Any time of year is a good time for a wine tasting party, but what better time than during the holidays! I crave time with my friends throughout the year, a desire that’s not often satisfied because of the demands of our work. During the holidays, I work a little harder at making time for those special folks. 😉
I’ve thrown a number of wine tasting parties over the years – everyone always enjoys the opportunity to taste new wines. My best advice though is to keep it simple! Don’t offer too many wines, and don’t stress over the food. Most of your guests are just happy to be included in your fun party.
Below I’ve picked out a few of the wines I’m drinking over the holidays and paired them with some cheeses that are easy to find. Right now, H-E-B has the coolest cheese boards you can buy for $10 with combinations like Smoked Cheddar and Gouda or Artisan Cheddar Cheese!
You may use whatever your favorite cheese is, but keep in mind: light wines pair best with light cheeses, while bigger, bolder wines pair best with richer, creamier cheeses. Think Cabernet and Blue Cheese—both are BIG.
Truth Napa Valley Red
A delish Napa blend of Cabernet/Merlot/Cab Franc. About $23 at H-E-B.
Pairing:
Sartori Raspberry Cheese
This cheese wheel is soaked in a Raspberry tart ale pairs nicely with Reds. The cheese’s nutty flavor and the tartness of the raspberry ale balance the dark fruit flavors of the wine.
Cigar Zin
At less than $15 a bottle (Total Wines), you and your guests will love this Zinfandel.
Pairing:
Sartori Black Pepper Cheese
Same cheese as the one above, but this one has a black peppercorn crust that gives it some spicy flavors and really goes good with bold and dark reds.
Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir
This lovely pinot hails from the Russian River Valley and at less than $15 a bottle (H-E-B), it’s one of my best finds of the year.
Pairing:
Alouette Cranberry Apple Spice Spread
This cheese spread has whole cranberries, some apples, and just a little touch of cinnamon. It’s is really rich and creamy and goes good with the soft smooth Pinot Noir, and really brings out the raspberry and cherry in it.
The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc
I’ve talked about this wine before and continue to talk about it because it’s good! Less than $15 (Total Wines, Twin Liquors, Spec’s).
Pairing:
Castello Aged Havarti
This buttery and rich Havarti pairs really well with the fruity and citrus notes of the Sauv Blanc. It’s not a really strong cheese, so it won’t over power the passion fruit and grapefruit flavors of the wine.
Trimbach Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminers are beautiful with aromas of lychees and roses and luscious spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Less than $20 at H-E-B.
Pairing:
Rogue Oregonzola
This is the only cheese in the U.S. to use this type of blue mold that they brought over from Italy. It’s really tangy, and a little sweet from the sweet cream they use to make it. It’s a really nice pair with the honey and floral notes of the wine.
Anna Codorniu Brut
Who doesn’t love a sparkling during the holidays. Especially one that’s less than $15 a bottle at H-E-B.
Pairing:
Alouette Baby Brie
An awesome pairing, especially during the holidays. The Brie is creamy and rich and goes perfectly with the bubbly, crisp apple and honey flavors in the wine. Try heating cheese wheel under a broiler for a minute or two, then drizzle a little of the Texas Clover Honey on top of it! Serve with crackers and sliced apples!
Domaine Carneros Rosé
One of my favorite bubblies! This Brut Rosé from Napa Valley is dry with soft strawberry and floral characteristics. Aromas of red berry, peaches and plums with just a hint of spice on the finish. About $37/bottle.
Pairing:
Barbers 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar
Sparklings pair with just about anything…that’s the beauty of champagne. Barbers Cheddar is a vintage, complex cheese – infectiously creamy with both savory and sweet notes that compliment the Domaine quite nicely. 🙂
Veuve Clicquot Rosé
A radiant pink pour with an intense and elegant nose. Flavors of raspberry, strawberry and cherry. Around $60 at H-E-B.
Pairing:
Zerto Parmigiano Reggiano
Zerto’s Parmesan is cooked (unpressed) with a delicate, nutty texture and classic savory taste. Your Veuve will dominate here and that’s OK! We want those berry flavors to still pop against something neutral and crowd-pleasing…bingo!
For more delicious recipes and fun food and wine pairing ideas, subscribe to my newsletter.
Pamela. Jackson says
Thanks! I’m not a conoseur but I love the taste experience a good wine and cheese combo delivers. Your reccomendations sound wonderful. I can’t wait to share them with family and friends this holiday season. Happy holidays