How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board, Rodney Strong Wine Estates Shows Us How

1- Begin by placing one soft cheese (Brie) one semi soft cheese (Gouda) and one hard cheese (Manchego) onto your wooden board. Slice or dice some of the cheese so that it’s easier for your guests to pick them up them with toothpicks.

2- Add at least 4 types of Italian meats such as Calabrese, Genoa, Prosciutto and Cappacuolo. Fold or roll them to give your charcuterie board some depth, placing them at different spots close to the cheese.

3- Most types of cheese will benefit from something sweet so honey, Jam or fruit spread are a great addition with only a small amount being needed.

4- A selection of olives or olive tapenade are another must-have. A mixture of black and green olives are best.

5- Fresh fruit is a great way to cleanse the palate after so much cheese and meat so strawberries, raspberries, sliced peaches or oranges are some favorites.

6- Finally every charcuterie board needs bread or crackers. These provide easy pick-up of all the delicious items on your board. A baguette is popular but should be lightly toasted along with some salted crackers. Other great add-ins for your charcuterie board can be nuts, raw vegetables, any kind of pickled vegetables, roasted peppers and artichokes in brine or olive oil.

7. Rodney Strong Wine Estates suggests pairing with their Red Blend wines. Their passion is to highlight the unique characteristics of various growing regions within Sonoma County and California, and one way they do this is with their broad spectrum of delicious red blends.