Valentine’s Day Cheese and Wine

Name: Valentine’s Day Cheese and Wine
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 200g Brie cheese; 150g Aged Cheddar; 100g Blue cheese; Fresh figs; Mixed nuts; Honey; Olives; Sourdough crackers; 1 bottle Pinot Noir

Highlighted under: Holiday & Occasion Recipes

I enjoy celebrating special occasions with a delightful spread, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. For this romantic evening, I’ve crafted a delectable pairing of cheese and wine that truly elevates the mood. By carefully selecting a variety of cheeses alongside an exquisite bottle of wine, I can create a tasting experience that not only pleases the palate but also sparks joy and connection. Join me as we delve into this simple yet elegant pairing that’s perfect for a memorable night in.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-17T15:52:28.082Z

Our Valentine’s Day Cheese and Wine experience started with a visit to a local cheesemonger, where I discovered unique cheeses that would complement each other beautifully. I focused on a range of textures and flavors—creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese. Choosing the right wine was just as important, so I opted for a fruity Pinot Noir, which pairs wonderfully with the variety of cheeses.

At home, I arranged the cheeses with an assortment of accompaniments—fresh figs, nuts, and a drizzle of honey to enhance the tasting experience. The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a romantic atmosphere that is hard to resist. This method of pairing not only satisfies the taste buds but also sparks conversation and laughter, making it the perfect choice for a cozy evening.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        An elegant yet effortless way to celebrate love
Perfect balance of flavors with sweet and savory elements
Customizable to your taste preferences and available ingredients

      

Understanding Cheese Selection

Choosing the right cheeses is crucial for a balanced tasting experience. Brie, with its creamy texture, adds richness, while Aged Cheddar contributes a sharp tang that cuts through the creaminess and creates a wonderful contrast. Blue cheese introduces bold and pungent flavors, which can be quite captivating. When selecting cheeses, try to find varieties with different textures and flavor profiles to ensure variety and maintain interest throughout the tasting.

Consider regional or artisanal cheeses to enhance the experience further. Local cheeses often come with unique characteristics that tell a story. Ask your cheese vendor for recommendations that will pair well with the Pinot Noir; often, they'll have insights into what flavors harmonize best together, enriching your Valentine’s Day spread.

Pairing Accompaniments with Your Cheese

The accompaniments you choose can elevate your cheese and wine pairing experience. Fresh figs offer a delightful sweetness that complements the saltiness of cheeses, particularly the Blue. Mixed nuts provide a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of Brie and the sharpness of Cheddar. Experimenting with different nuts—such as walnuts or almonds—can yield varying flavor profiles, making the pairing unique.

Honey is an excellent addition; a drizzle over Blue cheese creates a sophisticated contrast of flavors. Similarly, olives provide a briny note that can pair beautifully with the bolder Cheddar. When arranging your platter, ensure to leave space for these items, as their colors and shapes will create visual interest, making the whole presentation more appetizing.

Ingredients

Gather these items to create a romantic cheese and wine pairing:

Cheeses

200g Brie cheese
150g Aged Cheddar
100g Blue cheese

Accompaniments

Fresh figs
Mixed nuts
Honey
Olives
Sourdough crackers

Wine

1 bottle Pinot Noir

Serve with a selection of your favorite bread and spread.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your cheese and wine pairing:

Prepare the Cheese

Begin by removing the cheeses from the fridge to reach room temperature. This will enhance their flavors. Slice the brie into wedges and cut the cheddar into cubes.

Leave the blue cheese whole for guests to crumble.

Arrange the Platter

On a large serving board, elegantly arrange the cheese pieces, ensuring to leave space for the accompaniments. Place fresh figs and mixed nuts in small bowls and scatter them around.

Add the Wine

Pour the Pinot Noir into glasses and serve alongside the cheese platter. Consider chilling the wine slightly for a refreshing taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Encourage your guests to start tasting by offering combinations of cheese and accompaniments. Enjoy the evening filled with romance and good conversation.

Complement this pairing with a light dessert to round off your evening.

Pro Tips

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese varieties and seasonal fruits to find your ideal pairing. A little honey drizzled over the cheese adds an enjoyable sweetness that enhances the flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on the day of your celebration, you can prepare the cheese platter in advance. Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments on the serving board and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep the assembly in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more delicious experience when served. However, remember to take the platter out an hour before serving to allow everything to come to room temperature.

If you have leftovers, store cheeses separately in airtight containers to prolong their freshness. Soft cheeses like Brie should ideally be consumed within a few days, while hard cheeses like Cheddar can last up to a week, depending on how they're stored. Pairing leftover cheeses with simple crackers or steamed vegetables can also create an easy post-Valentine's Day snack.

Serving Variations

For a more personalized experience, consider setting up a build-your-own cheese and wine tasting station. Provide guests with a variety of cheeses and accompaniments so they can create their own perfect bite. This interactive approach not only enhances the tasting experience but also initiates great conversation. You might want to add a few alternative cheeses like Goat cheese or Gruyère to cater to varying tastes.

If you want to up the romance, think about incorporating a themed dessert alongside your cheese platter. Dark chocolate complements Pinot Noir beautifully; offering it alongside can create a lovely transition from savory to sweet. Additionally, consider a small cheese board dedicated to blue cheeses and accompanying sweeter ingredients like dried apricots, enhancing the flavors further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to choose your favorites or any local cheeses you find appealing.

→ What other wines pair well with cheese?

Aside from Pinot Noir, consider a crisp Chardonnay or a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, depending on the cheese.

→ How should I store leftover cheese?

Wrap leftover cheese tightly in parchment paper or cheese paper to keep it fresh, and store it in the fridge.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese and accompaniments ahead of time but arrange them just before serving for freshness.