ACK! Need help with wine and cheese party this weekend-

[Tracey1974]

Help help! My sister recently became a Pampered Chef consultant so I am hosting a party that she will be presenting at. I decided to do a wine and cheese theme but I'm not much of a wine drinker.

Sooooo.....can any of you help me figure out what goes with what? We have a local vineyard that does a few nice wines so I was figuring a white, red and a rose but I'm clueless as to what cheeses go with what. Maybe I'll do a sangria too. There are going to be about 15 people there and I will have crackers and spinach dip in a bread bowl and other small snacks so people can actually drive home so I don't need too much cheese.

Help please!

 

[chell]

Hopefully these websites will help you out some.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/cpairing.htm

http://www.inetours.com/PagesWT/Pairing/Wine_and_Cheese.html

http://www.ilovecheese.com/wine_pairings.htm

http://www.cheesesociety.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=11

If you serve any Bleu cheeses try to keep them away from the other cheeses for those with allergies and such to the "bleu".

And try to serve the cheese at room temperature.

Have fun!

 

[pearlieq]

I personally like cheese flights with a theme. Usually 3-5 cheeses is an aqequate sampling.

Some ideas of themes:

Cheeses from the same region
Cheeses made of the same type of milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.)
The same cheese at different ages
Cheeses with the same treatment (smoked, marinated, etc.)


As far as wine goes, I would try to match lighter cheeses with lighter wines, moving into more substantial wines/ports with more hearty cheese. Also, it's a nice touch to match the region of the wine to the region of the cheese.

Whole Foods has a great cheese selection, and their prices are a lot better than a grocery store. Rememeber to bring the cheeses to room temperature before serving and offer bland crackers (Carr's Water Biscuits are great!) so people can clear the palate between samples.

 

[Tracey1974]

Bump!

 

[MagicKingdom05]

Tracey1974,

I just wanted to say that this sounds fun and have a good time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I like Beringer Zinfandel or any other Zinfandel along with sharp cheddar cheese and fruit, like strawberries.

Just remember that you only get 6 glasses of wine per bottle.

 

[binny]

ohhh see if you cant find an Ice Wine, that would be wonderful. If it isnt too much work ( or cost), I would do something like chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.


Have fun sounds very yummy!

 

[Tracey1974]

Mmmm...thanks so much! I need to start my shopping- thanks for the tip on how many glasses are from each bottle!

 

[jonestavern]

also, you can try asking the vintner what fruits, cheeses or crackers they recommend serving with their wines.
Vineyards do go to distribution conventions or other such & need to show off their wines to the best advantage, often pairing their wines with what they feel, are the most agreeable crackers, fruits & cheeses.

Usually, I find at least, the white wines are most popular.

Pears, apples, grapes, strawberrys, raspberries etc even fresh nuts are lovely additions.
If I were going to go with local wines I might see what local cheeses are available.
If you feel you need to pre-slice just a few pieces apples/pears for the visuals of the presentation, give them a little bath in acidulated water--just add a couple of tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to a generous bowl--3 qts-- of water to prevent browning-

Jean

 

[jamzots]

...and do a desert wine like a Port with chocolate and deserts. My favorite Friday night ritual is Beringer White Zin, with assorted cheese and crackers. We love Cracker Barrel Baby Swiss, and also pepperjack cheese ! Can't wait for Friday now!!

 

[ZuZugal]

I also like your idea for the spinach dip. A friend of mine is a Pamered Chef consultant and when I hosted a party she gave me some easy recipies to make a few dips/appetizers. Your sister should be able to locate those recipies for you. Serving a Sangria is also a fun idea. There will always be those who attend who will not drink a glass of wine, but will drink the Sangria.

Have fun and don't stress too much. Any good wine store should be able to help you along with choices in the wine/cheese selections.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Here's some tips to get you started:

Chardonnay: Asiago, Mozzarella
Sauvignon Blanc: Feta, Chevre
Viognier: Gouda, Jarisberg
Riesling: Swiss, Gouda
Pinot Noir: Aged Chevre
Merlot: Cheddar
Cabernet Sauvignon: Aged Hard Cheese, Brie
Zinfandel: Brie, Aged Cheese, Huntsman

Personally, I'd stay away from Bleu Cheese. It's too overpowering for most people.

My personal favorite wine/ cheese pairing is Reisling with gouda & swiss. I agree with those who love the ice wines. They could get very expensive for a party though. Enjoy your party!