The Ultimate Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide for 2025

Wine and cheese are an all time classic pairing, and there’s a good reason for it. With the right mix, wine and cheese can taste fuller and more complicated. It’s almost like they were meant to be together!

It can be hard to tell which ones go with which. That’s why we made this guide: to help you find classic pairs, plus some brilliant pairings featuring our English wines that might surprise you. For now, get out your wine glasses and corkscrews. We’re going to show you why these two classics go so well together.

Is there an ultimate cheese for wine?

Not really – but that’s the beauty of it! The “perfect” cheese depends entirely on your wine choice and personal taste.

However, if we had to pick one cheese that works with most wines, it would be aged cheddar. It’s got enough character for reds, enough creaminess for whites, and enough versatility for bubbles. But honestly? The real fun is in experimenting.

Which red wines pair best with cheese?

Red wines are brilliant with cheese because their tannins love to dance with fat and protein. The key is matching intensity – bigger wines need bolder cheeses that can stand up to them.

Full-bodied reds: Mature cheddar, aged Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah are the heavyweights of the wine world. They need aged cheeses with serious character – think mature cheddar, aged Gouda, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. These wines have enough power to cut through the richness whilst the cheese softens those grippy tannins beautifully.

Medium-bodied reds: Gruyère, Comté, Brie

Pinot Noir and Merlot are wonderfully versatile. They work brilliantly with semi-soft cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, or a good Brie. The wine’s moderate tannins complement rather than overwhelm, creating that perfect balance.

Light reds: Fresh mozzarella, young goat cheese, triple cream

Beaujolais and Gamay are gentle souls that pair best with creamy, mild cheeses. Think fresh mozzarella, young goat cheese, or triple cream varieties. These wines won’t fight with delicate flavours – instead, they enhance them.

What white wines pair best with cheese?

White wines are brilliant with cheese because they’re clean, crisp, and refreshing. Without heavy tannins to worry about, they work with a much wider range of cheeses, making them perfect if you’re struggling to narrow down your cheese choice.

Crisp whites: Fresh goat cheese, mozzarella, feta

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are light, zesty wines that love fresh, tangy cheeses. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through creamy textures whilst enhancing the cheese’s natural flavours. Perfect for summer cheese boards or lighter meals.

Rich whites: Brie, Camembert, triple cream

Chardonnay and Viognier are fuller-bodied whites with buttery or oaky notes that pair beautifully with creamy, indulgent cheeses. The wine’s richness matches the cheese’s luxurious texture, creating a harmonious balance.

Aromatic whites: Blue cheese, Gorgonzola, aged Gouda

Riesling and Gewürztraminer are sweet or off-dry whites that work magic with strong, pungent cheeses. The wine’s sweetness tames the cheese’s intensity whilst the aromatic qualities add complexity to each bite.

What about fruity wines and dessert wines?

Fruity wines like our LBW strawberry wine, elderflower, or summer fruit wine are absolutely delightful with cheese – you just need to think about balance. These sweeter wines work best with salty or tangy cheeses that create a beautiful sweet-savoury contrast.

Try strawberry wine with a sharp goat cheese or aged Pecorino. The wine’s berry sweetness balances the cheese’s tang perfectly. Elderflower wines are magical with fresh mozzarella or ricotta, where the floral notes enhance the cheese’s creamy freshness.

Dessert wines like Moscato or late harvest varieties are classic with blue cheeses. The sweetness tames the cheese’s intensity whilst the wine’s fruitiness adds complexity. Port with Stilton is a great example.

The key with fruity wines is contrast. Sweet wines need salty cheeses, whilst fruit-forward wines love creamy textures that let the fruit flavours shine through.

Does cheese pair well with English wine?

Absolutely! English wines are fantastic with cheese, and the principle of “what grows together, goes together” works great here. English cheeses like Somerset Brie, aged Cheddar, or Cornish Yarg have developed alongside our climate, making them natural partners for English wines.

English sparkling wines, in particular, are brilliant with creamy cheeses. The crisp acidity cuts through rich textures perfectly. Our white wines like Bacchus work wonderfully with fresh, lemony cheeses, whilst English Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with aged, nutty varieties.

How to Pair Wine with a Cheeseboard

When pairing wines with your cheese board, follow the rule of three: one red, one white, and one sparkling or dessert wine. This covers all your bases and ensures every cheese on your board has a perfect partner.

Your red wine handles the aged, bold cheeses like mature cheddar or aged Gouda. The white wine pairs beautifully with fresh, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie. The sparkling or dessert wine tackles everything else – from blue cheeses to mild, soft varieties.

This approach means guests can experiment and find their favourite combinations without you needing to stock a full wine shop. Plus, it creates a natural progression through the evening, starting light and fresh, building to bold and complex.

Why Does Wine and Cheese Pair so Well?

Wine and cheese go well together because they compliment each other. The fat in the cheese makes the wine less rough, and the acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Basically, wine balances the richness of cheese while cheese softens wine’s acidity & tannins.

When did wine and cheese first become a pairing?

This combination has been delighting people for thousands of years! Ancient civilisations discovered something wonderful – wine and cheese taste incredible together.

The Romans were absolutely mad about this pairing. They served aged cheeses with their finest wines at lavish dinner parties. Medieval monks became the real experts though. They crafted wine and cheese in the same monasteries. They understood that things made together naturally complement each other.

French aristocrats elevated it to an art form and created the sophisticated cheese course we still enjoy today. By the 18th century, the French established the tradition of serving cheese near the end of meals. Which is just when the wine has prepared your palate for maximum flavour!

The British embraced it with their own twist. Picture port and stilton by a crackling fireplace, or a hearty ploughman’s lunch with local ale. Each culture added their unique character, but the principle remained constant – these two are simply meant to be together.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to the delicious world of wine and cheese pairings. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey, remember the golden rule: experiment and have fun! There’s a perfect pairing out there for everyone, and the joy is in the discovery. Cheers to many delightful moments of wine and cheese bliss!

Please drink responsibly.