Celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day Locally By Michelle Williams Deputy Clerk & FOIA Officer
July 25 th is National Wine and Cheese Day! Created in 2014 by freelance writer and wine lover Jace Shoemaker - Galloway, this day has a special place in the hearts of many. According to Holidays Calendar and their research, “ most historians agree that wine originated somewhere in ancient China approximately 7,000 B.C. It was also found in Persia 5,000 B.C., and in Sicily 4,000 B.C. Many of these early wines were fermented from rice or
from rice and grape juices combined. Cheese and cheese making began even before written history began. Many historians believe that cheese was first developed somewhere from 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, and it may even be older than that. According to popular belief, the first cheese was made when milk was stored in an animal ’ s stomach. As the milk soured, it mixed with the animal ’ s digestive juices, and rudimentary curds and whey developed. ” While none of them actively practice the art of cheese making, Orange County is home to five dairy farms, located in Gordonsville, Orange, Somerset, True Blue, and Unionville. Many of which have been around for generations and still run by the same families. Orange County is home to six vineyards and many tasting rooms. To celebrate this year ’ s National Wine and Cheese Day, learn what goes together, visit a local winery, or have a pairing party with a beautiful charcuterie board with items purchased at one of our local merchants. For a complete list of local wineries, visit the Orange County Business Directory at www.buyorangeva.com. Sparkling wines work well with creamy, soft cheeses. The wine has high carbonation and acidity, which acts as a palate - cleanser for the sticky and creamy cheese, like Cremont, Camembert, Muenster, and Brie. • Sweeter wines and funky cheeses go together perfectly. Sweeter wines like Late Harvest dessert wines and Moscato go well with the blue - veined cheeses. This is because the sweetness from the wine helps to balance out the ‘ funk ’ in the cheese. • Aged cheeses and bold red wines go well together. Look for cheeses that have aged for at least a year when serving a bold red wine. The cheese ’ s fat content will counteract the high tannins in the wine. Cheeses you can serve include Provolone, Gouda, Manchego, and Cheddar. • Pair cheeses and wines that have equal intensity. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon would overpower a Gruyère with the bold and big flavors of the wine. When planning your pairing party, use these helpful tips: • When in doubt, select a firm and nutty cheese. • Cheeses and wines that come from same place pair nicely. •
However you choose to celebrate, make sure to tag your social media posts with #NationalWineAndCheeseDay!
Page 17 | July, 2021
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter