Explore B.C.’s cheese (and wine!) with our local pairing suggestions. Getty Images photo

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, there is a tendency to look internationally. Whether it’s chèvre with Sancerre or gorgonzola with Amarone, classics give a sense of class and sophistication. Taken for granted and often overlooked is the growing local culture right here in our backyard. If you haven’t yet explored B.C.’s wine and cheese, here are a few perfect pairings that will help you transition to local with ease. 

Top cheesemongers like Les Amis du Fromage and Benton Brothers in Vancouver and Perseval & Young in Kelowna point to a variety of fresh chèvre, washed rind, alpine to mountain cheeses covering the breadth of B.C. from Salt Spring Island, the eastern Fraser Valley, Salmon Arm and the Kootenays.  

Allison Spurrell from Les Amis du Fromage in Vancouver, BC recommends fresh chèvre as the perfect cheese to pair with bubbles from Happy Days Soft Okanagan Goat Cheese. It is tangy, bright and not too tart so as not to interfere with delicate flavours of the sparkling wine. Try the dry, classic, just released traditional method 2018 Fitzpatrick’s Brut. Fruit is sourced 100% from Greta Ranch and estate bottled. Together the freshness and texture will create total harmony on your palate.

Philip Perseval from Perseval & Young Cheese Mongers in Kelowna recommends a creamy, decadent Double Cream Brie made by Upper Bench on Naramata Bench for the rose lover. “We call it luxurious.” says Philip when referring to this beauty. Try it with the dry, elegant, and delicate 2021 Cedar Creek Platinum Rose.

If it’s an oaky chardonnay you prefer, then consider the 2020 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay with the clothbound cheddar produced by Farmhouse Cheese in Agassiz. This unique, traditional cheesemaking method employed by FarmHouse cheese gives a lovely earthiness to the cheese with subtle fruity undertones that amplify both the cheese and the wine. The combination of the rich, buttery caramel notes of the wine with this salty, rich cheddar flavours are nothing short of perfection.

Andrew at Benton Brothers had a round of “Alpindon” from Kootenay Meadows in Creston, B.C. on display. This firm, orange hued cheese pairs well with juicy red wines with its stronger flavour profile, slightly sweet start and a beautiful nutty finish. Try this with Winemaker’s Cut Meritage blend, the 2020 Bohemian Red or the new collaboration 2020 Q&A Red from TD Mulligan, Jason Priestley and Michal Mosney.

B.C.’s bounty of cheese and wine is significant and a great springboard from which to develop our own unique and local culture of taste and pleasure. Shop online or in store and ask for suggestions from the folks in the know.

Barb Wild

Barb Wild is the Good Wine Gal, and her goal is to help people discover what they like—without snobbery. Follow Good Wine Gal’s life of wine study, wine tastings and wine travel at goodwinegal.ca.