As we close out 2025 and gather around tables with friends and family, one of our favorite traditions remains the same: the obligatory cheese board at every gathering. It’s a chance to get a little creative, impress your guests, and—most importantly—quiet the hungry voices when the Christmas roast takes just a bit longer than planned.
This time of year, our cheese counter fills up with limited-edition winter cheeses we wait for all year. These are special wheels and wedges made for colder months: richer, heartier, and meant to be shared. To go alongside them, our wine team has pulled bottles that naturally fall in step—not strict rules or formal pairings, just combinations that taste good, feel right, and work beautifully for holiday hosting.
Holiday Pairings We Love
Grey Owl (Ash-Ripened Goat Cheese)
Paired with Galactica Sauvignon Blanc
Bright, tangy goat cheese and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are a natural match. Fresh, lively, and palate-cleansing, this pairing is a great way to start the board and welcome guests.
Le Carré du Berry (Herbed Goat Cheese)
Paired with Acinum Prosecco
Herbs, peppercorns, and a touch of juniper meet lively bubbles. This pairing is easy, festive, and perfect for pre-dinner snacking—or any moment that calls for something light and celebratory.
Wine-Washed Willoughby (Jasper Hill x La Garagista)
Paired with Domaine Schoffit Crémant d’Alsace
Savory, rich, and deeply satisfying, this cheese shines with sparkling wine. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, keeping each bite balanced and indulgent—ideal for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Fleur de Brebis (Soft Sheep’s Milk Cheese)
Paired with Le Meurger Mâcon Chardonnay
Buttery and delicate with subtle mushroom notes, this cheese pairs beautifully with a clean, mineral-driven Chardonnay. Just enough richness to meet the cheese where it is without overwhelming it.
Isle of Mull Cheddar (Aged & Bold)
Paired with Elvio Tintero Barbaresco
Sharp, salty cheddar meets aromatic Nebbiolo. A little unexpected and incredibly rewarding, this is a winter pairing that encourages lingering and slow snacking.
Rounding Out the Board
To round things out, add Prosciutto di Parma with a glass of Prosecco, or Short Creek Salami alongside a Rhône-style red. These additions help bridge the gap between cheeses and make the board work just as well for casual grazing as it does for late-night snacking.
Many of these winter cheeses are available while supplies last. If you’d like help building your board—whether you’re hosting a crowd, keeping things simple, or looking for something a little unexpected—stop by the cheese counter. We’re always happy to cut smaller pieces, mix and match, and help you pull together a board that feels just right for the season.
