HANNA’s Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide 2026
Wine and cheese have been enjoyed together for centuries, becoming one of the world’s most celebrated pairings thanks to their natural harmony of flavors and textures. There’s even a bit of science behind it—the fats and proteins of cheese soften wines tannins and complement acidity, allowing each wine to shine. In honor of National Wine & Cheese Day on July 25, we’ve created the ultimate HANNA Wine & Cheese Pairing Guide, making it easy to recreate the tasting room experience from the comfort of your own home.
A Few Rules of Thumb
- Match Intensity with Intensity: With light bodied wines try pairing delicate cheeses whereas fuller-bodied wines can be paired with bolder and aged cheeses.
- Acidity Is Your Friend: Crisp, high acidity wines refresh the palate and beautifully balance creamy cheeses.
- Fat Softens Tannins: Heavier tannin wines can be softened by cheese with higher fat content. The longer a cheese ages, the fat content increases.
- Considering Textures: Bright and crisp wines love creamy cheeses, while structured reds appreciate firmer cheeses.
- Sweet Meets Salty: Intense fruit or a touch of sweetness can create a wonderful contrast with salty or blue cheeses.
Pairings
HANNA Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2025 paired with Humboldt Fog by Cypress Grove (goat’s milk)
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing for goat cheese and Humboldt Fog is a superb choice. The wine’s bright, citrusy acidity slices right through the cheese’s dense, velvety creaminess. The grassy, herbal notes in the wine complement the earthy vegetable ash and subtle tang of the goat’s milk.
HANNA Russian River Valley Colombard 2023 paired with Ewenique by Central Coast Creamery (sheep’s milk)
Our Colombard is a crisp, high-acid white wine with notes of Gravenstein apple and pear. The wine’s brightness cuts through the rich, butter texture of the sheep’s milk cheese, cleansing the palate. A subtly sweet and nutty finish of the cheese is enhanced by flavors of peaches in the wine.
HANNA Sonoma County Rosé 2024 paired with Burrata (cow’s milk) with tomatoes and basil
Our 2024 Hanna Rosé is a beautiful pale pink color and feels like summer in a glass. This dry Provence-style Rosé is best served chilled and pairs with Burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil. The crisp acidity, subtle fruit notes, and bright finish perfectly balance the rich, creaminess of the burrata and the sweetness of the tomatoes. The fresh herbaceous notes of the basil add just a little extra to this perfect summer pairing.
Bismark Moon Mountain District Chardonnay 2021 paired with San Joaquin Gold by Fiscalini (cow’s milk)
Fiscalini’s San Joaquin Gold is an Italian-style raw cow’s milk cheese with rich, buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors. Aged for over a year, it develops a dense, crystalline texture like Parmesan. Pair it with our Bismark Moon Mountain Chardonnay, where bright acidity and subtle minerality beautifully complement the cheese’s savory character.
HANNA Alexander Valley Malbec 2022 paired with Manchego (sheep’s milk)
Manchego and Malbec are a classic pairing. The rich, nutty, and savory sheep’s milk of Manchego complements the dark fruit notes of a Malbec. The fat content in Manchego coats the palate and softens the wine’s tannins, creating a smooth and balanced taste. Take it one step further by adding some quince paste for an elevated pairing.
Reserve Alexander Valley Nero d’Avola 2023 paired with Pecorino (sheep’s milk)
The intense fruit flavors, bright acidity, and structured tannins of Nero d’Avola perfectly balance the richness and savory saltiness of aged Pecorino. The fats in the cheese soften the tannins in the wine, creating a balanced bite.
HANNA Cry Creek Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 paired with Estero Gold Reserve by Valley Ford (cow’s milk)
Estero Gold Reserve is an extra-aged, raw cow’s milk cheese aged for up to 18 months. Its dense, crumbly texture and sharp crystal crunch stand up beautifully to the heavy tannins and rich weight of a Cabernet. Come to the winery and pair this local cheese with any of our cabernets for a lovely, decadent experience.
Bismark Moon Mountain District Titan 2019 paired with Aged Gouda by Point Reyes (cow’s milk)
Our Bismark Titan certainly lives up to the name! This bold mountain blend needs a pairing that can match the wine’s complex, heavy nature. As Gouda ages, it develops crunchy salt crystals, a crumbly texture, and concentrated sweet/nutty flavors. The high protein and fat content coats the palate, preparing it for the wine. The bold tannins bind to the proteins in the Gouda, successfully neutralizing the wine’s harshness and enhancing the rich, dark fruit flavors.
Bismark Moon Mountain District Zinfandel 2018 paired with Sharp Cheddar by Vella Cheese Company (cow’s milk)
Zinfandel and sharp cheddar are a classic pairing. The wine’s dark fruit, higher alcohol, and peppery spice cut through the cheese’s rich texture, while the cheddar’s salt and sharpness soften the tannins and smooth the finish.
Happy Pairing!
Interested in sharing your paring experience with HANNA’s team, email us at wine@hannawinery.com
