How to host a wine and cheese tasting at home

Julia Webb

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

As we close another week in quarantine, it can be a bit of a bummer to spend another Saturday night at home. If you’re accustomed to going out to dinner, seeing a movie or gathering with friends on a regular basis, there’s a good chance that your weekends are now drastically different — but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be just as fun.

Inspired by the folks at Cloudy Bay and Murray’s Cheese, one of my new favorite things to do over the weekend is to have an at-home wine and cheese party pairing.

Putting together a little cheese board and tasting a few bottles of wine doesn’t have to be complicated. For those looking to take a shortcut, there are several pre-made gourmet cheese kits (or even entire charcuterie boards) that you can order and have delivered to your home.

Shop: Williams Sonoma Best of Point Reyes Cheese Collection, $49.95

Credit: Willams Sonoma

Shop: Harry & David Gourmet Cheese Assortment, $49.99

Credit: Harry & David

Shop: Crate & Barrel The Happy Hour Cheese Selection Box, $69.95

Credit: Crate & Barrel

Shop: Lady & Larder diy cheese & cured meat board, $195

Credit: Lady & Larder

You can also get wine delivered right to your house through services like Winc and Drizly, but if a liquor store is open near you, you might prefer selecting your own bottles. I’m personally a big fan of Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc if you are in need of a good place to start. If you’d rather have an expert guide you, you can even sign up to take an online wine class through Airbnb’s online experiences and let a pro lead the way.

Now, if you prefer to DIY the whole thing, simply head to the grocery store to pick out your desired cheeses (or even go the extra mile and make your own cheese). But before you make your list, check out a few wine and cheese pairings that Delish suggests:

  • Blue cheese and dessert wine

  • Brie and Champagne or sparkling wine

  • Goat cheese and Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano and Chianti

  • Monterey Jack and Cabernet Sauvignon

Once you have your cheeses and wines all picked out, it’s time to set the scene. From a great cheese board to sparkling wine glasses, there are a few essentials that every pairing party needs. Set your table, put on some music and cheers!

Shop: Quincy Composite Agate Cheese Board, $68

Credit: Anthropologie

Shop: Rose Cheese Knives, Set of 3, $38

Credit: Anthropologie

Shop: Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Angle Red Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $28

Credit: Williams Sonoma

If you liked this story, you might like to shop this stylish wine rack.

More from In The Know:

Timothée Chalamet’s pantry makes no sense

12 things that can help you get a restful night’s sleep

Sur La Table’s huge summer sale will upgrade your grilling game

Rothy’s just launched its cheapest shoe yet in seven bold colors