Host a Wine and Cheese Party
May 14, 2019, Updated Apr 20, 2025
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Hosting a wine and cheese party is one of the easiest (and chicest!) ways to gather friends. With a few simple pairings, pretty boards, and thoughtful touches, it instantly feels special – no cooking required!
If you’re looking for more cheese entertaining ideas? Check out my Southern Charcuterie Board and Guide to Making a Cheese Platter.
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Pin ItWhat Is a Wine and Cheese Party?
A wine and cheese party is a laid-back yet elegant gathering centered around pairing different wines with a variety of cheeses. It’s perfect for small get-togethers, book clubs, date nights, showers, or a charming seasonal celebration. No need for a full meal – just good wine, great cheese, and even better company.
How to Host a Wine and Cheese Party
Choose Your Cheese
Aim for a variety of flavors and textures. A good rule of thumb is to include:
- One soft cheese (Brie, Camembert)
- One hard cheese (Manchego, Aged Cheddar)
- One blue cheese (Gorgonzola, Stilton)
- One aged cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan)
- One wild card (Goat cheese with herbs, Truffle cheese)
Arrange cheeses on boards with space between them and label them for easy pairing.
Choose Your Wine
Offer 3 – 4 wine varieties:
- Red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir)
- White (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc)
- Rosé or Sparkling (Prosecco, Brut Rosé)
Create a mini tasting station with cards explaining the flavor notes and cheese pairings.
Add Accompaniments
Round out your spread with a mix of textures and flavors:
- Crackers & baguette slices
- Fresh and dried fruits (grapes, figs, apples)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
- Olives & pickles
- Honey, jams, or mustards
Use small bowls to separate items and create visual interest.
Style Your Spread
A few easy ways to elevate the setup:
Add linen napkins, cheese knives, and wine glasses
Layer in fresh herbs and edible flowers
Use wooden boards, marble slabs, or slate trays
Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide
Here are a few classic pairings your guests will love:
- Brie + Chardonnay
- Aged Cheddar + Cabernet Sauvignon
- Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc
- Blue Cheese + Port or Riesling
- Gruyère + Pinot Noir
Want to keep it simple? Stick to 3 wines and pair each with 1–2 cheeses.
Recipe Tips
Offer wine charms or name tags for glasses
Plan for 2–3 ounces of cheese per person, per type
One bottle of wine serves about 4–5 glasses
Provide water, napkins, and small plates
Add simple labels using mini chalkboards or cheese markers
Pre-slice hard cheeses for easy serving
Wine and Cheese Party Themes
- Fall Harvest: Bold reds, pumpkin butter, figs. Check out my fall charcuterie party for more ideas!
- Garden Rosé Night: Light cheeses, florals, chilled rosé
- Holiday Sparkle: Champagne, triple crème cheese, sugared cranberries
- French-Inspired: Baguettes, Brie, Bordeaux, macarons
Tips for Serving Wine
I have a very handy guide all about serving wine when entertaining! You can see it here and also download and print it.
Entertaining Essentials
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chalkboard signs or printable labels
- Wooden or marble cheese boards
- Cheese knives
- Wine glasses (or cute mismatched ones!)
- Small bowls for accompaniments
- Linen napkins & serving trays
Wine and cheese parties are the ultimate no-stress way to host. Whether you’re gathering for a birthday, a seasonal celebration, or a casual night in, this setup is always a win.
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