Wine and cheese, a highly revered combination that goes down well with millions. So why not throw a party centered on this exceptional combo? Oh, do not worry you do not have to be a wine and cheese connoisseur to do so. Read up a little or borrow few tips from net or books or friends and you will do just fine. To get you started here are a few ideas to help you put together a memorable wine and cheese party.
To avoid disappointments and to get an idea about the number of guests begin by sending invitations to your family and friends. Specifying that it is a wine and cheese party is imperative to prepare your guests for the experience.
Now that you know the number of people you are going to play host to, the next step is getting down to the right menu. You have to have enough wine and cheese paired correctly to satisfy your guests. For example, if you have about ten guests then about 3-4 bottles of each type of wine should be arranged. The wines should be chilled appropriately to be enjoyable. Sparkling wines should be chilled overnight for the event, white wines 2-3 hours before the party and red wines to be chilled half an hour before serving. About 12-20 ounces of each type of cheese that you have selected to serve with each type of wine are enough. The cheese should be fresh and purchased maximum one day before the event. Pull out the cheese from the refrigerator one hour before serving.
To help you out here are few wine and cheese pairings that are best.
– A good combo is serving wines and cheeses that are produced in the same country or region together.
– An acidic wine and an acidic cheese make a good pairing.
– Roquefort with Port wine
– Camembert, Cheddar and Brie with Cabernet and Champagne
– Dessert wines with blue cheeses
– Cream Cheese with White Zinfandel
– Muenster cheese with Beaujolais nouveau
– Colby and Gouda cheeses with Reisling
– Provolone with Chardonnay
– Goat cheese with sauvignon blanc and Sancerre
– Parmesan, Gruyere, aged cheddar with pinot noir, Côtes du Rhone
Present the different wines and cheeses on different small tables or if you do not have small tables put out a large table and divide the table into sections for various types of wines and cheeses. Cover the table/s with white cloth, use white candles to create the atmosphere for the party and add a vintage touch by spreading grape leaves or fall leaves on the cloth. Add a small bouquet of white roses for that elegant feel. On each section/table place folded index cards bearing the name of the cheese and wine, the region where they are produced and little information about their characteristics.
Provide each section/table with a cutting board, cutter, appropriate stemware depending on wine, plenty of small plates, a basket of bread and crackers and even a platter of fruits including grapes. In addition, provide a bucket to dump off unwanted or extra wine. A dessert preferable a cheesecake is a wonderful way to finish off the party. You can arrange for any other yummy dessert that goes off well with wine.
After gathering all this information you can very well host a memorable wine and cheese party for your loved ones. So, what are you waiting for?
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Source: Ezinearticles, Redbookmag
