Follow these simple steps and you're on your way to an unforgettable cheese and wine tasting.

  • Choose up to 6 cheeses and up to 6 complementary wines from the Cheese and Wine Pairing Suggestions. (Visit the Shopping section to purchase individual cheeses.)

  • Allow for 2 ozs. of cheese per guest if you'll be serving dinner. If cheese is the main event, allow 4 ozs. per guest.

  • Plan on one bottle of wine serving 3 people.

  • Offer complementary accompaniments such as breads, fruits and nuts. (Visit the Cheese Pairings Guide for suggestions on accompaniments.)

  • Serve the cheese at room temperature, removing it from the refrigerator up to two hours prior to guest arrival.

  • Allow red wines to breathe for 10-20 minutes after opening. Most wines are best served slightly cool; ideally, whites between 50-55 degrees, reds between 60-65 degrees.

  • Present each cheese in a large wedge to display its natural beauty on a large plate, wooden board or piece of marble.

  • Provide a Placemat, Tasting Notes and pencils/pens for each guest.

  • Let guests cut their own portions from the cheese to put on their Placemat and provide separate serving knives for each to avoid intermingling flavors.

  • Provide guests with a clean glass for each wine being served to avoid intermingling flavors.

  • Make Flag Markers with toothpicks to label the cheese.