Holiday Charcuterie Board Wine Pairing Guide: Michigan Wines That Make Every Board Better
A holiday charcuterie board is one of the easiest and most fun ways to serve food at festive gatherings. It’s colorful, full of flavors, and gives guests lots of choice. The secret to making your board even better is pairing it with the right wine.
From creamy cheeses to savory meats, fruity jams to crunchy nuts, each bite on your board can taste even better with the perfect glass in hand. If you want something local, delicious, and festive, Michigan wines are a great match.
Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting wine this season, or planning a cozy night in, this guide will walk you through the best pairings and how to order great bottles online before the holidays.
What Makes a Great Holiday Charcuterie Board?
Start with a mix of textures and flavors to keep everyone happy. Here are some classic items to include:
Cheeses:
- Soft (brie, goat cheese)
- Aged (cheddar, gouda)
- Bold (blue cheese)
Meats:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Sausage
Extras:
- Olives
- Nuts (almonds, pecans)
- Fresh or dried fruit (grapes, figs, cranberries)
- Jams, honey, mustards
- Baguette slices and crackers
Combining these ingredients gives you salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements that work beautifully with wine.
Best Wine with Cheese and Charcuterie
Here are wine styles that pair well with boards and some Michigan bottles from the Filkins Vineyards shop that you can enjoy this season.
Sparkling & Bright Whites
Sparkling-style whites bring energy and freshness to every bite. Look for crisp acidity and clean fruit flavors.
Try pairing with:
- Brie and fig jam
- Prosciutto and almonds
- Goat cheese and honey
The December Trio Selection is perfect here—it features wines curated for winter hosting and toasting.
You can also explore aromatic whites like the 2024 Pinot Gris or the lightly sweet 2024 Off-Dry Riesling, both of which pair well with creamy cheeses and fruit spreads.
Crisp Whites for Savory Boards
If your board leans savory or includes sharper cheeses, dry whites are your friend.
Try pairing with:
- Aged cheddar and apple
- Manchego and olives
- Spicy mustard with crackers
The 2024 Chardonnay adds roundness without overpowering the food. The 2024 Dry Riesling is also a great pick for balance and brightness.
Rosé or Light Reds for Versatility
Rosés and lighter reds handle a little bit of everything. They’re crowd-pleasers and great if you’re serving a wide range of snacks.
Try with:
- Salami and soft cheeses
- Goat cheese and cranberry jam
- Herbed nuts and smoked sausage
The November Trio Selection includes food-friendly wines that pair well with boards full of contrast—sweet, salty, and savory all at once.
Bold Reds for Hearty Meats and Aged Cheese
If your board features rich meats or funky cheeses, bold reds bring structure and depth.
Try with:
- Blue cheese and fig jam
- Aged gouda and sausage
- Smoked meats and peppered salami
Here are top picks from the Filkins shop:
- 2023 Cabernet Franc: medium-bodied, herbal, great with salty meat
- 2023 Syrah: spicy and bold, pairs well with smoked and aged flavors
- 2022 Anthos Red Blend: a balanced blend that works across a range of flavors
- 2023 Fidelis Red Blend: lush and warming—great for a fireside board
Hosting Tips for Holiday Wine and Cheese Boards
Offer variety.
Aim to serve at least one white, one red, and one wild card (like rosé or off-dry Riesling).
Serve at the right temperature.
Chill whites and lighter reds before serving. Let fuller reds breathe a bit.
Order early.
Order wine online for the holidays to beat the shipping rush and make sure your bottles arrive in time.
Stock enough.
Plan for about ½ bottle per guest, then round up. You’ll never regret having extras on hand.
FAQs
What wine goes with a holiday charcuterie board?
Crisp whites, fruit-forward reds, and dry rosé all pair well with the sweet, salty, and rich foods found on a holiday board.
What’s the best wine with cheese and charcuterie at Christmas?
Try the December Trio Selection for a balanced lineup, or go bold with a red like 2023 Syrah.
What’s a good wine for gifting with a cheese board?
Rosé, Pinot Gris, or Off-Dry Riesling make great gift pairings. Explore the November Trio for a ready-to-wrap bundle.
Which wine pairs best with blue cheese or funky flavors?
Try 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon or 2022 Anthos Red Blend for structure that stands up to bold cheese.
Make Your Holiday Table Shine
Pairing wine with a holiday charcuterie board doesn’t have to be complicated. With curated bundles like the December Trio Selection or favorites like the 2024 Pinot Noir, 2023 Syrah, and 2024 Dry Riesling, you can build a table worth celebrating.
Explore the full Filkins Vineyards shop, or join the Wine Club to enjoy hand-selected bottles all year long.
Need help choosing bottles or placing a gift order? Contact the team or learn more about Filkins Vineyards and their passion for Michigan-grown wines.
Cheers to local wine, good food, and stress-free hosting.


