In today’s hectic world, there is probably no easier, tastier and more affordable way to spend a few sociable hours with friends than by entertaining with cheese and wine. We all have a need to share, and a cheese and wine party is the ideal way to get together and honour our social commitments.

The hostess simply decides beforehand whether the occasion will be large or small, formal or informal, inside or out, and what budget is available. Cheese and wine are so versatile that the possibilities are literally endless.

Successful entertaining

Entertaining friends means sharing precious time that you would possibly not normally spend. While there is no guarantee of success, it is the memory of the occasion, the hospitality and thoughtfulness of presentation that make a lasting impression.

Budget is always important in the planning and presentation of the event. Luckily, success does not necessarily depend on buying the most expensive products. The hostess must decide how much she wants to spend, and then apply the available funds wisely to obtain the best value.

This is where the value of dairy products should not be underestimated. Cheese remains one of our most economical protein foods, and with a little initiative it can be applied in many innovative ways.

The nutritional value of cheese

Besides saving money, time and labour, a cheese and wine party also offers health benefits. One kilogram of Elite Cheddar, for example, contains as much protein as 1,5 kg of red meat, 1,5 kg of fish or 3 dozen eggs, plus many essential vitamins and minerals. Served with wine and such snacks as biscuits, potato chips, bread, dips and salad, cheese can in fact form the main ingredient of a complete, nutritious meal.

Like cheese, wine is one of the oldest natural food types, with health benefits which are only now being properly investigated. Although an entire culture has developed around the tasting and appreciation of wine, you don’t have to be an expert to present or enjoy a cheese and wine party. White and red wines are usually served, but sparkling wine, punch or even fortified wines such as port and sherry may be added. Remember to always provide non-alcoholic drinks as alternatives to allow guests to make their own choice.

Plan for success

The number of guests is important when planning. This determines the quantities of food and drink purchased, where the event will be held, etc.

A table of 2,5 m x 80 cm is sufficient for 25 persons. If there are more guests, simply increase the number of tables accordingly. Tables arranged in a zigzag pattern are more interesting than in a straight line.

To speed up serving, make sure guests can move around the tables. Choose a colour scheme and carry it through in the tablecloths, napkins and table decorations.

An arrangement of fruit on a three-tiered cake stand, in a glass container or vase adds a festive, colourful touch to the cheese and wine table, and can replace or complement a flower arrangement.

The fruit should be clean and edible and could be cut into smaller bite-size portions, or choose smaller fruit such as small bunches of grapes, strawberries, apricots, etc. It is not necessary to provide a portion of fruit for each guest.

White platters, cheese boards or attractive silver or glass platters are equally suitable, depending on how formal or informal your party will be. Always place the cheese board in such a position that it is easy to cut the cheese. Allow two cheese knives per board. If cheese knives are not available, ordinary vegetable knives may be used.

Cheese – the heart of the meal

Approximately 100 g of cheese is recommended per person. In addition to the well-known Cheddar, Gouda and Mature Cheddar, Clover also manufactures a wide variety of other cheeses such as Blaauwkrantz, Edam, Tusser’s, Emmental and a range of Italian cheeses, which are well worth trying. Many imported cheese varieties are also available in the larger centres. Excess is, however, unnecessary. A selection of 6 to 8 types of cheese should be ample.

Place the cheese on the boards in large pieces of 200 g - 400 g and serve at room temperature. Never arrange cheese on lettuce leaves or let it come into contact with cut tomatoes, as it becomes damp and unappetising.

Peppadews™ sweet piquant peppers, fresh herbs, baby tomatoes and other vegetables are all suitable for garnishing, provided they are kept separate from the cheese. Ensure that the vegetables are crisp and fresh, as your guests may want to enjoy them with their cheese.

Remove the wax layer from the tops and bottoms of cheeses such as Gouda and Mature Cheddar, but leave the strips on the sides to facilitate identification and handling.

The edible crust of cheeses such as Camembert and Brie should of course not be removed, and these exotic cheeses may be placed on the cheese board in their foil wrappings.

A few favourites from Clover

Clover manufactures some of the country’s most popular cheeses, and most are available from supermarkets and delicatessens countrywide. A selection from the following Clover favourites will grace any cheese and wine table:

• Zoetvlei Gouda heads - For a large party
• Zoetvlei Baby Gouda - Always recommended
• Elite Baby Edam - Always recommended
• Elite Gouda 300/500 g vacuum pack or 25 g portions - Always recommended
• Elite Cheddar 300/500 g vacuum pack or 25 g portions - Always recommended
• Elite Mature Cheddar or Fox & Crow wedge - Recommended for those who prefer mature Cheddar
• Elite Emmentaler - Always recommended
• Tusser’s 300 g vacuum pack or 25 g portions - Always recommended
• Lichten Blanc low fat or 25 g low fat portions - Recommended for those who prefer cheese with less fat
• Pecorino - Always recommended
• Parmesan - Recommended for those who like a very strong cheese

Recipes

These cocktail treats are easily prepared ahead of the party.

• Cheese and brinjal rolls
• Stuffed Peppadews™ sweet piquant peppers
• Cheese and vegetable kebabs with sour cream dip
• Crostini with toppings
• Spiced nuts
• Easy cheese spread/dip
• Flavoured butter
  

Beverages

White wines are usually served chilled, red wines at (cool) room temperature (18°C). Red wines are opened about an hour before serving to allow them to "breathe". Usually about 40% of the available bottles are placed on the table to facilitate serving and create an attractive appearance.

Allow approximately 350 ml of wine and approximately 300 ml of fruit juice or punch per person. If sparkling wine or fortified wines are served, the quantity of wine may be reduced. Wine in cartons may be poured into glass containers and placed on the table. Remove the empties and replenish regularly. Place the glasses in small groups on the tables. One glass per person is sufficient, but keep a few clean ones in reserve just in case.

Serving

At an informal party, guests pour their own wine and select their own combinations of cheese and biscuits or other accompaniments. Bread may simply be broken by hand, or it may be sliced and even buttered beforehand. Garlic loaves, focaccia, Italian and rye bread are popular. If hot courses are served, planning should obviously allow for plates, cutlery and seating. If preferred, coffee and perhaps something sweet may be served at the end of the party. Good quality chocolate, truffles or strawberries dipped in chocolate or caramel sugar can be served with coffee.

To view the Clover Cheese and Wine Guide, click here.