Quick Guide: 4 Pairings Worth Trying on July 25
- Meyer Lemon & Honey Goat Cheese + Sterling Napa Valley Chardonnay
- Sopressata + Sterling Reserve St. Helena Malbec
- Wagon Wheel + Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon (95 pts, JamesSuckling.com)
- Mustard Seed Gouda + Sterling Reserve Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (95 pts, JamesSuckling.com)
National Wine and Cheese Day is July 25, and at Sterling Vineyards, we think it deserves more than a basic charcuterie board. The right pairing does something specific: it changes the wine in your glass. A creamy cheese softens tannins. An acidic bite makes fruit pop. A savory note deepens structure. These four pairings were chosen to show you exactly that — and each one features a wine grown from our estate vineyards in Napa Valley, Calistoga, and Diamond Mountain.
The Pairings
Meyer Lemon & Honey Goat Cheese + Sterling Napa Valley Chardonnay
Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is barrel-fermented in select oak and aged 9 to 14 months on yeast lees, giving it a creamy texture and bright fruit character. That creaminess mirrors the goat cheese directly, while the wine's acidity lifts the lemon and the honey softens the finish. It's one of those pairings where every element has a job.
Serve chilled between 50 and 55°F.
Sopressata + Sterling Reserve St. Helena Malbec
Malbec from St. Helena tends to carry darker fruit and firm structure — a natural counterpart to cured, spiced meat. The fat and salt in sopressata round out the wine's tannins, while the Malbec's depth makes each bite feel more substantial. This one rewards slow eating.
Serve at 60 to 65°F, slightly below room temperature.
Wagon Wheel + Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon (95 pts, JamesSuckling.com)
Wagon Wheel is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery character — exactly the kind of fat that softens Cabernet's bold tannins. The result is a rounder, more layered expression of the wine, with fruit and depth that might surprise you. The 2021 vintage earned 95 points from JamesSuckling.com.
Serve at 60 to 65°F.
Mustard Seed Gouda + Sterling Reserve Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (95 pts, JamesSuckling.com)
Diamond Mountain is one of Napa Valley's most distinctive growing regions — a volcanic hillside appellation known for producing structured, age-worthy Cabernets. The mustard seed in this Gouda provides a peppery, savory bite that amplifies the wine's darker fruit and mineral notes. This is the boldest pairing on the list and the one most worth sitting with.
Serve at 62 to 65°F.
Pairing at a Glance
| Cheese | Wine | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Meyer Lemon & Honey Goat Cheese | Napa Valley Chardonnay | Acidity lifts lemon; creaminess matches texture |
| Sopressata | Reserve St. Helena Malbec | Salt and fat round dark fruit and firm tannins |
| Wagon Wheel | Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon | Buttery fat softens bold tannins |
| Mustard Seed Gouda | Reserve Diamond Mountain Cabernet | Savory bite amplifies dark fruit and minerality |
A Note on Serving Temperature
Wine temperature affects how a pairing lands. Whites served too warm lose their lift; reds served too cold tighten up and taste more tannic. As a general rule, pull whites from the fridge 10 minutes before serving and reds from the cellar 20 minutes before. Both will show better with cheese.
FAQs
What wine pairs best with goat cheese?
A bright, fruit-forward white with good acidity — like a Napa Valley Chardonnay — is a reliable match for creamy goat cheese. The acidity cuts through the fat and the texture complements the creaminess of the cheese.
Does Cabernet Sauvignon go with cheese?
Yes. Semi-hard, buttery cheeses like Wagon Wheel are particularly effective at softening Cabernet's bold tannins. Aged Goudas and savory cheeses with spiced rinds also work well with structured Cabs.
What is the best cheese for a wine and cheese board?
Aim for variety in texture and intensity: one fresh cheese (like goat cheese), one semi-hard (like Gouda or Wagon Wheel), and one aged or bold option. That range gives every wine on the table a natural partner.
What temp should I serve red wine for a cheese pairing?
Between 60 and 65°F is ideal for most full-bodied reds. Too warm and the alcohol comes forward; too cold and the tannins tighten. A 20-minute rest out of the cellar or a 15-minute chill from room temperature usually gets you there.
