How To Host a Wine & Cheese Party

Booking a cheese & wine tasting event can get expensive, plus, some wineries can be a little… dare I say it… boring! Hosting a wine and cheese party at home will guarantee a fabulous evening – plus, it’s way more cost-effective! In this blog, our experts will guide you through the planning of a wine and cheese party, from the wines and cheese to buy beforehand, pairing tips, and a detailed schedule for the evening.

 

Choosing Your Wine

For an event that lasts 2 or so hours, we’d recommend choosing 5 wines to taste over the evening. There are two ways that you can choose your wine ahead of your party. You could either choose a selection of wines that cover the entire spectrum of colours – red, white, rose, orange, or sparkling – to ensure there is something for everyone. 

Or, if you’re anything like me, and you tend to favour a particular category of wine, and your friends do too, then you could dedicate the evening to one category. I’d suggest sticking to red or white wines if you want to keep it more traditional, but I also certainly wouldn’t say no to an evening dedicated to fizz!

Keep in mind: quality wines don’t have to break the bank! Many supermarkets and wine shops have excellent budget-friendly options.

 

Choosing Your Cheese

You could stop here if you like, but, in my opinion, the evening won’t be complete without a few nibbles! To really impress your guests, choose a cheese to pair with each of the wines you have planned for the evening. Here’s some suggestions to get started:

Red Wines

• Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar, gouda, and pecorino.
• Blue Cheeses: Stilton or gorgonzola for stronger reds.
• Semi-Soft Cheeses: Gruyère and manchego.

White Wines

• Soft Cheeses: Brie, camembert, and mozzarella.
• Goat Cheeses: Fresh chèvre, paired with Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
• Mild Cheeses: Havarti or Monterey Jack.

Orange Wines

• Funky Cheeses: Washed rind cheeses like taleggio.
• Semi-Hard Cheeses: Alpine-style cheeses, such as comté or raclette.

Rosé Wines

• Fresh Cheeses: Ricotta or burrata for lighter rosés.
• Soft Cheeses: Feta and young goats cheese.
• Flavoured Cheeses: Those with fruit or herbs.

Sparkling Wines

• Rich Soft Cheeses: Triple-cream brie or mascarpone.
• Salty Cheeses: Parmesan or aged gouda.
• Tangy Cheeses: Aged chèvre or young blue cheese.

If you’re unsure where to start when pairing wine and cheese together, read our helpful pairing guide: What is a Good Wine & Cheese Pairing? The guide also contains great pairing tips, so make sure you read ahead to sound like a pro at your wine and cheese party!

Top tip: Like wine, cheese needs to be served at the right temperature to enjoy some of the more subtle notes. For all cheeses, ensure they are removed from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

Equipment You’ll Need For a Cheese & Wine Party

Ensure you have the following essentials to ensure a smooth evening:

• Wine Glasses: Standard glasses for whites and fizz; large bowls for reds.
• Wine Accessories: Such as a bottle opener, decanter, drip collar, etc
• Cheese Knives: For hard, soft, and crumbly cheeses.
• Tasting Cards: Print scorecards from Etsy or create your own to rate wines and cheeses.
• Napkins & Small Plates: One or two per guest. Don’t forget a wooden board to lay out your cheese on beforehand.

Preparing For Your Wine & Cheese Party

It’s a good idea to prepare what you can in advance, so that the day of your wine and cheese party is stress-free for you as the host. Here’s a few things I like to do either the night before, or the morning of the party:

• Shop for your wine, cheese, and canapes
• Pop any wines in the fridge that need to be chilled, such as whites or fizz
• Deep clean the entire house (or the main social areas as a minimum)
• Set up decorations like candles and fresh florals
• Set the table with plates, cutlery, wine glasses, wine tasting cards, place names et
• If you can, arrange your cheese plates and canapes to save time on the day.

 

Schedule of the Evening

Here’s an engaging overview of how to run a wine and cheese evening, along with top tips for ensuring everyone has a great time:

Overview: How the Evening Should Flow

1. Before Your Guests Arrive

About half an hour before your guests arrive, ensure you pop on some quiet music, light a candle, and ensure your canapes are ready to go. This ensures that your house is super welcoming as soon as guests start arriving. Don’t forget to remove your cheese plates from the fridge to bring them to room temperature!

2. Arrival – Warm Welcome
Start the evening with a celebratory atmosphere by greeting guests with a sparkling welcome drink like Prosecco or your favourite Champagne. Offer a few light canapés (try our delicious blue cheese stuffed olives or caviar crisps) to whet appetites while guests mingle and settle in.

3. Introduction – Setting the Stage
Once everyone has arrived, gather the group to explain the plan for the evening. Hand out wine and cheese tasting cards and provide a brief introduction to how the pairings will work. Highlight the fun aspect – encourage discussion and personal opinions on each pairing. 

4. The Pairings Begin

• First Pairing: Begin with a light-bodied white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) paired with a soft, mild cheese such as brie or camembert. Discuss the flavours and textures as a group.
• Second Pairing: Progress to a refreshing rosé alongside fresh or flavoured cheeses, such as feta with herbs or ricotta. This keeps the mood light and conversational.
• Main Event: Transition to bold reds paired with hard cheeses like aged gouda, cheddar, or blue cheese. This is the centrepiece of the evening, so spend a little more time savouring and discussing these pairings.
• Final Pairing: Conclude with a dessert wine or port alongside a rich, creamy cheese like mascarpone or a triple-cream brie. This ending will leave a lasting impression

5. Wrap-Up the Evening
After the tastings, allow guests to revisit their favourite wines and cheeses. Keep the vibe lively by encouraging guests to take home their favourite wine (optional but memorable!). If time allows and the drinks are flowing, don’t hesitate to bring out a few dinner party games to keep the evening going!

All Things Cheese With Savery Grazing

I hope this blog has inspired you to plan your very own cheese and wine party! Please let us know how your evening goes in the comments below. If you have any tips worth sharing, please let us know!

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