Photographed by Lianna Tarantin.Let's start out by saying that there isn't a wine and cheese combination out there we'd turn down. In a pinch, Franzia and string cheese will do. But, for the times you want to impress guests and look like a connoisseur (or at least someone who uses the word "connoisseur"), feel free to steal a few tips from this simple guide.
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The most basic rule to follow in pairing a wine with a cheese is to make a combination that either complements or contrasts. This could mean putting a crisp, white wine with a buttery cheese, or a medium-bodied red with a mild, firm cheese. The idea is not to go overboard with one note.
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If you really want to up your cheese-plate game, start thinking about what else would go well with your combinations. Use tart Granny Smith apples as a base for brie and try pears or cranberry-walnut crackers when you're drinking a spicier wine. What's great about these pro tips is that they make you seem like an expert, but everything you need can be found at almost any grocery store.
Click through for the full guide for your next grown-up wine tasting. (Shape)
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