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How to Throw a Wine-and-Cheese Party

Updated on May 12th, 2008 @ 5:58pm
Source: York Daily Record

How to Throw a Wine-and-Cheese Party As barbecues burst onto the summer scene, sometimes a sophisticated soiree can be just as fun.

A wine-and-cheese party isn't as intimidating as it might sound. First, invite six to 10 friends over. (Big enough for continual conversation, but small enough for everyone to sit around the tasting table.)

Then, buy three or four different wines and cheeses. That translates to two or three bottles of each wine and 12 to 20 ounces of each cheese. (Don't buy the cheese more than a day in advance to ensure freshness.)

Pair cheeses and wines in order from mildest to strongest. On folded index cards, list each cheese and its accompanying wine.

Be sure to put palate cleansers on the table, too. Think crackers, bread and water. Don't forget the "dump bucket or bowl," either. It's a place for guests to pour the wine if they are not fans of the drink.

IF YOU GO

What: Wine and Cheese Train

When: through Nov. 29

Where: Strasburg Railroad, Route 741 in Strasburg

Cost: Tickets are $30 and you must be 21 and older. This includes first-class accommodations on the Parlor Car and complimentary wine, cheese and crackers. Beer, mixed drinks, premium wines, nonalcoholic hot and cold beverages are also available for purchase.

For details: Call 687-7522 or visit www.strasburgrailroad.com.

SOME PAIRINGS

Brie (France): Champagne, Pinot Blanc

Goat cheese (U.S): Vermentino

Gouda (Holland): Port

Ricotta (Italy): Riesling, Pinot Gris

Smoked gouda (Holland): Chianti

Guyere cheese (Switzerland): Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Saunvignon Blanc

Cheddar (England): Zinfandel, Pinotage

Camellia cheese (U.S.): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Water Buffalo mozzarella (Italy): Merlot, Champagne

Aged asiago (Italy): Charbono, Rioja

Source: WineFetch and Redbook Magazine

LOCAL WINERIES

Pick up supplies for your little fete at any of these area wineries:

Lancaster County Winery, 799 Rawlinsville Road, Willow Street, 464-3555, www.lancastercountywinery.com

Naylor Winery, 4069 Vineyard Road, Stewartstown, 800-292-3370, www.naylorwine.com

Mount Hope Estate and Winery, 83 Mansion House Road, Manheim, 665-7021

Adams County Winery, 251 Peach Tree Road, Ortanna, 334-4631, www.adamscountrywinery.com

Allegro Vineyards, 3475 Sechrist Road, Brogue, 927-9148, www.allegrowines.com,

Seven Valleys Vineyard and Winery, 885 Georges Court, Glen Rock, 235-6281, www.sevenvalleys.com

West Hanover Winery, 7646 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, 652-3711

Fox Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 3528 E. Market St., York, 755-3384

Glen Mere Winery,

3338 Seven Valleys Road, Glen Rock, 888-229-9029, www.glenmerewinery.com,

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate, 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge, 426-3514, www.nissleywine.com

Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, 1282 Klines Run Road, Wrightsville, 252-9463, www.moondancerwinery.com

Marburg Estate Winery, Spring Grove, 633-7760, www.marburgwine.com

Cullari Vineyard & Winery, 1251 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, 533-8985, cullari-vineyards.com

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