Perfect Pairs to Please in Reno/Tahoe

Dyadic wine and cheese in Reno/Tahoe

Rae + Troy Matthews | Elevation Eats

Wine and cheese may be the two most perfectly paired foods on Earth. Most of us have a sense of what kind of wine we prefer (or can at least fake our way through a tasting), but do you know what cheese goes with your glass? Finding which bite of brie or blue is best with your bottle can be quite the experiment, as the flavors of both will play off of each other dramatically. Here are some great places around Reno/Tahoe to test your palate.

Savory South Lake Tahoe

Our first stop is at the stylish Jimmy’s Restaurant at The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa. This elegant spot sits waterside near the casino corridor. With one of the best wine lists in town, you’ll be sure to find something new and different. They serve a chef ’s selected cheese platter at lunch and happy hour, but for a real cheesy delight try the kataifi-wrapped feta, topped with raisin oregano dressing and Greek organic honey, with a dry Riesling. thelandingtahoe.com

Restaurant Trokay (Jess Steinfelds) in Truckee

The Coachman Hotel brings an urban flavor to the mountains. The chic lobby offers wine, beer, coffee and an assortment of games to hotel guests and drop-ins alike. They have a selection of tapas that includes a generous cheese platter. Try a Sangiovese with either cheddar or gouda. coachmantahoe.com

New to the area, Tahoe Pourhouse, offers a very user-friendly selection of wine on tap. If you are uncertain of your wine preferences and don’t want an eager employee watching as you make your way through a tasting (and try to come up with knowledgeable sounding adjectives) then this is a great way to taste wine, uninhibited. You’ll be charged by the ounce so you can try a little bit of everything. They offer a chef ’s choice cheese platter. See which savory red you like best with the blue. tahoepourhouse.com

For a little bit of everything, stop by The Cork & More. Part deli, part bistro, part bakery, part gift shop, but mostly a one-stop shop for wine, cheese and charcuterie, you’ll find everything you’re looking for (and then some) at this local favorite. thecorkandmore.com

Tahoe Pourhouse in South Lake Tahoe

Tangy Tahoe City

Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro is an intimate spot in Tahoe City that boasts one of the best views on the lake. Lauded by Bon Appétit, their expansive wine list covers the gamut of flavors and price points. From this sunny vantage point, a dry rose paired with a mild brie would be hard to beat. christyhill.com

Tahoe Pourhouse in South Lake Tahoe

Tannic Truckee

Trokay in Truckee brings fine dining excellence to Tahoe. They take great pride in their American-sourced cheese selection. In addition to one of the most innovative menus in the area, including an enticing chef ’s choice menu, they have an extensive list of dessert wines. They even offer classes in cheese tasting. This would be a delightful spot for a tawny port paired with a hard, salty cheese such as a Parmigiano-Reggiano (and a bite of chocolate). restauranttrokay.com

Jammy Genoa

For a special treat, visit The Pink House in Genoa. This historic building is now the home of one of the most charming spots in Reno/ Tahoe. Their cheese selection includes hard-to-find European favorites. I recommend ordering the wine sampler and then letting their cheese monger choose a selection of cheeses for you. The cheese platter also comes with honey and fruit to pair with your cheese, so along with the wine you will have endless combinations of flavor. thepinkhousegenoa.com

Refined Reno

Liberty Food & Wine Exchange believes in the power of the local food community to bring people together, so bring your friends to share cheese and swap stories. Their cheese selection includes cow, goat and sheep, so try a little goat cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc for a taste of fall. libertyfoodandwine.com

Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in Reno

Fine Vines pairs wine and cheese with music and fun. There is a constant rotation of live music, comedy, karaoke and more. On Thursday evenings they even offer a free wine tasting with a purchase of a bottle or glass. finevines.net

For a truly refined experience, you can indulge in your wine and cheese while lounging artadjacent at chez louie, located inside the Nevada Museum of Art. Their cheese platter offers a smorgasbord of flavors and nibbles. I recommend going full French and ordering the companion country terrine and chicken liver pate platter and a bottle of Bordeaux. Pinkies up! chez-louie.com

The Cork & More in South Lake Tahoe

Wine and cheese together makes any social occasion better. Calling all novices and aficionados alike to grab their friends and explore the gustatory possibilities that Reno/Tahoe has to offer.