Cheese and Mulled Wine: A Match Made for Christmas

A cosy fire, the tree decorated to perfection, carols playing softly in the background, and the warm aroma of mulled wine filling the air - it’s unmistakably Christmas time. But there’s one more treat that deserves a spot in this festive picture: cheese.

Join us as we explore the irresistible combination of Christmas cheese and mulled wine - a perfect pairing made for holiday joy. 

The Tradition of Mulled Wine

No Christmas celebration feels complete without a glass of steaming mulled wine. Historically, this festive drink dates back to Roman times, when heated, spiced wine was used to stave off the winter chill. Over the centuries, it spread across Europe, evolving into the classic Christmas drink we adore today.   

Mulled wine is usually made with red wine, citrus, sugar and warming spices such as cinnamon and cloves. That combination of fruit, sweetness and spice means choosing the right cheese is slightly different from putting together a standard wine and cheese pairing.

So, which cheeses make the perfect pairing with mulled wine?

Pairing Cheese with Mulled Wine: A Delicious Duet

Raise a glass to one of Christmas’s most delightful sensory experiences: the interplay of creamy, tangy cheese and fragrant, spiced wine.  

The warmth of the mulled wine brings out the depth of cheese flavours - while the cheese softens the wine’s spices, creating a perfect festive harmony. Whether you prefer bold, mature flavours or mild, mellow varieties, this pairing offers something for every palate.

Best Cheeses to Pair with Mulled Wine

Mature or Vintage Cheddar

Cheddar: Its sharp richness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of mulled wine.

A well-matured Cheddar is one of the easiest places to start. Its strong, savoury character gives the sweet and fruity wine something substantial to work against without disappearing behind the spices.

For a bolder option, our Intense Vintage Cheddar Truckle is matured for over three and a half years, giving it an extra-strong, tangy flavour with crunchy salt crystals.

Smoked Cheddar

Smoked cheddar is particularly well suited to a winter pairing. The deeper smoky flavour sits naturally alongside the warming character of mulled wine, while the creamy Cheddar base keeps the combination balanced.

Our Authentic Smoked Cheddar Truckle is naturally oak-smoked with a hint of paprika, making it a good choice when you want something richer than a classic cheddar.

Orange & Whisky Cheddar

For a more festive pairing, Orange & Whisky Cheddar makes particular sense because some of its flavours already echo those commonly found in mulled wine.

The Orange & Whisky Cheddar Truckle combines mature Cheddar with sweet orange marmalade and whisky, giving it citrus notes, fruitiness and a warming finish. Orange is also a common ingredient in mulled wine, so the two share a natural flavour connection.

Cranberry Cheddar

Cranberry Cheddar is another good choice if you prefer a sweeter, fruitier cheese. The tartness of the cranberries adds contrast to the richness of the Cheddar while fitting naturally into the fruity character of mulled wine.

Chuckling Cheese’s Cranberry Cheddar combines Cheddar with cranberries for a sweet but tart flavour and is already positioned as a festive cheeseboard option.

Other Cheeses That Work with Mulled Wine

Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert can provide a creamy contrast to warm, spiced wine, while Gouda or Red Leicester offer a milder, slightly nutty alternative.

If you enjoy stronger flavours, blue cheese can also work, particularly with a sweeter mulled wine. Its saltiness creates a stronger contrast with the fruit and sugar in the drink.

You do not need to serve all at once. For a simple wine and cheese pairing, choose two or three with different characters — for example, Vintage Cheddar for strength, Smoked Cheddar for depth and Orange & Whisky Cheddar for a fruitier festive finish.

How to Serve Cheese and Mulled Wine

Temperature matters: Let cheese reach room temperature before serving for full flavour. Rather than serving everything straight from the fridge, give the cheese a little time to lose its chill before eating.

Arrange your cheeses from mild to strong so softer flavours aren't overwhelmed by a powerful mature or blue cheese.

Keep the extras simple. Crackers or bread provide a neutral base, while dried fruit, nuts or a little chutney can add texture without turning the plate into a completely different Christmas cheeseboard.

And for the mulled wine itself, serve it warm, not boiling. Gentle heating helps preserve the flavours of the wine, fruit and spices.

A Simple Mulled Wine Cheese Plate

You don't need a huge selection. For an easy festive tasting plate, try:

• mature or vintage Cheddar for strength
• smoked Cheddar for a warmer, savoury flavour
• Brie or Camembert for creamy contrast

If you like stronger cheese, add a small piece of blue as a fourth option.

This gives you different flavours and textures without competing with your separate Christmas cheeseboard.

A Christmas Pairing Worth Trying

There’s nothing quite like curling up by the fire, a plate of cheese before you and a glass of spiced wine in hand.

Whether you prefer strong mature Cheddar, smoky flavours or creamy Brie, the best pairing is ultimately the combination that works for your own taste.

Start with two or three contrasting cheeses, keep the accompaniments simple, and let the warm fruit and spice of the mulled wine do the rest.

A Cheesy Christmas to Remember

In the grand symphony of Christmas flavours, cheese and mulled wine are a duet that never goes out of tune. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or indulging in a quiet night by the fire, this pairing brings warmth, comfort, and cheer.  

So, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine, slice into a strong mature or smoky cheddar, and savour the festive magic.  

From everyone at The Chuckling Cheese Company – here's to a warm, joy-filled, and wonderfully cheesy Christmas! 🎄🧀🍷

Explore our Christmas Cheese Collection for seasonal cheeses, gift boxes and hampers.