Hunter Valley, Australia’s wine capital, is renowned not only for its wines but also for its cheeses. Matching the right wine with the right cheese takes your tasting to a whole new level, bringing out new flavours and textures. In this guide, we’ll show you the must-know tips and pairings to make your Hunter Valley wine and cheese experience truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a wine buff or a first-timer with food pairings, a Hunter Valley Wine Tour has so many culinary treats to make the experience even better.
Why Wine and Cheese Pairing Works
The key to the perfect wine and cheese pairing is a balance of flavours. The fat in the cheese softens the acidity and tannins in the wine, while the fruit in the wine enhances the creaminess or tanginess of the cheese. Pairing wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine with soft cheese is a real palate-pleaser. Finding the right match between the two is a flavour dance that enriches both your wine and food experience.
The Classics Pairings
Hunter Valley Semillon & Brie
Citrusy and crisp Hunter Valley Semillon pairs beautifully with the buttery Brie. The wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese for a clean finish. A favourite among wine buffs and perfect for a light and refreshing start.
Hunter Valley Shiraz & Aged Cheddar
Full-bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz with its dark fruit and spice flavours matches the sharp, tangy Aged Cheddar. The tannins in the Shiraz mellow out the Cheddar’s bite, making this a go-to for red wine lovers looking for a deeper, richer experience. Try with local Cheddars at Briar Ridge for a wine and cheese experience.
Chardonnay & Camembert
Creamy Camembert and Oaky Hunter Valley Chardonnay are a match made in heaven. The wine’s buttery notes and vanilla hints bring out the earthiness of the cheese for a luxurious experience. Restaurant Botanica is a great place to try this classic pairing with stunning views.
Verdelho & Goat Cheese
If you love fresh, tangy goat cheese, pair it with a zesty Hunter Valley Verdelho—the wine’s tropical fruit and sweetness balance out the acidity of the cheese for a refreshing combination. Many Hunter Valley wineries specialising in white wine pairings, like Mount View, offer this pairing.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Blue Cheese
Blue cheese can be tricky to pair, but a full-bodied Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with its complex tannins and dark fruit undertones can stand up to the strong, pungent flavours of blue cheese. For an experience like no other, try Bleu d’Auvergne with a local Cabernet Sauvignon at Muse Restaurant, where the flavours of this pairing are taken to new heights.
More Matching Options
Chenin Blanc & Crottin de Chavignol
Hunter Valley’s Chenin Blanc is crisp and zesty and pairs beautifully with the earthy and tangy Crottin de Chavignol. This pairing is for those who like lighter flavours.
Pinot Noir & Gruyère
For a savoury match try Pinot Noir with Swiss Gruyère. The light tannins of the Pinot Noir and the nutty richness of the cheese are a match made in heaven. Try Bistro Molines or Spicers Guesthouse for a refined culinary experience.
Grüner Veltliner & Mimolette
For a pairing with depth and character, try Hunter Valley’s Grüner Veltliner with Mimolette. The crunchy wine’s herbal and spicy notes bring out the nuttiness of Mimolette. Wandin Valley Estate is a great place to try different pairing options.
Fortified Wines & Grana Padano
If you love fortified wines try a local amontillado Sherry with aged Grana Padano. The nuttiness of the cheese enhances the caramel and toffee notes in the wine and the finish is long and savoury. Muse Kitchen and Margan Restaurant are great places to try these pairings with Hunter Valley’s fortified wines.
Tips for the Perfect Match
- Start Light: Start with lighter wines and cheeses, Semillon and triple-crème cheese then move to richer, more intense flavours like Shiraz and aged cheddar.
- Complement or Contrast: Pair wines and cheeses that complement each other (creamy cheeses with buttery wines) or contrast (salty cheese with sweet dessert wines like Cabrales with Hunter Valley dessert wines).
- Taste in Sequence: Taste the cheese first, then take a sip of wine. Let the flavours combine and enhance each other.
- Room Temperature: Let the cheese come to room temperature before you taste it. Cold cheese can mute the flavours and textures.
- Try Local: Don’t be afraid to try local options, such as Hunter Valley Ceramics and the gourmet kitchen of Wood Restaurant.
Summary
Hunter Valley is more than just pretty landscapes and vineyards, it’s a culinary adventure. Whether you’re matching Semillon with Brie or Cabernet Sauvignon with blue cheese, the combination of world class wines and artisanal cheeses is unbeatable. From curated wine tastings to local delicacies at places like Restaurant Botanica or Muse Kitchen every stop on your Hunter Valley wine tours is an opportunity to learn more about wine and cheese pairings. So whether you like the crunch of Grana Padano with fortified wines or the soft, creamy textures of Camembert with Chardonnay, there’s a match for every palate in Hunter Valley. Now, go forth and explore, taste and enjoy all the amazing flavours this region has to offer!
FAQs
What are the best wines to pair with cheese in Hunter Valley?
Hunter Valley Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the top wines to pair with different types of cheese, from creamy Brie to sharp blue cheese.
How do I know if a wine and cheese will match?
A good rule of thumb is to match intensity—lighter wines with milder cheeses and bolder wines with stronger cheeses. You can also try contrasting flavours for an interesting taste.
Where can I try wine and cheese in Hunter Valley?
Many Hunter Valley wineries offer wine and cheese-tasting experiences. Try Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood Wines, Wandin Kitchen and Binnorie Dairy to sample local pairings.
Can I pair sweet wines with cheese?
Yes! Sweet wines like a Hunter Valley dessert wine pairs beautifully with blue cheese or aged cheese. The sweetness balances the saltiness and sharpness of the cheese. It’s a lovely contrast.
What temperature should I serve cheese at?
Cheese should be served at room temperature so the full flavour can come out. Take the cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving for best taste and texture.
