Discover the perfect port wine for every cheese — from creamy Brie to aged cheddar.
Port & Cheese: The Ultimate Pairing Guide
Why Port & Cheese is the Perfect Match
Port wine and cheese go together like velvet and gold. In this guide, we’ll explore which port styles pair best with various cheeses, how to serve them, and why these flavor combinations have stood the test of time.
Here’s a quick look at what cheese to pair with each type of port.
How to Serve Port and Cheese the Right Way
🌡️ Serving Temperature
Port tastes best when slightly chilled — not room temperature, but not ice-cold either.
Tawny Port: Serve at 12–16°C (54–60°F) to highlight its nutty, caramel notes.
Ruby & LBV Port: Best at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to bring out rich fruit flavors.
White Port: Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F), especially when paired with soft or tangy cheeses.
Tip: If your bottle is at room temperature, 20–30 minutes in the fridge usually does the trick.
🍽️ Order of Tasting
When enjoying a port and cheese tasting, go from light to bold, just like a wine flight:
White Port — fresh and citrusy, great with lighter cheeses.
Ruby Port — fruit-forward and vibrant.
Tawny Port — rich, nutty, more oxidized.
LBV or Vintage Port — deepest and most complex, ideal for strong blue or aged cheeses.
This order prevents lighter ports from being overwhelmed by the richness of later ones.
🥂 Glassware & Utensils
Use small wine glasses or port-specific tulip glasses — the narrower top helps concentrate aromas.
Avoid very wide glasses (like Bordeaux or Burgundy styles), which dilute the scent.
For cheese, serve with cheese knives, wooden boards, and small spoons for soft cheeses or jams.
Bonus: use dark slate boards for contrast — your cheese and port will pop beautifully in photos too.
🕰️ How Long Does Port Last Once Opened?
Tawny Port: Can last 3–4 months, thanks to its oxidative aging — store in a cool, dark place.
Ruby or LBV Port: Best within 1–2 months — the fresher, the better.
Vintage Port: Highly sensitive — should be consumed within 2–3 days of opening.
Always reseal tightly and refrigerate to slow oxidation. A wine vacuum pump can help extend freshness for all styles.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What cheese goes best with port wine
Depending on the type of Cheese you choose, here is a quick summary :
Tawny Port - Aged Gouda, Parmesan, Blue CheeseRuby Port - Brie, Camembert, Stilton
White Port - Manchego, Goat Cheese, Comté
LBV/Vintage - Roquefort, Cheddar, Washed Rinds
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Is Blue Stilton Made with Port
Yes, this type cheese, mostly eaten during christmas dinners, is made with typically Ruby Port Wine. The Bottle of Port is put op side down in the middle of the cheese so that during approximate 1 month the ruby port is infusing the blue stilton cheese.
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Can I pair port with dessert cheese?
Ohw yes! We recommend many Port Wine styles with different types of Desserts and Cheeses, such as a Cheese cake or a Cheese Platter.
