather your favorite cheeses, pour some wine, and get ready to impress with your impeccable hosting skills. Cheers!
image sources
- Ella-Rosa’s-New-Single-FUN: Artwork by Hannah DeVries
- Amelie Lens: Photo Credit: Sam Neill
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