Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide for Spring Entertaining

Drink tips

Wine and cheese

Spring is in the air—and so are the perfect excuses to gather your friends, open a few bottles, and put out a beautiful cheese board. Whether you’re hosting a garden brunch, sunset patio party, or a cozy weekend tasting with close friends, this Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide for Spring Entertaining will help you set the mood and impress your guests.

And if you’re looking to sample new favorites before you buy, don’t miss the tasting events at select Zipps Liquor locations, happening every Friday and Saturday from 2–8 PM. Sip, sample, and stock up with expert tips from your local team.


Why Wine & Cheese Make the Perfect Spring Pairing

As the days get warmer and the flowers start to bloom, our palates crave lighter, brighter flavors. Spring cheeses are fresh and creamy, while seasonal wines offer floral aromas, crisp finishes, and fruity bursts that match the energy of the season.

A well-curated wine and cheese board isn’t just delicious—it’s a conversation piece. With this guide, you’ll be ready to mix and match like a pro.


Featured Spring Pairings

Here are five foolproof pairings to elevate your spring gatherings. Each one strikes the right balance of acidity, fat, sweetness, and texture—so you get the most out of both the wine and the cheese.


🧀 1. Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc

Why it works:
Fresh chèvre is tangy and creamy, and it pairs beautifully with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Look for notes of citrus and green herbs in the wine to mirror the cheese’s brightness.

Try:

  • Wine: Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc
  • Cheese Add-ons: Drizzle of honey, fresh thyme, crostini

🧀 2. Brie + Sparkling Wine

Why it works:
The creamy richness of Brie gets cut perfectly by the fine bubbles and lively acidity of a good Champagne or Prosecco. This is a spring brunch favorite.

Try:

  • Wine: Veuve Clicquot Brut or La Marca Prosecco
  • Cheese Add-ons: Fresh strawberries, fig jam, toasted almonds

🧀 3. Manchego + Rosé

Why it works:
Manchego, a firm sheep’s milk cheese, has a buttery texture and nutty flavor that sings when paired with a fruit-forward rosé.

Try:

  • Wine: Whispering Angel Rosé or Stella Rosa Rosé
  • Cheese Add-ons: Marcona almonds, quince paste, fresh raspberries

🧀 4. Aged Gouda + Cabernet Sauvignon

Why it works:
This combo is bold, rich, and perfect for sunset sipping. Aged Gouda brings caramel notes and crystalized crunch that complements the dark fruit and oak of a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Try:

  • Wine: Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cheese Add-ons: Dried cherries, dark chocolate, rosemary crackers

🧀 5. Blue Cheese + Port or Sweet Red

Why it works:
The saltiness of blue cheese needs a little sweetness to tame it. A Port wine or semi-sweet red like Roscato balances the funk and richness effortlessly.

Try:

  • Wine: Taylor Port or Roscato Rosso Dolce
  • Cheese Add-ons: Honeycomb, pears, candied pecans

Hosting Tips for Spring Wine & Cheese Nights

Pairing the right wine and cheese is just the beginning. Here are a few tips to elevate your spring soirée:

  • Serve cheese at room temperature – Let it sit out 30 minutes before guests arrive.
  • Label everything – Use chalkboard signs or place cards so guests can explore confidently.
  • Add fresh spring touches – Think edible flowers, herbs, and pastel linens.
  • Include non-alcoholic options – Sparkling waters, grape juice, or fruit teas.
  • Balance your board – Mix textures: soft (Brie), hard (Manchego), crumbly (blue), and creamy (goat).

Taste Before You Serve: Wine Tastings at Zipps Liquor

Not sure which bottle to bring home? Zipps Liquor is making it easy to try before you buy with wine tasting events every Friday and Saturday from 2–8 PM at select locations.

Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

  • 🌟 Featured spring wines, including many mentioned above
  • 🧀 Cheese pairing ideas from in-store experts
  • 🎉 A relaxed, no-pressure environment perfect for discovery
  • 💸 Special discounts on featured bottles

Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just starting your wine journey, these tastings are a great way to explore new flavors and get inspired for your next event.

👉 Find Your Nearest Tasting Location


Build Your Wine & Cheese Experience with Zipps

Zipps Liquor carries everything you need for unforgettable spring entertaining—from wine and mixers to sparkling drinks, charcuterie board accessories, and more. With knowledgeable staff, curated selections, and events that bring wine lovers together, we’re more than a store—we’re your go-to pairing partner.

Stop by this weekend, try something new, and take home the perfect bottle to complement your spring table.


FAQ: Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide for Spring Entertaining

What wines pair best with spring cheeses?

Light, crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco, and Rosé pair beautifully with fresh, creamy cheeses. Fuller reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pair best with aged or hard cheeses.

Can I sample wines before buying them at Zipps?

Yes! Select Zipps Liquor locations offer tastings on Fridays and Saturdays from 2–8 PM, where you can try featured wines before purchasing.

Do Zipps stores carry gourmet cheese too?

While Zipps focuses on wine and liquor, our staff is happy to suggest cheeses and pairing ideas to try alongside what you buy.

Are there discounts during the tasting events?

Yes! Many featured wines are available at special prices during the tasting hours.

How many cheeses should I serve at a party?

Three to five varieties usually offer a good range of flavors and textures—just be sure to include a mix of soft, hard, and bold cheeses.


Cheers to Spring

With this Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide for Spring Entertaining, you’ll be ready to wow guests with every pour and every bite. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or an intimate garden gathering, let Zipps Liquor help you bring it all together—beautifully and deliciously.

🍷🧀 Stop in this Friday or Saturday to taste what’s fresh and find your perfect pairings.

👉 See What’s Pouring at Your Local Zipps
👉 Browse Our Wine Selection
👉 Need Help? Contact Us

Want first dibs on all our specials?
Subscribe to our newsletter!

"*" indicates required fields

Alcohol preferences
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms.