1. Pair Sharp Cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon

The first in this list of wine and cheese combinations is the pairing of sharp cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich fruit and spice flavors of the wine are set off just right by a good cheddar cheese. If sharp cheddar isn’t your preference, really any cheddar will do. You can even pair Cabernet Sauvignon with a nice Colby or Colby-Jack cheese.

2. Pair Mozzarella with Sauvignon Blanc

The perfect wine pairing for an Italian dinner is Sauvignon Blanc. Creamy, gooey cheese mixed with Italian herbs and seasonings are even more scrumptious when washed down with Sauvignon Blanc. This is because of the wine’s herbal flavor. It’s really a great pairing for any full-flavored cuisine, even those that don’t include any or much cheese, such as Thai.

3. Ricotta and Pinot Grigio

Picking up a Pinot Grigio? Might I suggest pairing this light, fruity wine selection with ricotta cheese. Another good option is goat cheese. There’s just something about the softer, rich cheese varieties paired up with a citrus natured Pinot Grigio. The cheese is so spreadable and the wine is so easy to sip that they’ll both be gone before you know it. Which means it’s a good time to move on to the next pairing…

4. Blue Cheese and Riesling

These are two of my favorites. What’s funny is I’m grossed out by blue cheese dressing but absolutely love blue cheese crumbles. Strange right? No matter what state you prefer your blue cheese in, wash it down with a glass of Riesling. That’s right: it’s not just a dessert wine! This sweet wine is a great complement to the poignant flavor of blue cheese.

5. Gouda and Merlot

If you’re dining with a guest or guests and you’re not sure what their preference in wine or cheese might be, a good middle ground go to is the pairing of gouda and merlot. Merlot is a no muss, no fuss red that’s good without being aged. It’s usually the suggestion for beginning wine drinkers. Gouda is a semi-soft cheese that is creamy and-most importantly – mild. There’s nothing extreme about this pairing, it’s just simply yummy!

6. Gruyere and Sauvignon Blanc

Yes, again with the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s just such a great basic wine to pair with the cheese or dish of your choice. Gruyere, Parmesan, Asiago, Cheddar, goat cheese…all of these cheeses and more pair well with Sauvignon Blanc. Really branch out and try a cheese you haven’t had before and pick up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to pair with it. You may not love the new outlandish cheese variety, but you’ll have a trusty Sauvignon Blanc to sip along with your other groceries.

7. Brie and Chardonnay

Much like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay is another wine that can be paired with a number of things. The full, buttery flavor is wonderful on its own and enhanced by any cheese. So if you’ve picked your cheese but still lost on a wine, Chardonnay is a safe choice. It complements just about any dish, and not many wine drinkers are opposed to drinking Chardonnay.

Whether you’re planning a fancy party and putting together a wine and cheese plate, or you’ve got a hankering for a particular wine or cheese, try one or more of these pairings. What wine and cheese combination is your favorite? Have you tried a pairing that’s not on this list? Please share!