Lancaster County Cheese and Wine Pairings

Not many things go better together than cheese and wine. Creamy, hard, tangy or mellow cheese can be paired perfectly with wines – from white to red or in between with a rosé.

Find the cheeses on our list at Lancaster Central Market or local shops that are making the cheese themselves from dairy sourced from neighboring farms. For a bottle of vino, head to one of the local vineyards where winemakers are growing the grapes and creating delicious wines.

We challenged our taste buds and rounded up five fantastic wine and cheese pairings - matching a cheese found or made locally with a wine, crafted at a Lancaster County vineyard. Try them yourself, or get inspired and create your own.

Bon appetite!

Linden Dale Farm’s Chevre from Lancaster Central Market paired with Waltz Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc
Our first pairing features creamy, spreadable goat cheese, Chevre, found at Linden Dale Farm’s stand at Lancaster Central Market paired with the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc from Waltz Vineyard. The chevre is fresh and locally made, and can be spread on crackers or raw veggies. Waltz’s Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine with notes of green apple, citrus and honeysuckle. The crispness of this wine pairs well with the rich, creaminess of the chevre.

Delgiorno’s Italian Specialties’ Mozzarella from Lancaster Central Market paired with Weathered Vineyard’s Pinot Gris
Next up, we’ve paired a creamy, mild fresh mozzarella with a crisp Pinot Gris. The mozzarella, a classic Italian cheese, was found at Delgiorno’s Italian Specialties at Lancaster Central Market. The freshness pairs well with Weathered Vineyard’s Pinot Gris, a fruity white wine with citrus, pear, white nectarine and apple notes. The fresh cheese paired with the fruity wine is a match made in heaven.

September Farm Cheese’s Honey Brook Jack paired with Nissley Vineyard’s Merlot
Our third pairing features a locally made Monterey Jack cheese from September Farm Cheese and a merlot with moxie from Nissley Vineyards. This fresh, mild cheese is made in Honey Brook with dairy from the neighboring farm. If you’re a fan of dry, medium-bodied Merlots, Nissley’s is for you. With hints of black pepper, the wine goes well with the tasty, mild cheese.

S. Clyde Weaver’s Smoked Gouda paired with Vineyard at Hershey’s Firefly (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Blend)
For this pairing, we picked up a classic smoked Gouda from S Clyde Weaver,which offers a nutty, smoky flavor. This semi-hard cheese is perfect for snacking while sipping on the Vineyard at Hershey’s red-blend, Firefly. An artful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is full-bodied with notes of plum, currant, and spice. The warm finish of the wine pairs well with the smokiness of the cheese.

Lancaster Farmhouse’s Balsamic Fig White Cheddar from Lancaster Central Market paired with Grandview Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
To wrap up our pairings, we paired a flavorful cheese with a wine to match. Hand-rubbed with balsamic from Seasons Olive Oil &Vinegar Taproom and figs, this cheese is a party for your taste buds. A cheese like this deserves a rich wine. The Vineyard at Grandview’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine aged in oak barrels, with notes of red fruit and spice. Together, this combo is yum-o!