Throwing a wine and cheese party? This is your ultimate guide to hosting a relaxed, crowd-pleasing gathering—complete with cheese board tips, approachable pairings, centerpiece inspiration and the easiest salami rose tutorial you’ve ever seen. Let’s get the party started!
Table of Contents
- Tips Before You Sip: Hosting Made Simple
- Choose 3 to 5 bottles, not 300.
- Set the table with three glasses per guest.
- Go handheld with your charcuterie.
- Don’t overthink the pairings.
- Wine & Cheese Party Essentials
- Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide
- Setting the Scene
- More Hosting Tips & Hacks
- Final Pour: Bringing It All Together
- More Party Menu Ideas
Back in 2015, I took a Wine Essentials course at The Institute of Culinary Education. I love wine, I just didn’t know a darn thing about it. Six weeks later, I had a notebook full of tasting notes, a better appreciation for red wine (finally!), and enough know-how to host a cozy little wine and cheese night without second-guessing every choice.
This guide combines what I learned in class with my love of wine, food, and entertaining—featuring easy ideas, approachable pairings and simple recipes to help you throw a wine and cheese party that’s equal parts relaxing and delicious.
Tips Before You Sip: Hosting Made Simple
Before we jump into pairings and prep, let’s cover the basics. First things, first, you don’t need to be a wine expert to host a great wine and cheese party. These simple tips will help you create an experience that’s fun, flavorful and totally stress-free.
Choose 3 to 5 bottles, not 300.
Start with a mix of red, white and something bubbly. Don’t overthink it—just choose wines you enjoy drinking! This party is about enjoying good food and great company, not showing off your sommelier skills.
Set the table with three glasses per guest.
One for red, one for white and one for water. They don’t need to be fancy—simple stemware or even stemless glasses work perfectly. I’ve even used these mason jar glasses and loved the laid-back vibe they brought to the table.
Go handheld with your charcuterie.
Instead of one massive board everyone has to crowd around, I love setting out a few handheld charcuterie boards. Think small plates or mini cutting boards that guests can load up and carry with them. I’m obsessed with these mini charcuterie boards that even have a built-in wine glass holder—perfect for mingling with snacks in one hand and sips in the other.
Don’t overthink the pairings.
Sure, there’s a science to pairing—but don’t stress it. A creamy Brie with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Perfect. Funky blue cheese with a bold Cabernet? Go for it. Mix and match based on what you love. If it tastes good to you, it’s a good pairing.
Wine & Cheese Party Essentials
Best Wines to Choose
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk wine. I like to offer a mix of red, white and something bubbly. That way, there’s something for every palate and every bite of cheese. Here are a few go-to picks that are easy to find and pair beautifully with cheese:
- White: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or dry Riesling
- Red: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Zinfandel
- Rosé: Always a hit, especially in warm weather
- Sparkling: Brut Champagne, Prosecco or Cava
🍷 Kelly’s Tip: Aim for one bottle per 2 to 3 guests. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or mocktails.
Best Cheeses to Serve
When choosing cheeses, go for variety in both flavor and texture. I like to mix 3 to 5 different cheeses—some bold (hello, blue cheese + fig jam!) and some mild (Manchego is always a crowd-pleaser). Texture-wise, think creamy Brie, crumbly Parm and firm, sliceable cheddar. And don’t forget to mix up the shapes—rounds, wedges, crumbles, logs—for a board that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Here are a few cheese varieties I like to use to build a cheese board that hits all the right notes:
- Soft: Brie, Camembert, Fresh Goat Cheese
- Semi-Soft: Havarti, Fontina, Port Salut
- Firm: Aged Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Manchego
- Blue: Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Blue Stilton
Add crackers, crostini or sliced baguette, and don’t forget:
- Fresh fruit (grapes, figs, berries)
- Nuts, olives, dried fruit
- Jams, honey, mustard
Serving Tools
- Cheese knives and labels
- Small plates and napkins
- Charcuterie boards or trays (I love these mini slate cheese boards!)
- Wine glasses and water glasses
- Corkscrew
If you’re hosting outdoors or just want to keep things cool, I highly recommend this ice tray platter. It’s a game-changer for keeping cheese, fruit or dips chilled in the heat. An ice bucket for white wine and bubbly is also a must. No one wants a warm pour of Chardonnay!
And how fun is the cheese candle below?!
Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide
One of the first tips I picked up in a wine class years ago? Taste from mild to strong. Starting with the lightest cheese and wine and working your way toward the boldest keeps your palate sharp and makes each new pairing pop even more. Whether you love fruity reds, crisp whites or a celebratory pop of bubbles, there’s a perfect sip for every slice.
Crowd-Pleasing Reds
- Pinot Noir – Light and fruity, pairs well with creamy brie or nutty Gruyère.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold and structured, great with aged cheddar or gouda.
- Zinfandel – Jammy and spicy, lovely with blue cheese or manchego.
Easy-Drinking Whites
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, delicious with goat cheese or feta.
- Chardonnay – Buttery and full-bodied, perfect with a creamy camembert or aged gouda.
- Riesling – Off-dry or slightly sweet, balances funkier cheeses like blue or washed-rind varieties.
Something Bubbly or Rosé
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne – Adds a festive touch and goes with everything, especially soft cheeses and salty bites like parmesan crisps.
- Dry Rosé – Refreshing, fruity, and surprisingly versatile with both soft and hard cheeses.
Want to offer more pairing fun? Print out small cards for your table with the suggested pairings above, or set out “build your own” boards and let everyone experiment. A quick “What’s your favorite combo?” chat at the end of the night is a great way to wrap things up!
Setting the Scene
- Make It Mini: Handheld Charcuterie
For a party-friendly twist, try assembling individual mini boards or charcuterie cups—great for mingling and snacking! - Create a Wine-Inspired Centerpiece
I love filling a large vase with wine corks, then placing a smaller vase inside for flowers—super simple and totally on theme (pictured above). You can even buy recycled wine corks online if you don’t have a stash! Or use empty wine bottles as vases, wrap them in twinkle lights or nestle tea light candles between your boards for a soft glow. - Add Edible Flair: Try a Salami Rose
Salami roses are easier than they look and make any board feel instantly fancy. I’ve got a quick video tutorial to walk you through it!
- Serve Warm & Savory Bites
While cheese boards are the star, a few warm snacks make your spread feel complete. Try:
More Hosting Tips & Hacks
- Label everything. Use mini chalkboards or toothpick flags to label each cheese and wine—it helps guests make choices and sparks conversation.
- Prep ahead. Slice firm cheeses and chop fruit up to 30 hours before party time, and chill wines the night before. Delicate items like berries can wait until a few hours before serving.
- Allergy-friendly hosting. Check in with your guests before you shop—asking about common allergies (like nuts or gluten) avoids last-minute stress, and make swaps as needed.
- Whipped cheese = instant upgrade. Swap the usual spread for whipped Brie or pair your board with a side of crusty bread and the best bread dipping oil for an extra-tasty touch.
- Keep it casual and fun!
Final Pour: Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re hosting your first wine and cheese night or you’re the go-to entertainer in your friend group, I hope this guide gives you the inspiration and confidence to make it fun, flavorful and totally doable. The best wine and cheese parties are the ones where people linger, laugh and maybe discover a new favorite pairing along the way.
Want more help building your board? Check out my step-by-step Charcuterie Board Tutorial, complete with layout tips, styling ideas, and all the tasty extras that make a board unforgettable.
If you try any of these tips or pairings, I’d love to see your setup! Tag me on Instagram or drop your favorite cheese and wine combo in the comments below. Cheers to great cheese, good wine and even better company.
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