National Wine and Cheese Day Approaches with Perfect Pairings

A Growing Celebration of Flavor and Tradition

National Wine and Cheese Day is fast approaching, and the excitement is already building as shops, bars, and home hosts prepare to mark the occasion. This year’s focus is on bold pairings, unexpected regional finds, and easy upgrades for at-home cheese boards. The growing interest in thoughtful combinations reflects a shift in how Americans are embracing their favorite indulgences.

People are no longer just posting their wine and cheese boards online. They’re curating them with intention, tailoring each arrangement around heritage, season, or mood. Some attend tastings at vineyards, while others host small-scale pairings at home or experiment in the kitchen. This trend highlights a deeper appreciation for the art of pairing and the stories behind each ingredient.

Origins of Wine and Cheese Appreciation

Although National Wine and Cheese Day is a relatively new celebration, its roots go deep. Introduced in 2014 by writer and wine enthusiast Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, the day falls every July 25. It was created to elevate a simple pleasure into a broader celebration of flavor, history, and regional tradition. While the holiday itself is modern, the practice of pairing wine and cheese has been around for centuries. Classic combinations like Brie with merlot or Asiago with Chianti reflect long-standing culinary traditions from France and Italy. These time-honored pairings serve as a foundation for today’s playful and evolving observance.

The Art of Getting the Match Right

Wine and cheese may seem like a natural match, but not every combination works. Achieving the perfect balance requires understanding how flavors and textures interact. Here are some key principles to guide your pairings:

Balance Matters

The creamy softness of Brie can feel one-dimensional unless it’s balanced with acidity. A sauvignon blanc, with its citrus and grassy notes, brings contrast that sharpens Brie’s richness and keeps the palate fresh. Chardonnay or sparkling wine offers a similar effect, cutting through the fat with bright acidity. This balance prevents either element from overpowering the other, making each bite more enjoyable.

Opposites Attract

High-salt cheeses like feta or blue cheese pair well with sweeter wines. Rieslings and ports provide a fruity lift that complements the salt and funk. This contrast highlights both profiles without dulling their strengths, offering a full-spectrum tasting experience.

Match Intensity

Sharp, aged cheeses require wines with body and structure. Aged cheddar, with its deep umami and crumbly texture, pairs well with cabernet sauvignon, which delivers tannins and oakiness. This match allows both components to shine and evolve with each sip.

Texture Counts

Sparkling wines do more than just add bubbles—they reset the palate. With fatty cheeses like triple-cream, carbonation and acidity clear the mouth, preventing richness from becoming overwhelming. The result is a livelier, more balanced bite that encourages you to keep going.

Smarter Ways to Build Your Board

A well-crafted cheese board depends on contrast and balance. Aim for three to five cheeses with distinct textures and flavors—think firm, soft, and bold. Add a mix of accompaniments like fruit, olives, or pickles to cleanse the palate and avoid monotony. Chill cheeses between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow them to come to room temperature before serving so the flavors fully develop. Clear labels help guests navigate what they’re tasting, especially when showcasing lesser-known options. Leave space between items to keep flavors distinct and prevent overcrowding, which can muddle taste and visual appeal.

Pairing Beyond the Board

While cheese boards take center stage on National Wine and Cheese Day, hot dishes also deserve a place at the table. Cooking with wine and cheese opens up richer, more integrated flavors that stand on their own. Baked Brie with wine-poached fruit, red wine risotto with Parmesan, or a dry white fondue all bring deeper complexity to the meal. These recipes reflect the same regional ingredients and thoughtful pairings that define the boards. Turning to the stove or oven offers another way to celebrate July 25 with purpose and flavor.

How to Join in This Year

Each year, wineries, markets, and small businesses across the country organize in-person wine tastings, pairing events, and educational sessions tied to National Wine and Cheese Day. Some extend the celebration into a full week of themed menus and drop-in samplings. For those at home, virtual tasting classes remain popular and often include shipped kits or live walkthroughs led by sommeliers.

This year, National Wine and Cheese Day falls on Friday, July 25, 2025. In Berkeley, Adega Azul will mark the occasion from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a curated lineup of wines paired with artisanal cheeses in its cozy, Brazilian-inspired space. In Fort Mill, The Social Cork Wine Bar is also joining the celebration, offering local cheese pairings and live music to create a laid-back but elevated tasting experience.

Participation can vary by region, depending on local wine laws and seasonal harvests. Anyone gifting or transporting wine should check state guidelines to stay compliant, especially with shipping restrictions across borders.

Rooted in Taste and Tradition

National Wine and Cheese Day continues to evolve while holding onto what makes the pairing timeless. More Americans are treating it as a meaningful ritual, folding it into how they gather, eat, and connect. Rooted in craft and shared experience, the day blends tradition with personal expression, which helps keep it relevant and enjoyable year after year.