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Red Wine and Cheese Pairing | Cellars Wine Club
Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide: Perfect Matches Every Time
Red wine and cheese are two of life’s simplest pleasures—but pairing them well can take your tasting experience to the next level. This red wine and cheese pairing guide will help you confidently match bold reds with the right cheeses, whether you’re planning a casual evening or hosting a wine night.
Why Red Wine and Cheese Pairing Matters
Not all red wines play nicely with all cheeses. The key is balancing the wine’s tannins, acidity, and body with the cheese’s texture, saltiness, and age. When you get it right, the flavors complement each other beautifully and both shine brighter in the pairing.
Red Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide by Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon + Aged Cheddar or Gouda
Why it works: Bold Cabernet needs cheese with equal intensity. Aged cheddar adds sharpness while gouda gives nutty, caramel depth.
Pair with: Grilled steak, nuts, dark chocolate
Wine Club Pairing: Red Wine Club
If you’re serving a spread, this red wine and cheese pairing guide can help you build a board that hits all the right notes.
Merlot + Havarti or Brie
Why it works: Merlot is softer and fruitier, making it ideal for creamy cheeses with mild flavors.
Pair with: Crackers, smoked meats, fruit preserves
Pinot Noir + Gruyère or Goat Cheese
Why it works: Pinot’s earthy notes and subtle fruit are great with nutty Gruyère or tangy chèvre.
Try with: Mushroom flatbread or roasted vegetables
Zinfandel + Blue Cheese or Pepper Jack
Why it works: Zinfandel’s bold fruit and spice tame pungent or spicy cheeses.
Best for: BBQ nights, bold palates, and adventurous pairings
Syrah/Shiraz + Manchego or Smoked Cheddar
Why it works: Smoky and rich wines match well with firm, flavorful cheeses like Manchego or smoked aged cheddar.
Pair with: Charcuterie boards or grilled lamb
Quick Pairing Chart
| Red Wine | Cheese Pairing |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Aged Cheddar, Aged Gouda |
| Merlot | Havarti, Brie |
| Pinot Noir | Goat Cheese, Gruyère |
| Zinfandel | Blue Cheese, Pepper Jack |
| Syrah/Shiraz | Manchego, Smoked Cheddar |
If you’re planning a full Italian-style evening, don’t miss our Best Wine for Pizza Night Guide for perfect pairings by slice.
How to Build a Red Wine & Cheese Board
Choose 3–4 cheese styles: hard, soft, aged, and funky
Include 2–3 red wines of different bodies (light, medium, bold)
Add nuts, fruit, olives, dark chocolate
Let cheese come to room temp before serving
Provide a different knife for each cheese
Want monthly wine deliveries perfect for pairing? Check out our Red Wine Club.
For even more inspiration, Wine Enthusiast breaks down wine and cheese pairings by texture and style.
Final Thoughts on Red Wine and Cheese Pairings
The best red wine and cheese pairings aren’t complicated—they’re thoughtful. Use this red wine and cheese pairing guide to create combinations that complement both, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll quickly learn what works best for your palate and how to build perfect pairings for any occasion.
Use this guide to take your next wine night or tasting to the next level.
