National Wine and Cheese Day

When is National Wine and Cheese Day? September 25th! Make sure you understand the purpose behind this delicious and clever holiday!

Indulge in a symphony of flavors as we approach September 25th, a day revered by connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike – National Wine and Cheese Day. On this occasion, cheese takes its harmonious partner, wine, by the hand, leading us on a journey through a world of intricate tastes and textures.

The best way to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day is to invite friends over for a little tasting. Naturally, we’re more than happy to provide some tips for wine and cheese pairings. Knowing the various types of cheese will allow you to offer an exciting variety.

We invite you to join us in raising a glass and savoring the finest cheeses that our region has to offer, expertly paired with the perfect vintages. In this article, we delve into the artistry of pairing, explore the depths of flavors that dance between curds and vines, and pay homage to a timeless culinary tradition that continues to captivate palates worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or an eager newcomer, prepare to elevate your sensory experience on this year’s National Wine and Cheese Day.

Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide

Pairing the rich complexities of wine with the nuanced flavors of cheese is an art that tantalizes the senses and elevates the dining experience. As you prepare to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day on September 25th, allow us to be your guide through a curated selection of popular wine and cheese pairings that will surely delight both novice and seasoned enthusiasts. From the lush vineyards to the rolling hills of Wisconsin, let’s embark on a journey of taste, texture, and harmony.

• Chardonnay and Brie: Experience the buttery embrace of a well-aged Brie alongside the crisp elegance of a Chardonnay. The wine’s notes of green apple and oak complement the creamy, earthy undertones of the cheese, creating a match made in gastronomic heaven.
• Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese: Indulge in the zesty interplay between a zingy Sauvignon Blanc and the tangy, citrusy essence of Goat Cheese. The wine’s bright acidity enhances the cheese’s tartness, resulting in a refreshingly balanced pairing.
• Merlot and Gouda: Allow the velvety Merlot to caress your palate as you savor the nutty sweetness of Gouda. The wine’s ripe fruit flavors harmonize beautifully with the cheese’s caramelized notes, creating a combination that’s both comforting and refined.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar: Unleash the robust depth of a Cabernet Sauvignon alongside the intense, sharp character of Aged Cheddar. The wine’s tannic structure complements the cheese’s complexity, forming a dynamic duo that lingers on the palate.
• Pinot Noir and Camembert: Sip on the delicate charm of a Pinot Noir while indulging in the mushroomy richness of Camembert. The wine’s red fruit notes provide a delightful contrast to the cheese’s creamy interior and bloomy rind.
• Malbec and Blue Cheese: Embark on a journey of contrasts with the bold, fruity tones of Malbec paired against the piquant, creamy allure of Blue Cheese. The wine’s intensity stands up to the cheese’s strong flavors, resulting in a daring and unforgettable pairing.
• Riesling and Swiss Cheese: Let the off-dry sweetness of Riesling enhance the nutty, slightly sweet nuances of Swiss Cheese. The wine’s floral aromatics provide a delightful counterpoint to the cheese’s savory profile.
• Rosé and Feta: Celebrate the union of Rosé’s light berry notes with the crumbly, briny character of Feta. The wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the cheese’s saltiness, creating a harmonious and summery combination.

As National Wine and Cheese Day approaches, take this opportunity to explore these exquisite red and white wine and cheese pairings and discover your own palate’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a soirée or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these combinations are sure to delight and impress, honoring the timeless tradition of uniting wine and cheese in perfect harmony. Cheers to a day of indulgence and appreciation!

So pick out your favorite Wisconsin artisan cheeses, find the right wines to go with them, and celebrate National Drink Wine Day with an experience you’ll want to repeat every year!

Why Pair Cheese with Wine?

So, why do people each wine with cheese? In 2012, researchers at Rutgers University wanted to know the answer to why cheese and wine are so compatible. It seems that, as with many people, opposites attract.

The researchers found that astringent foods—like wine, pickles, and green tea—complemented fatty or slippery foods like cheese, salami, and sushi to create a balanced mouthfeel (a fancy food science term for how things feel in your mouth). The fatty foods lubricate and coat your mouth, while the astringent and acidic foods cut through that coating. And that relationship gets better as the meal goes on; the dry feeling you get from wine increases, and the slippery feeling you get from cheese decreases, until nirvana is attained in your mouth.

Of course, not every such pairing works; cheese isn’t so special with green tea, and pickled ginger works much better with sushi than does a dry, tannic red. It may be more cultural than chemical; East Asian people tend to be lactose-intolerant and were historically unfamiliar with grape wine, while Europeans didn’t know sashimi from Szechuan. So while Japan, over centuries, cultivated its practice of nibbling pickled ginger between bites of sushi and washing it down with a sip of tea, so did Europe finely hone its famous pairings of wine and cheese.

Health Benefits of Wine and Cheese

We’ve heard it said that a glass a day keeps the cardiologist away. (Please note that this does not extend to a bottle a day.) An article in Food & Wine cites eight studies indicating that moderate wine consumption (defined by the American Heart Association as one to two glasses per day): promotes longevity, reduces heart-attack risk, lowers the risk of heart disease, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, lowers risk of stroke, cuts risk of cataracts, cuts risk of colon cancer, and slows brain decline.

So what about the cheese? Well, there’s the fact that cheese is low in carbs and relatively high in protein…and a good source of calcium. And, some British researchers have theorized that cheese—especially blue cheese—could be part of the famous French Paradox. As with wine, moderation is key. Full-fat Butterkäse will put on the pounds faster than part-skim Parmesan. And, as it turns out, the fats in cheese are a big part of the reason cheese pairs so well with wine.