Celebrated each year on the 25th of July, National Wine and Cheese Day is a special occasion dedicated to two complementary delights, wine and cheese, known for their extraordinary pairing that elevates culinary enjoyment. On this day, we honor the enduring tradition of exploring and savoring the myriad types of cheeses and wines that originate from various corners of the globe.
National Wine and Cheese Day is the ideal opportunity for both expert connoisseurs and regular aficionados to experiment with new tastes, aromas, and blends.
History of National Wine and Cheese Day
Wine and cheese have been staples at tables across cultures for many years, especially in European countries like France, Spain, and Italy. It was customary in these regions to offer local wine and cheese varieties, which often complemented each other perfectly. Hence the adage, ‘what grows together, goes together’.
This European tradition eventually spread across the globe and found a place in the Americas and beyond. Today, National Wine and Cheese Day is recognized worldwide, with people partaking in celebrations both in person and online.
In recent years, wine and cheese events have evolved into an art form. Specialized courses now exist to train wine and cheese sommeliers - professionals versed in pairing these two delicacies perfectly.
In the age of social media, National Wine and Cheese Day has further amplified its reach. People enthusiastically share their own wine and cheese pairings and recipes, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this delicious duo.
National Wine and Cheese Day Timeline
Early Cultivation of Grape Vines
The earliest known cultivation of grape vines occurred in the South Caucasus between the Black and Caspian Seas.
Start of Cheese Making
The earliest evidence of cheese making was found in Poland. The cheese was likely made by slaughtering lactating animals, and the milk was in the animals' stomachs.
Romans Spread Wine Production
The Romans started to spread their knowledge of wine across their empire in Europe, thus advancing the spread of viticulture.
Cheese Introduced to the New World
Spanish Conquistadors brought the first cattle, and thus the ability to make cheese, to the New World on their ships.
Spread of Cheese Production in the US
With advances in technology and the opening of the West, the US started mass production and consumption of cheese.
Judgment of Paris
A wine competition in Paris which unexpectedly rated Californian wines higher than French wines. This transformed the global wine market.
Modern Wine and Cheese Industry
Today, wine and cheese are enjoyed globally, with hundreds of varieties recognized.
Ideas to Celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day
Host a Wine and Cheese Tasting
Invite your friends over for a wine and cheese tasting. Buy several different types of wines and cheeses. Allow guests to sample each and perhaps rate their favorites.
Visit a Local Winery or Cheese Farm
Look for local wineries or cheese farms and see if they are offering any special events or tours. You could learn about the wine or cheese-making process and try some samples.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Class
Enroll in a wine and cheese pairing class. Many places offer these, especially around National Wine and Cheese Day. You can learn which wines pair best with which types of cheese.
Wine and Cheese Picnic
Pack up your favorite wines and cheeses along with some fresh bread and fruit. Head to a local park or lake for a relaxing wine and cheese picnic.
Restaurant Hop
Look for local restaurants or wine bars offering special deals or events in honor of Wine and Cheese Day. This could be specialty menu items, discounted prices, or even wine and cheese flights.
8 Interesting Facts About Wine and Cheese
Ancient Indulgence
Evidence of wine and cheese consumption goes back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of wine making dates back to 4,000 BC, while records of cheese consumption date back as far as 5,500 BC.
Healthy Combo
Moderate consumption of wine and cheese can provide health benefits. The flavonoids in red wine can decrease the risk of heart disease, while the proteins, calcium, and phosphorus in cheese can contribute to healthier bones and teeth.
Most Expensive Cheese
The World's most expensive cheese is Pule cheese from Serbia. It's a donkey cheese that costs around $1300 per kilogram. It requires 25 liters of donkey milk to create just one kilogram of cheese.
Most Expensive Wine Ever Sold
The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold is the Setting winery Cabernet. It was sold for a shocking $1 million in 2021.
Wine and Cheese Pairing
Pairing wine and cheese from the same region is usually a safe bet for a good match. This is often because the local ingredients have a natural affinity for each other.
World's Oldest Bottle of Wine
The world's oldest known bottle of wine dates back to A.D. 325. It was found near the town of Speyer, Germany, inside one of two Roman sarcophaguses. It remains unopened to this day.
Blue Cheese and Sweet Wine
Blue cheeses often pair well with sweet wines. The sweetness of the wine can help balance the strong, pungent flavors of blue cheeses, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.
A World of Cheese
There are more than 2,000 varieties of cheese available worldwide. France leads the way, boasting of over 1,000 different types of cheeses.
National Wine and Cheese Day FAQs
Next National Wine and Cheese Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 25th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 25th | Thursday |
| 2025 | July 25th | Friday |
| 2026 | July 25th | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 25th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 25th | |
National Wine and Cheese Day Word Search
- Wine
- Cheese
- Vineyard
- Cheddar
- Sommelier
- Mozzarella