For years, cheese boards have been the go-to showstopper for parties, gatherings, and cozy nights in. But a new trend is stealing the spotlight—wine boards. Instead of starting with a collection of cheeses and building around them, the wine-first platter flips the script. You begin with your chosen wines and curate accompaniments that elevate every sip.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a laid-back night with friends, a wine board is the perfect way to create a thoughtful and memorable tasting experience. Here’s how to build the ultimate wine-first platter.
Start With the Wine
The star of your board is the wine itself. Choose one bottle (for a simple evening) or two to three contrasting wines (for a fuller tasting experience). A good balance might include:
A crisp white (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc)
A bold red (like Pinotage or Shiraz)
A sparkling or rosé for something light and festive
The key is to highlight different flavor profiles so your board feels dynamic.
Match the Mood, Not Just the Wine
A wine board isn’t just about flavors—it’s about the experience. Think about the setting:
Casual hangout? Go with easy-to-grab nibbles.
Romantic date night? Add indulgent treats like truffles or dark chocolate.
Dinner party? Curate a balanced mix of savory, salty, and sweet.
Build Around Each Bottle
Once you’ve picked your wines, build the platter to match. Here are some pairing ideas:
For White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay):
Fresh goat cheese, citrus-marinated olives, herbed crackers, green apples, cucumber slices.For Red Wine (Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon):
Sharp cheddar or aged gouda, biltong or prosciutto, sundried tomatoes, figs, dark chocolate squares.For Sparkling or Rosé:
Soft brie, strawberries, smoked salmon, macarons, salted almonds.
Add Texture and Contrast
A successful wine board isn’t just about taste—it’s about texture and color, too. Layer your board with:
Crunchy: nuts, breadsticks, crisps
Creamy: cheeses, dips, pâtés
Fresh: berries, grapes, cucumbers
Sweet: honeycomb, jams, dried fruits
This variety keeps the experience exciting from first sip to last bite.
Presentation Matters
Wine boards are meant to impress. Use a wooden board, marble slab, or slate tray as your base. Place the wine bottles (or decanters) at the center and arrange the food in sections around them. Garnish with rosemary sprigs or edible flowers for a finishing touch.
Don’t Forget the Glassware
A true wine board experience calls for the right glass. Offer each guest the proper stemware—tulip-shaped glasses for whites, wide-bowled glasses for reds, and flutes or coupes for bubbles. If you’re serving multiple wines, provide tasting-size pours so everyone can sample them all.
Final Sip
Cheese boards will always have their place, but wine boards elevate the tasting experience by putting the wine where it belongs—center stage. Start with the bottles you love, build thoughtfully around their flavors, and you’ll create a platter that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
So next time you’re planning a spread, skip the cheese board and bring out the wine board instead—your guests will thank you. 🍷
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