Wine and Charcuterie Pairings: A Guide to Niagara Wines and Local Cheese Combinations
By Chef Erica Trabulsi, Briar Hill Gourmet
There's something magical about the moment when the right wine meets the perfect cheese. After years of exploring our region's incredible bounty here at Briar Hill Gourmet, I've discovered that Niagara's wines and Ontario's artisanal cheeses create pairings that rival anything you'll find in Europe—with their own distinctive terroir and character.
Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved evening of indulgence, understanding how to pair our local wines with regional cheeses and charcuterie can transform a simple spread into an unforgettable experience.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Wine and Cheese Pairing
Before we dive into specific Niagara pairings, let's talk about what makes certain combinations sing. The key lies in finding balance—you want the wine and cheese to complement each other without one overwhelming the other.
Consider these essential elements:
Texture and Weight: Creamy, rich cheeses typically pair beautifully with wines that have enough body to match their intensity. Think of it as finding dance partners of similar skill levels—they move together in harmony.
Acidity: Wines with bright acidity cut through the richness of fatty cheeses, cleansing your palate between bites. This is why a crisp Riesling works so wonderfully with a triple-cream brie.
Tannins and Fat: The tannins in red wines bind with the proteins in cheese, softening the wine's astringency while the fat in the cheese mellows out. It's chemistry at its most delicious.
Flavor Bridges: Look for complementary or contrasting flavors. A nutty aged cheddar might echo the toasted notes in an oaked Chardonnay, while a sweet ice wine creates delightful contrast with a salty blue cheese.
Niagara Wine Regions: A Brief Overview
Our Niagara Peninsula, blessed with its unique microclimate thanks to Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, produces wines that express our terroir beautifully. From the mineral-driven Rieslings of the Beamsville Bench to the elegant Pinot Noirs of the Twenty Valley, each sub-appellation brings something special to your charcuterie board.
The cool climate that defines our region creates wines with vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity—characteristics that make them exceptional partners for cheese and charcuterie.
Classic Niagara Wine and Local Cheese Pairings
Niagara Riesling + Monforte Dairy's Bliss (Sheep's Milk Cheese)
The bright acidity and stone fruit notes of a Niagara Riesling create a lovely counterpoint to the creamy, slightly tangy profile of this local sheep's milk cheese. The wine's touch of residual sugar balances the cheese's natural saltiness, while its citrus notes bring out the cheese's subtle grassy undertones. Try this pairing with a drizzle of local honey and some toasted walnuts for an extra layer of complexity.
Niagara Chardonnay + Gunn's Hill Five Brothers (Aged Cheddar)
An oaked Niagara Chardonnay, with its buttery texture and hints of vanilla and toast, finds its match in this exceptional aged cheddar from Oxford County. The wine's creamy mouthfeel mirrors the cheese's rich texture, while its subtle oak notes complement the cheddar's caramelized, nutty flavors. Add some apple slices and grainy mustard to bridge the flavors even further.
Niagara Pinot Noir + Upper Canada Cheese Company's Comfort Cream (Camembert-Style)
The silky tannins and red berry notes of a well-crafted Niagara Pinot Noir pair beautifully with this luscious camembert-style cheese. The wine's earthy undertones echo the mushroom notes that develop in the cheese's bloomy rind, while its bright acidity cuts through the creamy paste. Serve with fresh figs or cherry preserves to highlight the fruit notes in both.
Niagara Cabernet Franc + Stonetown Artisan Cheese's Wildwood (Washed Rind)
Our signature red grape variety produces wines with herbaceous notes, pepper spice, and vibrant red fruit—all of which stand up beautifully to the bold, funky character of a washed rind cheese. The wine's structure provides backbone against the cheese's pungent personality, while its herbal notes create an intriguing flavor dialogue.
Niagara Icewine + Mariposa Dairy's Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar
This might seem unconventional, but the concentrated sweetness of icewine creates magic with the sharp, crystalline texture of aged goat cheddar. The wine's honeyed notes and bright acidity balance the cheese's tang, while the contrast between sweet and savory keeps your palate engaged. A few slices of pear and some candied pecans complete this memorable pairing.
Building Your Perfect Charcuterie Board
Creating a memorable charcuterie board goes beyond just wine and cheese. Here's how to build a spread that showcases our region's best:
Start with Variety: Include 3-5 cheeses of different milk types and textures—perhaps a soft goat cheese, a semi-firm cow's milk cheese, and an aged hard cheese. This gives your guests options and creates interesting pairing possibilities.
Add Local Charcuterie: Seek out locally-made offerings like Seed to Sausage's artisanal selections or Perth Pork Products' exceptional cured meats. The fat and salt in charcuterie create wonderful textural contrasts with both wine and cheese.
Include Accompaniments: Local preserves, honeycomb from Niagara beekeepers, pickled vegetables, and seasonal fruits all serve as flavor bridges between elements. These additions aren't just garnish—they're integral to the tasting experience.
Consider Texture: Add nuts for crunch, fresh and dried fruits for sweetness, and a variety of crackers and bread. I particularly love including lavosh from a local bakery and water crackers that won't compete with the cheese flavors.
Temperature Matters: Remove cheeses from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving. Room temperature cheese expresses its full flavor profile, and the texture becomes properly creamy or crumbly as intended.
Seasonal Pairing Suggestions
Spring: Pair young goat cheeses with crisp Niagara Sauvignon Blanc, garnished with fresh herbs and radishes from early farmers' markets.
Summer: Match fresh mozzarella or burrata with rosé, accompanied by heirloom tomatoes and basil from your garden.
Fall: Combine aged cheddars with medium-bodied reds, served alongside local apples and pears at their peak.
Winter: Bring out the bold washed-rind cheeses and full-bodied Cabernet Francs, with dried fruits and nuts providing warming sweetness.
Tips for Hosting a Wine and Cheese Tasting
Planning a tasting evening? Here are some guidelines I've developed over years of hosting events:
Start with lighter wines and milder cheeses, progressing to fuller-bodied wines and stronger cheeses. This prevents palate fatigue and allows guests to appreciate each pairing.
Provide palate cleansers—simple water crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices work wonderfully. These neutral flavors reset your taste buds between pairings.
Offer tasting notes, but encourage exploration. While guidelines are helpful, everyone's palate is different, and discovering unexpected combinations is part of the joy.
Plan for about 30 grams of each cheese per person for a tasting, or 150-200 grams total per person if the board is the main event. For wine, calculate about 2 ounces per wine for a formal tasting, or a bottle for every 2-3 guests for a casual gathering.
Supporting Local Producers
One of the greatest joys of living in this region is our access to passionate artisans who pour their hearts into their craft. When you choose Niagara wines and Ontario cheeses, you're not just creating delicious pairings—you're supporting families and businesses that maintain our agricultural heritage and contribute to our local food culture.
Visit the farmers' markets, take winery tours, and get to know the people behind your favorite products. Their stories and passion add another dimension to your enjoyment of these wonderful pairings.
Conclusion
The beauty of pairing Niagara wines with local cheeses lies not just in the exceptional quality of our regional products, but in how they express the character of our terroir and the dedication of our local producers. Each pairing tells a story of our land, our climate, and the artisans who transform simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.
Remember, while these guidelines provide a foundation, the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy. Trust your palate, experiment freely, and don't be afraid to discover your own favorite combinations. After all, the journey of exploration is just as rewarding as the destination.
Here at Briar Hill Gourmet, we're always excited to help you discover new pairings and share in the abundance of our region's culinary treasures. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your exploration of wine and cheese, there's always something new to discover in each carefully crafted combination.
Chef Erica Trabulsi is the proprietor of Briar Hill Gourmet, where she celebrates the bounty of Niagara's local producers through carefully curated selections and expert pairings. Visit us to explore our rotating selection of regional wines, artisanal cheeses, and house-made accompaniments.