Rustic Vineyard Cheese Grapes (Printable)

Whole grapevines and fresh grapes artfully arranged on young rustic cheese wheels for elegant gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 2 large wheels (about 3.3 lbs each) of young, rustic, unfinished cheese (e.g., tomme, young pecorino, or farmhouse cheese)

→ Fresh Produce

02 - 3 to 4 long, untreated grapevine branches with leaves and stems, washed and dried
03 - 1.1 lbs fresh grapes (red, green, or mixed, left on the stem if possible)

→ Accompaniments (optional)

04 - 1 baguette or rustic country bread, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz assorted nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)
06 - 3.5 oz dried fruits (e.g., figs, apricots)

# Method:

01 - Lay grapevine branches carefully over and around the cheese wheels on a large wooden board or rustic platter, allowing leaves and stems to drape naturally to create a vineyard aesthetic.
02 - Tuck clusters of fresh grapes among the grapevine branches and around the cheese wheels to enhance color and freshness.
03 - Place sliced bread and optional nuts and dried fruits in small piles around the cheese and grapevines.
04 - Serve the assembled board at room temperature. To enjoy, slice the cheese and pair with grapes, bread, and accompaniments as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours planning when it actually takes fifteen minutes, making you look effortlessly sophisticated.
  • The grapevines add an earthy flavor whisper that somehow makes ordinary cheese taste more interesting.
  • People instinctively gather around it like it's alive, turning a simple board into the soul of the table.
02 -
  • Never, ever use grapevines from plants sprayed with pesticides. The leaves will be touching food that touches mouths. When in doubt, ask your farmer or substitute with food-safe grape leaves from a specialty market.
  • Organic, untreated vines make an enormous difference in flavor. I once used regular florist vines thinking no one would eat them directly, but people absolutely grazed on the leaves while talking, and the chemical taste was unmistakable.
03 -
  • For extra flair without extra effort, drizzle one cheese wheel with local honey and the other with exceptional olive oil just before serving. The contrast teaches you something about how condiments change everything.
  • If you can't source long grapevine branches, grape leaves from a Greek or Middle Eastern market work beautifully and taste pleasant if someone nibbles them while considering the cheese.
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