Building the Perfect South African Cheeseboard with BC Wines
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
A Guide to Pairing Local Flavours with Award-Winning Wines
Few things bring people together quite like a beautifully prepared cheeseboard. Whether you're hosting friends, planning a relaxed weekend lunch, or simply treating yourself to a quiet evening in, a thoughtfully curated cheeseboard offers something for everyone.
The secret to a memorable cheeseboard isn't having the most expensive ingredients. It's about balancing flavours, textures, and, of course, choosing the right wine.
Here's how to build a cheeseboard that celebrates South African produce and pairs perfectly with a selection of BC Wines.
Start with a Variety of Cheeses
A great cheeseboard offers contrast. Aim for three to five cheeses with different textures and flavour profiles.
Soft & Creamy
Examples:
Brie
Camembert
Cream Cheese
These rich, buttery cheeses pair beautifully with lighter, fruit-forward wines.
Pair with: BC's Chardonnay
The Chardonnay's balanced fruit and gentle oak complement creamy cheeses without overpowering their delicate flavours.
Hard & Mature
Examples:
Mature Cheddar
Gouda
Gruyère
Hard cheeses have a savoury depth that calls for wines with a little more structure.
Pair with: BC's Pinotage
Its ripe berry flavours and subtle spice create a delicious contrast against the salty, nutty character of aged cheeses.
Blue Cheese
Examples:
Gorgonzola
Danish Blue
Roquefort
Bold cheeses deserve equally memorable companions.
Pair with: BC's Rooi Muskadel
The wine's luscious sweetness balances the intense saltiness of blue cheese, creating a classic pairing that's hard to beat.
Goat's Cheese
Fresh, tangy goat's cheese is wonderfully versatile.
Pair with: BC's Tienuur
The wine's layered citrus and tropical fruit notes, combined with its subtle savoury complexity, complement the cheese's fresh acidity beautifully.
Add South African Charcuterie
No cheeseboard feels complete without something savoury.
Include favourites such as:
Biltong
Droëwors
Salami
Prosciutto
Smoked ham
Best Pairing: BC's Cabernet Sauvignon
Its rich dark fruit and structured tannins stand up beautifully to cured meats while complementing their savoury flavours.
Include Fresh and Dried Fruit
Fruit adds freshness, sweetness, and colour to your board.
Great options include:
Green grapes
Red grapes
Pear slices
Apples
Figs
Dried apricots
Dates
These lighter flavours pair wonderfully with:
Add Crunch
Texture is just as important as flavour.
Try including:
Artisan crackers
Water biscuits
Fresh baguette
Seeded crispbreads
These provide the perfect base for layering cheese, preserves, and charcuterie.
Don't Forget Something Sweet!
A touch of sweetness balances richer cheeses.
Consider adding:
Fig preserve
Onion marmalade
Honey
Quince paste
Berry preserves
Pair with BC's Bacchanté
Its approachable semi-sweet style and vibrant fruit flavours work beautifully with preserves and soft cheeses, making every bite feel indulgent.
Finish with Nuts and Olives
Small additions make a big difference.
Include:
Roasted almonds
Pecans
Walnuts
Green olives
Kalamata olives
These provide contrasting flavours and textures while filling any empty spaces on the board.
Which BC Wine Should You Choose?
Perfect for:
Brie
Camembert
Creamy cheeses
Fresh bread
Roast chicken pâté
Perfect for:
Mild cheeses
Fresh fruit
Crackers
Soft goat's cheese
Perfect for:
Mature goat's cheese
Herb-infused cheeses
Smoked chicken
Roasted nuts
Perfect for:
Fruit preserves
Brie
Camembert
Fresh berries
Perfect for:
Mature Cheddar
Charcuterie
Smoked meats
Aged Gouda
Perfect for:
Hard cheeses
Biltong
Salami
Smoked nuts
Perfect for:
Blue cheese
Dark chocolate
Dried fruit
Candied nuts
Presentation Tips
You don't need fancy serving ware to impress your guests.
A wooden board or slate platter works beautifully.
Arrange ingredients in small groups, mixing colours and textures across the board. Scatter nuts and fruit between cheeses to create a relaxed, abundant look, and leave enough space for guests to serve themselves comfortably.
Finally, remember to remove your cheeses from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Cheese develops its best flavour at room temperature, and your wine will shine alongside it.
Bring People Together with BC Wines
The best cheeseboards aren't about perfection. They're about slowing down, sharing good food, and enjoying great conversation with the people around you.
Whether you're planning an intimate date night, entertaining friends, or celebrating a special occasion, BC Wines has the perfect bottle to complete the experience.
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