How to Host a Budget-Friendly Wine and Cheese Night
Hosting a wine and cheese night doesn’t have to break the bank! With a little creativity, you can throw a classy yet affordable wine and cheese night that will impress your friends. Here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen!
The perfect budget-friendly cheese board.
🍷 Budget-Friendly Wine & Cheese Pairings
You don’t need expensive bottles to impress your guests. Here are some affordable pairings that work beautifully:
I couldn’t make it any easier to find affordable wine and cheese options, if I do say so myself.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
If you are in Ontario, check LCBO "Value Picks".
If you are outside of Ontario, check out your local wine shop for sales and reach for local wines.
Consider boxed wine or the larger 1500 ml bottles for larger groups!
Opt for cheese sampler packs or buy from the bulk cheese section.
Add affordable extras like popcorn (truffle salt + parmesan), grapes, nuts, and crackers.
🍽 Snacks & Extras (Beyond Cheese & Wine)
It is always good to add some extra food beside cheese so that everyone has options. This also helps round out the overall menu.
Fancy Popcorn Bar – Buttered, white cheddar, or caramel popcorn.
Caprese Skewers – Grape tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on toothpicks.
Charcuterie on a Budget – Affordable meats like salami, prosciutto, or turkey pepperoni.
Dips & Spreads – Hummus, tapenade, or a honey drizzle for contrast.
DIY Dessert – Mini brownies or store-bought macarons for an elegant touch.
Shopping
Want a shopping list to make this even easier? I got you. Check out my shopping lists below:
A wine and cheese shopping list for everything you are going to need.
This shopping list is for extra munchies to round out the night.
What’s Next?
You have your shopping list and you’ve gone shopping. What ‘s next? The next step is to make a plan and then execute it. Having a plan in place before a party or any kind get together is very important. If you don’t have a plan things will spiral into chaos quickly. Believe me, I write from experience. Good thing for you I already have a plan made up for this event.
Write down your step list on a plan and check things off as you complete each task.
Party Timeline
Below is my step by step plan to put together the perfect wine and cheese night. Once you have done your shopping you can implement this plan for a smooth setup.
1 Day Before:
-Chill wine
-Prep cheese board (slice hard cheeses in advance)
- Make a playlist and test your speakers
1 Hour Before:
-Arrange wine & cheese station
-Set up the extra food
-Light candles & dim the lights for cozy vibes
Show Time!
-Welcome guests with a glass of Prosecco (FYI, Prosecco is the perfect aperitif!)
-Enjoy the wine & cheese pairings with your guests.
I put the budget-friendly wine and cheese night to the test for an Oscar viewing party this year. I had Oscar ballets and Bingo cards.
That’s a Wrap! With this simple and budget-friendly plan, you’ll host a fabulous and delicious wine and cheese night! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to see your setups! Tag me on Instagram @jennval_winegal with your photos.
Would you like a downloadable checklist? Let me know in the comments!