Looking for a creative date-night idea to enjoy at home? Whether you’re quarantining with your partner or simply looking for an alternative to another night of Netflix binge-watching, hosting an at-home wine and cheese party for two is a great way to spend time with your partner while enjoying some delicious food and drink.
Here are five tips to follow when planning the perfect wine and cheese night at home.
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Even though it’s just the two of you, be sure to select cheeses in a wide variety of styles, textures and flavours. A good assortment should include a sharp cheddar, soft chèvre (goat cheese), aromatic blue, creamy brie, and a medium-firm option. Tip: skip the grocery store and visit a specialty cheesemonger to treat yourself to some unique sliced-to-order fromage from around the world.
The world of wine can be intimidating for those who haven’t been schooled in the intricacies of terroir and tasting notes. But remember, there are no snooty sommeliers to impress at home so prioritize your personal preferences and budget when choosing wines for the evening. If you are looking for some guidance on what wine and cheese pairings work well together, here are a few common couplings:
When in doubt, remember the old adage: what grows together, goes together. A creamy French chèvre will pair beautifully with wine from the same region, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Provençal rosé.
If you want to take your wine and cheese night up a notch, consider serving your pairings with delicious add-ons and condiments designed to complement the flavours. Build a bountiful cheese board that includes a mix of savoury items (pickles, olives, cured meats, grainy mustard) and sweet bites like fresh and dried fruit, candied nuts, honey and preserves. And of course, you’ll need a sturdy vehicle for all those nibbles. Slice up a fresh baguette or open a box of artisanal crackers.
Arranging your cheeseboard is half the fun. Start with a marble slab or rustic wooden board as your base, then place individual cheeses on top in distinct zones. Next, fill in the spaces in between with accompaniments and condiments to create a colourful and tantalizing smorgasbord of sweet and savoury goodies. Finish it off with a few springs of fresh rosemary as a garnish.
Proper stemware can enhance the experience and preserve the integrity of the wine. Source slim flutes for sparkling varietals, mid-sized glasses for white wine and rosé, and larger glasses for full-bodied reds that require room to breathe.
When it comes time to enjoy the fruits of your labour, remember to have fun with your date and not take yourselves too seriously. While certain wine and cheese pairings may work best to balance out bold flavours, there really is no wrong way to enjoy this delicious combination.
