This Is the Best Way to Pair Wine with Cheese

Wine and cheese are old friends—they have been paired together for hundreds of years. Traditionally, wines from a region would be paired with cheeses from the same region. The symbiosis between the two delicious treats is undeniable, and the old pairing rule of "what grows together, goes together" still rings true today. Anywhere wine is made across the world, you can usually find a local cheese producer somewhere nearby. Next time you're shopping for a happy hour spread, find a cheese or wine and let that inspire the night. Here we'll share a few of our tried and true pairings, partnering wines from France, Italy, and Oregon with the perfect cheeses. Use them as a starting point, and you'll find that the possibilities are truly endless.

Brie + Beaujolais

When it comes to the most reliable pairings from across the world, go ahead and start in France. Light red wines from Beaujolais, the French winemaking region at the southern tip of Burgundy, have been paired with the eponymous cheese from the Brie region for centuries. A bottle of 2019 Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages ($12.99, wine.com) with a delicious soft-rind brie is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Asiago + Chianti or Pinot Grigio

If Italian wine and cheese is more your style, try and Asiago cheese paired with a Chianti or Brunello. These big, bold reds pair exceptionally well with this local hard cheese. Keep in mind that Asiago-style cheeses are made all over the world today, but we recommend trying to find one from Italy if you're going to be pairing it with an Italian wine like 2017 Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.99, wine.com). If you prefer white wine, try pairing Asiago from Veneto or Trentino-Alto Adige with a Pinot Grigio from the region like 2019 Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio ($16.99, wine.com). Although these two wines couldn't be more different, they both pair seamlessly with Asiago!

Sparkling Wine + Goat Cheese

Stateside in Oregon, a bottle of A to Z Rosé Bubbles ($16.99, wine.com) is a delicious choice. Sparkling wine is a great aperitif to enjoy before dinner and pairs perfectly with goat cheese. We recommend finding one made in Oregon and drizzling a little honey over your cheese and a cracker to really put your pairing over the top.