A Smarter Way to Pair Cheese and Non-Alcoholic Wine

If you’re a cheese lover (and honestly, who isn’t?), pairing cheese with the right wine can completely transform your tasting experience. Charcuterie boards are fantastic because they let you mix and match cheeses, meats, fruits, and crunchy bites—all designed to delight your palate. When you bring in Missing Thorn’s thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic wines, those pairings become even more exciting. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, the right cheese paired with the perfect wine can elevate any occasion.

In this guide, we’ll help you build cheese-focused charcuterie boards that perfectly complement each of our Missing Thorn wines. From creamy and mild to bold and complex, we’ll highlight cheeses that shine alongside each wine, with tasty additions to round out your board. Let’s get to the good stuff!

Sparkling Rosé + Creamy & Soft Cheeses

Our Sparkling Rosé is lively and bright, with fresh fruit notes and a touch of elegance that’s just perfect with soft, creamy cheeses. Cheeses like Brie and triple-cream varieties have a buttery texture and mild flavor that let the sparkling bubbles and tart cranberry hints of the wine really sing. These cheeses create a smooth, luscious pairing that feels indulgent without overpowering the palate.

Perfect cheeses for this board:

  • Brie or Camembert — their creamy texture melts perfectly with the wine’s bubbles

  • Aged Cheddar — adds a sharp contrast that plays beautifully with the fruitiness

  • Fresh mozzarella — light and mild, it balances the wine’s brightness

Pair these cheeses with smoked salmon, pomegranate seeds, and buttery crackers to add texture and freshness, rounding out a sophisticated and elegant board.

Sparkling White + Soft & Tangy Cheeses

Our Sparkling White, with its crisp orchard fruits and subtle biscotti notes, pairs wonderfully with soft, tangy cheeses that have a bit of zing. Think cheeses that are creamy but have a slight acidity, like goat cheese or Camembert. These cheeses’ bright flavors and creamy mouthfeel complement the wine’s vibrant acidity and tropical notes, creating a refreshing and harmonious experience.

Top cheese picks:

  • Goat cheese — tangy, fresh, and creamy, it cuts through the bubbles perfectly

  • Camembert — soft and buttery with an earthy aroma that pairs well

  • Brie — smooth and mild, balancing the wine’s crispness

Add prosciutto, olives, and lightly salted kettle chips for a salty crunch and savory depth that enhances both the cheeses and the wine.

White Wine + Fresh & Mild Cheeses

The fresh, tropical profile of Missing Thorn White Wine works beautifully with mild, fresh cheeses that keep the board light and bright. Cheeses like Manchego, Burrata, and Feta add creamy, nutty, or slightly salty notes that complement the wine’s citrus zest and lychee aromas. This pairing is perfect for those who love clean, refreshing flavors that feel light but satisfying.

Cheese stars for this pairing:

  • Manchego — firm and nutty, a classic that balances acidity well

  • Burrata or fresh mozzarella — creamy and luscious with a delicate flavor

  • Feta — salty and crumbly, adding a lively contrast

Add grilled vegetables, lemon zest, and herb crackers for a bright, fresh board that pairs beautifully with the crispness of the wine.

Rosé + Earthy & Semi-Hard Cheeses

Missing Thorn Rosé, with its fresh berry notes and crisp finish, is a great match for earthy and semi-hard cheeses that offer a little more bite and depth. Think cheeses that bring out rustic and slightly fruity flavors, like Asiago or Pecorino. These cheeses stand up well to the wine’s lively acidity and add complexity to each bite.

Cheeses to highlight:

  • Asiago — slightly nutty and sharp, with a firm texture

  • Pecorino — salty and tangy, with an earthy richness

  • A mild blue cheese — to add a creamy but pungent element

Combine these with fresh strawberries, fig jam, and rosemary crackers to create a charming and well-rounded board that emphasizes the wine’s vibrant character.

Red + Bold & Aged Cheeses

Missing Thorn’s full-bodied Red pairs beautifully with bold, aged cheeses that have intense flavors and a bit of pungency. Cheeses like Blue Cheese, Asiago, and aged Parmesan provide the perfect contrast to the wine’s rich fruit and subtle spice. These cheeses stand up to the wine’s complexity and bring out the wine’s earthiness and depth.

  • Cheese favorites for this bold pairing:

  • Blue cheese — creamy, sharp, and pungent, a classic partner to Malbec

  • Asiago — nutty and firm, with a rich flavor profile

  • Aged Parmesan — salty and granular, perfect for savoring slowly

Pair these with spicy sausages, dark chocolate, and roasted vegetables for a decadent and intense board that’s sure to impress.

Final Cheese Pairing Tips:

When building your cheese-focused charcuterie board, think about balancing textures and flavors. Combine creamy cheeses with firmer ones, and pair salty and tangy cheeses with sweet or crunchy accompaniments. Serving your Missing Thorn wines chilled or slightly cooler will enhance the flavors and create a harmonious tasting experience. Remember, the right cheese isn’t just a sidekick — it’s the star that makes your wine truly shine.

Stephanie Honig

Stephanie Honig is a Napa Valley based vinter and co-founder of Missing Thorn Non-Alcoholic Wines.

https://www.missingthorn.com/about-stephanie-honig
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