Written by Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
Cheese, Please! The Ultimate Wine and Cheese Pairings for Your Next Picnic
Attention wine and cheese lovers! In the scenic Livermore Valley Wine Region, renowned for its diverse terroir and exceptional wines, discovering the ideal combinations of local wines and cheese is a sensory journey worth embarking on. We have partnered with The Cheese Parlor’s own cheesemonger extraordinaire, Brandon Wood, to put together the perfect wine and cheese pairings for the ideal spring picnic. Join us as we explore these perfectly crafted pairings that will elevate your picnic experience and introduce you to some of Livermore Valley’s award-winning wines. Picture yourself surrounded by sweeping vineyards and majestic hills, indulging in a curated selection of Livermore Valley Wine and artisanal cheeses. Let’s explore four exceptional pairings that will elevate your picnic and leave you wanting more.
Visit The Cheese Parlor to explore four exceptional pairings that will elevate your picnic and create an unforgettable experience.
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Mcgrail Vineyards & Winery, 2022 Kylie Ryan Rosé and Sogn
First we start with the 2022 McGrail Kylie Ryan Rose, a 2024 SF Chronicle Wine Competition Gold winner. A complex wine with a bouquet of raspberries, clover honey, green apple and watermelon, paired with Sogn, Pasteurized Sheeps Milk from Shepards Way Creamery in Minnesota. Natural rinded aged Sheeps Milk Cheese. https://mcgrailvineyards.com
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Pruett Farms Winery, 2023 Poulet Sautant Chardonnay and Karst
Then move to a 2023 Pruett Farms Burgundian Poulet Sautant Chardonnay Silver winner at the Alameda County Fair Wine Competition, paired perfectly with Karst, pasteurized cows milk made by Cabot in Vermont and then aged by Cellars at Jasper Hill. A cheddar make, but with Alpine Cultures for flavor. https://www.pruettwine.com
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Wente Vineyards, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and Seahive
Next we pair Wente’s 2023 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc, a wine bursting with youthful exuberance, with Seahive Cheese, pasteurized cows milk from Beehive Creamery in Utah. A fresh curd cheddar rubbed with sea salt. https://wentevineyards.com
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Page Mill Winery, 2022 GPS and Purple Haze
Finish off your pairing experience with the 2022 Page Mill GPS (Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah), a 2024 SF Chronicle Gold Wine Competition winner. A Rhone blend with a Livermore twist. It’s their location wine that says “Livermore Valley” like no other. Paired with Purple Haze pasteurized goats milk cheese, infused with fennel pollen and lavender. Made by Cypress Grove in Humboldt County. https://www.pagemillwinery.com
Each wine and cheese combination is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the other, creating a symphony of flavors that celebrates the Livermore Valley Region’s rich heritage. With its inviting atmosphere and outstanding culinary offerings, Livermore Valley is the perfect destination for a wine and cheese picnic that will leave a lasting impression.
So, pack your picnic basket, and set off for a memorable tasting adventure in Livermore Valley Wine Region. Indulge in these perfect pairings and create cherished moments surrounded by nature’s beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or are just beginning to explore your palate, this guide is the perfect way to create a memorable picnic in one of California’s most charming wine regions. Thank you to Brandon Wood at the Cheese Parlor for helping us to create this delectable menu. Cheers!