Wine and cheese is one of life's great pairings
Get it right and each makes the other taste even better. The acidity in wine cuts through rich, creamy cheeses, while salt, fat and texture soften tannins and highlight fruit, spice and savoury characters in the wine.
There aren't many hard rules, but a handful of classic combinations have stood the test of time for good reason. Whether you're putting together a cheeseboard for friends or treating yourself to a quiet night in, these pairings are an easy place to start
Cabernet Sauvignon & Aged Cheddar
Big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon is right at home alongside a well-aged cheddar. Mature cheddar develops concentrated savoury, nutty flavours that stand up to Cabernet's dark fruit, firm tannins and full-bodied structure. The cheese softens the wine's grip, while the wine's acidity keeps the pairing fresh rather than heavy.
Look for a cheddar that's been aged for at least 12 months for maximum flavour.
Our recommendation: Kilikanoon Meymans Cabernet 2022
Chardonnay & Taleggio
This pairing works best with a fuller, more complex Chardonnay rather than a lean, fruit-driven style. Oak maturation, lees stirring and a little bottle age can add creamy, toasty characters that mirror the richness of Taleggio.
Taleggio's soft texture and distinctive washed-rind character—think butter, fresh bread dough and gentle savoury funk—are beautifully balanced by Chardonnay's freshness. Add sliced pear, apple or a drizzle of honey to take things to another level.
Our recommendation: Katnook Estate Chardonnay 2022
Pinot Noir & Camembert
Elegant Pinot Noir and creamy Camembert are a natural match. Pinot's bright cherry and raspberry fruit complements the rich, silky texture of the cheese without overpowering it.
With a little bottle age, Pinot Noir often develops earthy notes reminiscent of mushroom, forest floor and undergrowth, making it an even better partner for a ripe Camembert.
Serve both at room temperature for the best expression of flavour and aroma.
Our recommendation: Hirsch Hill Yarra Valley 'Toolangi' Pinot Noir 2024
Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese
Some combinations become classics because they simply work. Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity, citrus freshness and herbaceous lift perfectly complement the tangy, fresh flavours of goat cheese.
The wine brightens the cheese, while the creamy texture softens Sauvignon Blanc's naturally zippy edge. Whether it's a simple chèvre on crusty bread, a fresh salad or part of a cheeseboard, this is one pairing that's almost impossible to get wrong.
Our recommendation: Chain of Ponds 'Black Thursday' Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Pinot Grigio & Parmesan
Don't overlook the harder cheeses. Parmesan's salty, savoury and nutty flavours make a fantastic partner for crisp Pinot Grigio.
The wine's clean acidity refreshes the palate between bites, while its delicate pear and citrus fruit provide a lovely contrast to the cheese's rich umami character. It's a simple but seriously satisfying combination that's perfect as a pre-dinner nibble or alongside a full cheeseboard.
Our recommendation: Iolanda Pinot Grigio 2023
Sparkling Wine & Brie
If you're looking to impress, sparkling wine and Brie is hard to beat. Whether it's Champagne, Australian Traditional Method sparkling or Prosecco, the bubbles cleanse the palate after each creamy bite, keeping the pairing fresh and lively.
Brie's buttery texture softens the wine's acidity, while mature examples with subtle nutty flavours pair especially well with Traditional Method sparkling wines that have developed their own brioche and biscuit characters through lees ageing.
Perfect for celebrations, long lunches or simply because it's Friday.
Our recommendation: Champagne Neret Vely 'La 5g' NV
A Final Tip
While these combinations are proven favourites, don't be afraid to experiment. Personal taste always wins, and some of the best pairings are discovered by accident. Start with these classics, trust your palate and enjoy the process. After all, the only real rule is that good wine and good cheese are always better together.