When two things go together well—really well—it seems almost cosmically ordained. It’s all about balance, after all, which is why wine and cheese so often take on the world together. Treat your palate to pairings so perfect they’re written in the stars!

Jasper Hill Farm Harbison + Napa Cellars Chardonnay
Meet Harbison: a soft-ripened, woodsy and sweet cheese, balanced with lemon, mustard and vegetal flavors. Enter Napa Cellars Chardonnay, a classic Napa Valley specimen that’s fermented and aged in French oak, which gives it a little woodsy note, and its ripe fruit aromas add sweetness and hints of lemon citrus; all of which can be found in the cheese, as well. A very complementary pairing indeed!

Jasper Hill Farm Alpha Tolman + Balletto Russian River Pinot Noir 
Alpha Tolman, an Alpine-style cheese, has a buttery, fruity and nutty flavor when young, developing bold meaty, caramelized onion flavors as it matures. Balletto Russian River Pinot Noir really matches the full range of flavors the cheese has—its ripe, plummy fruit notes contrast nicely with Alpha Tolman, while the underlying acidity in the wine keeps its richness from overwhelming the palate.

Jasper Hill Farm Bayley Hazen Blue + …
Bayley Hazen Blue, a blue cheese that’s developed a loyal following thanks to its fudge-like texture, toasted-nut sweetness, anise spice notes and lingering umami, is incredibly versatile—so much so that it pairs well with a bevy of beverages!

• Château Laribotte Sauternes: Some pairings are so classic you just don’t question it, and sauternes and blue cheese is one of those things! The sweetness in the wine plays off the saltiness and bitterness of the cheese, and its myriad of fresh and dried fruit notes take the place of a fresh fruit plate.
• Franco Serra Gavi: If you’re crumbling the blue in a spinach and fig salad, opt for Franco Serra Gavi. This crisp wine from Italy provides a yin-yang balance to the cheese’s saltiness and creaminess.
• Clay Shannon Cabernet Sauvignon: For when you’re melting it on a burger (inevitably), try Clay Shannon Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in this rich red are just enough to combat the saltiness of the cheese, and the ripe fruit notes balance some of the bitterness of the cheese’s blue veins.

BONUS: Make it a fromage à trois with Girl Meets Dirt Spoon Preserves! While pairings are fine and dandy, make your delectable wine-and-cheese duo into a tantalizing trio for three times the bliss. What goes well with wine and cheese? Jam! Enter Girl Meets Dirt Spoon Preserves. These whimsical spoon-worthy spreads are more textural than your traditional jam and are literally made to be a part of a pairing (or trio!). Unique flavors like Pear Balsamic, Hot Damn Pepper Jam, Tomato Jam and Rhubarb Lavender are thoughtfully conjured using classic French techniques in copper pots. It’s practically magic!

Looking for more sensational sips to pair with artisan cheese? Try these bourbon, beer and cheese pairings or talk to the Wine Steward at your local Nugget Market!

Selection may vary by store.