Surf and turf, burgers and beers, peaches and cream – some things were just meant to be. Wine and cheese tops that list; individually great, but together, they’re iconic. Here are our favourite wine and cheese-paired recipes for every occasion.

Brioche Tartines with Whipped Cheese & Plum Jam

Everything you love about a cheeseboard on brioche toast. Cream cheese balances the pungent blue cheese flavour in the whipped cheese and pairs exceptionally well with the crisp acidity of Klein Constantia Vin de Constance.

Wine: Klein Constantia Vin de Constance
Cheese: Blue cheese and cream cheese
Pairing notes: The delicately perfumed aromas of lemon curd and white peach notes of Vin de Constance make for a scintillating pairing.

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Braaied Veggie Pizza

This blanco pizza adorned with burrata, mozzarella and braaied vegetables makes for the ultimate crowd-pleaser or al fresco dinner when served with Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc. Top with fried capers and peppery rocket to lift the flavours.

Wine: Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
Cheese: Burrata
Pairing notes: Herbal notes and the well-balanced acidity of this Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the charred green vegetables and the creamy burrata.

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Mushroom Galettes

These rustic, French-inspired Mushroom Galettes are a delightful start to any meal, offering savoury, earthy flavours that pair wonderfully with the Pierneef Syrah Viognier. With its blend of red and white grapes, this versatile Syrah adds complexity to this dish.

Wine: Pierneef Syrah Viognier
Cheese: Gruyère
Pairing notes: The Syrah provides structure and spice, while the Viognier adds floral notes and a touch of elegance, making it ideal for the rich, creamy and nutty flavours of Gruyère.

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Biltong, Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tartlets

Biltong steals the show in these savoury tartlets, making them the perfect party starter. Caramelised onions and fresh rocket leaves cut through the richness, while balsamic and blackcurrant notes in this Cabernet Sauvignon complement the blue cheese.

Wine: Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon
Cheese: Blue cheese
Pairing notes: Fragrant aromas of wild rosemary, leafy herbs and spring plums make this delectable wine the ideal match for these blue cheese tartlets.

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Tartiflette Savoyarde

Inspired by northern French cuisine, this dish is ideal for entertaining friends. Fluffy potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce, laden with smoky pork lardons and bubbling hot Camembert. Serve with Leopard’s Leap Grand Vin to cut through the rich cheese.

Wine: Leopard’s Leap Grand Vin
Cheese: Camembert
Pairing notes: This full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend pairs exceptionally with hearty dishes. Berry and oaked flavours beautifully contrast the richness of creamy Camembert.

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3 Cheese Pap Tart

Layers of tomato relish, buttery pap and a delicious trifecta of mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan come together in this moreish tart. Make it the centrepiece at your next braai and enjoy it with Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc.

Wine: Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc
Cheeses: Mozzarella, Parmesan and cheddar.
Pairing notes: With bursts of ripe fruit, aromas of citrus and sweet spice on the palate, Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc is the ideal pairing for this cheesy dish.

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Puff Pastry Smoked Salmon Tart with Grilled Asparagus

Treat friends and family to this sumptuous serving. It’s perfect for summer soireés and dining occasions. The cream cheese and salmon taste even better with a glass of Rosé.

Wine: La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé
Cheese: Smooth cottage cheese
Pairing notes: Subtle aromas and nectarine notes make this wine perfect for this meal. The slight acidity balances the rich, creamy cottage cheese.

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Braaied Chicken Kebabs with Lemon Labneh & Green Salad

A summer favourite, this Levantine-inspired braai dish will impress guests. Enjoy with a glass or two of La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé for the most delicious wine and cheese pairing.

Wine: La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé
Cheese: Labneh
Pairing notes: Delicate yet complex, notes of melon and fragrant rose petals in this wine pair ideally with the zesty labneh, green salad and the herby chicken.

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Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Verrines

Indulge teetotallers with these berry-licious mousse verrines – the lively bubbles cut through the richness, and enhance the tart berries and the creamy flavours.

Wine: Allure De-alcoholised Sparkling Wine
Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese
Pairing notes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are blended to create a light, alluring de-alcoholised wine. The pomegranate and caramel notes lift the cream cheese.

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Baked Camembert with Roasted Figs, Hot Honey & Spiced Nuts

One of our favourite wine and cheese pairings, this dish combines creamy, earthy, sweet and spicy flavours to create a divine sensory experience for guests.

Wine: Graham Beck Ultra Brut
Cheese: Camembert
Pairing notes: This ultra-dry style Cap Classique doesn’t contain additional sugar, making this baked Camembert, roasted fig and hot honey pairing the perfect balance. The wine highlights the slight sweetness and creaminess of the cheese.

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Want more? Sip and savour these sweet and savoury wine-paired recipes.