On July 25, we celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day, a delightful celebration of wine and cheese, one of the most basic yet classic food-and-drink pairings. A perfect day to indulge in the exquisite pairing of wine and cheese, which have been enjoyed together for centuries.
This day is also considered a great opportunity to learn about different types of cheeses and wines from around the world, exploring the nuances of flavors and textures that make each pairing unique. However, you can make this day to get together with friends, bring out some reds and whites, chiantis, ports, blushes, and champagnes along with Roquefort, Limburger, gorgonzola, and mizithra. Let’s all raise the toss of wine and enjoy this day with our family and friends together.
| 6000 BC (Europe gets cheesy) | Evidence includes ceramic remains of rudimentary cheese strainers appearing at Neolithic sites. |
| 4000 BC (Wine comes to Eurasia) | This is according to tests for wine residue on vat and jar fragments found in an ancient Armenian cave. |
| 1500-1800 (Regional cheeses appear) | Cheddar shows up in 1500, Parmigiano-Reggiano in 1597, Gouda in 1697, and Camembert in 1791. |
| 1864 (Cheese for the masses) | Mass manufacturing of cheese starts after Louis Pasteur discovers pasteurization. |
| 2015 (Italy’s the wine champ) | Italy pulls ahead of France to produce the largest amount of wine — and becomes the world’s largest exporter. |
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Keep the tannins low- Get advice on which wines are low in tannins — and which can overpower your enjoyment.
- Balance salty and sweet- Pairing a good quality blue cheese, feta, or even with a Gouda with a dry wine might induce a pucker and lessen your enjoyment.
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Add fruit and nuts to your pairings- Top off brie and berries with a Merlot. Walnuts, cheddar, and a Cabernet are another winning combos for this.
How to celebrate it?
However, here are a few simple steps of how can you share it,
- Host a Wine and Cheese Tasting party: Invite friends over and set up a tasting table with a variety of cheeses and wines.
- Try New Pairings: Experiment with unusual pairings to see what works well together. For example, pair a sparkling wine with creamy blue cheese or a rosé with soft goat cheese.
- Visit a Winery or Cheese Shop: Take a trip to a local winery or cheese shop to learn more about different varieties and maybe even participate in a guided tasting.
- Cook with Wine and Cheese: Prepare dishes that cooperate with wine and cheese as ingredients. For instance, make a wine-infused sauce for pasta or cheese fondue for dipping bread and vegetables.
- Create a Cheese Board: Put together a beautiful cheese board with a selection of cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and honey. Arrange them attractively and pair them with your preferred wines.
| Strong Cheese with Bold Wine: | Pair strong-flavoured cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese with bold wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. The strong flavours of both complement each other without one overpowering the other. |
| Delicate Cheese with Light Wine: | Pair delicate cheeses like fresh mozzarella or goat cheese with light wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines won’t overwhelm the subtle flavors of the cheese. |
| Creamy Cheese with Sparkling Wine: | Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert go well with sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco. The effervescence of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese. |
| Hard Cheese with Full-Bodied Wine: | Hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged Gouda pair nicely with full-bodied wines such as Merlot or Zinfandel. The firm texture of the cheese complements the robust flavors of the wine. |
| Salty Cheese with Sweet Wine: | Salty cheeses like Feta or Gorgonzola can be balanced with sweet wines like Riesling or Port. The sweetness of the wine offsets the saltiness of the cheese. |
| Savoury Cheese with Fruity Wine: | Savoury cheeses like Manchego or Gruyère pair well with fruity wines such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. The fruity notes in the wine enhance the savoury flavours of the cheese. |
| Local Matches: | Explore traditional pairings from wine and cheese-producing regions. For example, try pairing Italian Parmesan with Chianti or French Brie with Bordeaux. |
What are some popular wine and cheese pairings?
Some popular wine and cheese pairings are:
- Aged cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon
- Brie with Champagne or sparkling wine
- Gorgonzola with Port
- Goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc
- Parmesan with Chianti
FAQs
When do we celebrate, National Wine and Cheese Day?
We do celebrate, National Wine and Cheese Day each year on July 25.
What is National Wine and Cheese Day?
National Wine and Cheese Day is a celebration day which is dedicated to enjoying the pairing of wine and cheese
How can I celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day?
You can celebrate it by hosting a tasting party, trying new pairings, visiting a winery or cheese shop, cooking with wine and cheese, or simply enjoying your favourite combinations.
Also, read more about National White Wine Day – August 4, 2024
