National Wine and Cheese Day is coming, and pairings are already pouring in as shops, bars and home hosts prepare to celebrate. This year, the focus is on bold matches, unexpected regional finds and easy upgrades for at-home boards. The growing interest in more thoughtful pairings reflects a shift in how Americans enjoy familiar favorites.
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People aren’t just posting their wine and cheese boards online anymore. They’re planning their pairings with purpose, tailoring boards around heritage, season or mood. Some join tastings at vineyards, while others host their own small-format pairings at home or experiment in the kitchen.
Origins of wine and cheese appreciation
First introduced in 2014 by writer and wine enthusiast Jace Shoemaker‑Galloway, National Wine and Cheese Day falls every July 25. It aimed to turn a simple indulgence into a broader celebration of flavor, history and regional tradition. While the holiday is relatively new, wine and cheese pairings have centuries of history behind them. Classic matches like Brie with merlot and Asiago with Chianti reflect long-standing culinary pairings from France and Italy. Today, those roots serve as a foundation for a playful and evolving national observance.
Getting the match right
Wine and cheese may seem like a natural pair, but not every combo hits the mark. Getting it right takes a basic grasp of how flavors and textures play off each other. These pairing principles break it down into clear, no-fuss ways to build combinations that work.
Balance matters
The creamy softness of Brie can feel one-note unless acidity cuts through it. A sauvignon blanc, with its citrus and grassy edges, brings contrast that sharpens Brie’s richness and keeps the palate fresh. A chardonnay or sparkling wine offers a similar effect, cutting through the fat with bright acidity. This balance helps prevent either element from overwhelming the other, making each bite feel new.
Opposites attract
High-salt cheeses like feta or blue deliver punchy, bold flavors that find harmony in sweeter wines. Rieslings and ports provide a fruity lift that cools the salt and funk. This contrast highlights both profiles without muting their strengths, offering a full-spectrum tasting experience.
Match intensity
Sharp, aged cheeses need wines with body and backbone. Aged cheddar, with its deep umami and crumbly bite, pairs well with cabernet sauvignon, which delivers structure through tannins and oak. This match lets both components hold their own and evolve with each sip.
Texture counts
Sparkling wines bring more than bubbles. They reset the palate. With fatty cheeses like triple-cream, carbonation and acidity clear the mouth and keep richness from becoming heavy. The result is a livelier, more balanced bite that encourages you to keep going.
Smarter ways to build your board
A well-composed 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
Boards may take center stage on National Wine and Cheese Day, but hot dishes deserve a seat 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 behind 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 July, wineries, markets and small businesses around the country organize in-person wine tastings, pairing events and educational sessions tied to National Wine and Cheese Day. Some stretch 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.
Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind five inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating, Tiny Batch Cooking and Sustainable Life Idea. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.