5 Best Cheese and Wine Pairings for Beginners

If you've ever felt intimidated by the idea of pairing cheese with wine, we have good news: it's not as complicated as the snobs make it seem. In fact, creating delicious combinations is easier than you think, and the best part? There are no rules, only guidelines. At 20Twenty, we believe that cheese and wine pairing should be fun, approachable, and above all, delicious. So grab a glass, pick a cheese, and let's break down some foolproof pairings that will make you look like an expert.

The Basic Rules of Thumb

Before we dive into our five favorite pairings, let's cover the fundamentals of a great cheese wine pairing guide. There are three golden principles that work time and again:

• Match intensity: Pair delicate cheeses with light wines and bold cheeses with full-bodied wines. Think of it like building a flavor conversation where both partners are equally heard.
• Contrast or complement: You can either match flavors (creamy + buttery) or create balance through contrast (salty + sweet). Both approaches create magic.
• Regional pairings: Cheeses and wines that come from the same region often work beautifully together. It's as if they were made for each other.

Our 5 Foolproof Cheese and Wine Pairings

1. Brie + Chardonnay

Let's start with the classic. Brie is buttery, creamy, and luxurious, and Chardonnay is its perfect match. The wine's richness and subtle oak complement the cheese's velvety texture beautifully. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, cleansing your palate and preparing it for the next bite. This pairing is foolproof and endlessly satisfying. If you're new to cheese and wine pairings, this is your starting point—it never fails to impress.

2. Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon

Want to go bold? This pairing is for you. Aged cheddar has a sharp, complex character with nutty undertones, and a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon matches that intensity perfectly. The tannins in the wine actually soften when paired with aged cheese, while the cheese's complexity shines even brighter. Together, they create a sophisticated combination that feels special without requiring expert knowledge. It's comfort and elegance in a single bite.

3. Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc

This is the pairing that changed many people's minds about goat cheese. If you've ever found goat cheese too tangy on its own, pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and you'll understand why it deserves a place on your board. The wine's bright, herbal notes echo the goat cheese's tanginess, creating harmony rather than conflict. The clean acidity refreshes your palate while the citrus notes add brightness. It's fresh, fun, and utterly delicious.

4. Manchego + Tempranillo

Here's where regional pairing comes into play. Manchego is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a slightly firm texture and a nutty, caramel flavor. Tempranillo is Spain's signature red wine. When they come together, it's pure regional harmony. The wine's fruit-forward character and smooth tannins complement the cheese's subtle sweetness. This pairing is a window into Spanish food and wine culture, and it's a fantastic addition to any wine pairing guide for those ready to explore beyond the basics.

5. Blue Cheese + Port or Sweet Riesling

Sometimes the best pairings break the rules, and this one does it beautifully. Blue cheese is pungent and salty, and pairing it with something sweet might sound odd—until you try it. A rich Port wine or a sweet Riesling provides the perfect counterpoint, creating a beautiful sweet-and-salty balance. The sweetness rounds out the cheese's intense saltiness, while the wine's depth and body stand up to the cheese's bold character. It's elegant, unexpected, and utterly craveable.

Why Let Us Do It for You?

Building your own best cheese wine combinations is fun, but there's something special about letting the experts handle it. At 20Twenty, our team has years of experience working with cheeses and wines. We know which flavors sing together, how to balance a board visually and gastronomically, and how to surprise you with combinations you might not have considered. Our artisan charcuterie boards are designed to tell a story, with each cheese and wine pairing thoughtfully selected. Whether you're dining in or hosting an event, our custom boards for your event bring the same care and attention to detail to your table.

Plus, we have 20 wines on draft and rotate our selections regularly, so there's always something new to try. Our staff can guide you through the flavor profiles and help you find the pairing that speaks to your palate. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been enjoying these combinations for years, there's always something to discover.