How To Create the Perfect Wine & Cheeseboard for Fall

Autumn, that magical season of crunchy leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything, deserves more than just a casual nod and muted Crockpot appetizers. It's time to gather 'round a table that's practically groaning under the weight of luxurious cheeses, mouthwatering charcuterie and wines that shine.

Autumn, that magical season of crunchy leaves and pumpkin-spiced everything, deserves more than just a casual nod and muted Crockpot appetizers. It's time to gather 'round a table that's practically groaning under the weight of luxurious cheeses, mouthwatering charcuterie and wines that shine.

In fact, grazing boards are THE hero hosting play for dazzling guests. They effortlessly blend elegance and approachability, making them the perfect Pinterest-worthy feast for your fall get-togethers. But, let's be real, not everyone has a knack for culinary styling – we can't all be Martha Stewart! But fear not, because we’re here to help with our guide for your next fall wine and cheeseboard night with expert grazing board tips and charcuterie wine pairings.

Before you head out on your shopping haul, a little purposeful planning is needed. First things first – set your budget. You’ll need this number to help guide your wine and board selections.

Next, follow up on those RSVPs and regrets. We know it’s annoying, but if you need to, send those just-circling-back texts. Once you have your guest count, you can plan for the needed quantities of food items and bottles of wine. (We’ll provide some support for that in a bit.)

And, finally, don’t forget to inventory what you already have. A great time-saving tip is to shop at home first. Peruse through your own pantry and fridge and jot down any unopened items that can be used as add-ins or filler items for the board. You found a bag of mini marshmallows? Great! You can put them in a shot glass and place them next to the sliced apples. A jar of fig jelly that came in your Christmas stocking last year that you’ve had no idea what to do with? A perfect item to place between the water crackers and prosciutto.

Armed with your budget, guest count and items on hand, you can now approach your shopping with confidence.

When it comes to board selection, size matters. The material, however, does not. Don’t feel like you need a literal slab of wood. If you do have a fancy wooden charcuterie board, that’s great – use it! But this is where you can get creative and repurpose what you have on hand. Feel free to use serving trays, cutting boards, cookie sheets covered in parchment paper, a marble slab or a pizza stone. For an intimate gathering, a smaller board is fine; however, if your guest list rivals the Met Gala, opt for a larger board or several set out together.

Make sure to also consider what other food items are being served. If the cheeseboard is just one element of the soirée spread, go for a medium-sized board, providing enough space for the dips and stews. If the grazing board is taking center stage, ensure it accommodates your guest count. Go big, baby! You can also ditch the board in this case and get some food-safe butcher paper to cover the table or counter to turn any large space into a full-blown grazing arena. This option allows for you to write cheese types directly on the paper, too, which adds a unique touch.

Now, onto the stars of the show: the cheeses! For smaller gatherings (3-5 guests), we recommend a selection of five or so cheeses. Strive to mix and match textures and flavors to keep things exciting and appealing. Showcase some tried-and-true classics and then unleash your inner cheese connoisseur with an unexpected gem (like a hot-honeyed gouda) that'll have your guests asking Siri where to find it. For larger gatherings (5-10 guests), up the ante with eight to 10 cheeses. Purchase and plan for each guest to eat approximately 3-5 ounces of cheese and meat. You’ll have to do a little mathing to ensure that you have a bountiful board.

Now that we've covered the bold, the brie and the beautiful on the board, let's talk about what else to include in your masterpiece. Here's a list of other items to elevate your grazing game:

• A variety of meats such as prosciutto, salami, summer sausage, pâté or jerky

• Fresh and dried fruits like figs, grapes, blackberries, apples and apricots

• Nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts or pistachios

• A selection of artisanal crackers, sliced bread and pita chips

• Spreads and jams, like honey, bourbon bacon jam or grainy mustard

• Olives and pickled vegetables for a tangy kick

• Hummus, prepared dips or tapenades

• Dark chocolate or chocolate-covered fruits and pretzels for a sweet finish

• Edible flowers or fresh herbs for a touch of elegance

Finally, what's a cheeseboard without a perfectly paired glass of wine? When it comes to pairing cheese and wine, it's all about achieving those harmonious "aha" moments. Luckily, wine expert Dan Eddy has prepared two wine recommendations for five common grazing cheeses, so you don’t have to spend time searching. Below he shares a highly-rated wine pairing for those "let's celebrate" moments when you're feeling luxurious as well as a value choice that sips above its price tag.

Got your hands on a creamy, dreamy French brie? Pair it up with a chardonnay that’s equally rich and smooth – think butter meets butter, but with a zesty twist to keep things interesting. Chardonnays from California are the ideal pairing wine for brie. They find the balance between butter, creaminess and just enough acid on the palate to cut through all the fatty richness of the cheese, Dan says.

Gouda, a nutty, semi-hard Dutch cheese, pairs best with a ripe and juicy red blend that complements it without overpowering it. For a gouda selection, opt for a soft red blend that expresses with flavors of dark fruits and a hint of oak for a balanced and structured pairing.

For a bolder cheese boasting sharp notes and flavor crystals, Dan recommends pairing a robust red wine. These Washington Cabernets strike an elegant balance between fruitiness and tannins, drinking wonderfully with aged cheddar. You’ll find that these wines’ black currant and toasted oak notes match the cheese’s salty richness and creamy mouthfeel.

This soft and tangy cheese has a tart bite on the palate that shines when paired with a classic Loire sauvignon blanc. The wine's tart gooseberry and citrus tones complement the cheese, tempering its gamey sharpness and accentuating its lush creaminess.

Asiago is a hard, Italian cheese known for its nutty and slightly tangy character, and it finds a perfect partner in a Spanish Rioja wine. The Rioja's rich berry flavors and subtle oak notes provide structure and tasting notes that complement asiago's flavor profile.