How to Create the Ultimate Cheese Plate

Here are some tips to curate the perfect selection of cheeses:

1) Include a variety of cheeses: aged, firm, soft, and blue. Four to six selections are ideal. Also, choose from a variety of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheeses, as each type of milk offers singular characteristics. And don’t overlook vegan nut milk cheeses. There are some excellent ones out there. (We’re particularly fond of Miyoko's Creamery in Sonoma!)

2) To further diversify, consider choosing cheeses from around the world. Or enjoy a “local study” of a variety of cheeses from your area.

3) Portion approximately one ounce of each cheese per person. And if you are featuring a particularly popular cheese, buy a little extra.

Feature a selection of breads and crackers that are fairly neutral in taste but varied in texture—and don’t forget a gluten-free option. Other accompaniments for your cheese plate should span the salty-sweet-spicy-umami spectrum.

Jarred condiments such as gourmet chutneys, jams, pickles, and olives require no prep at all. Slice some fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, scatter a mix of sweet and salty nuts, include some cured meats, and you’ve got all you need for countless flavor combinations!

Now the fun part—assembling your cheese plate!

• Set out your cheese an hour before guests arrive, so they're at an ideal temperature of 68-72 degrees F.
• Arrange your selection on a platter that's large enough to allow space for accompaniments and makes it easy for your guests to cut and grab their pieces without feeling like they’re playing a game of Jenga. If you have invited more than a few guests, create several platters to avoid a traffic jam.
• Provide a separate knife for each cheese, and, if you’re featuring a particularly pungent cheese, you may want to serve it on a separate plate, so it doesn’t overpower the more delicate options.
• Label each cheese which can be as simple as printing out label strips and affixing them to cocktail sticks to stick into each selection.

Feature three to four unique wines—from dry to fruity, light to bold, planning approximately half a bottle per person. Make your party especially memorable by scheduling one of our wine educators for a virtual tasting!

Consider our Sparkling Classics trio featuring 2017 Ultra Brut, 2018 Estate Brut, and 2019 Brut Rosé or enjoy our Carneros Pinot Noir.

Once you receive your wines, call us at 707.257.0101 extension 182 to arrange a 30-minute guided introduction by our winery experts. After you and your guests learn the basics, mixing and matching the wines with cheese will be even more fun!