There are some things in life that are just meant to go together. Wine and cheese are one. Erica Aros, Founder of Erica Aros Wine Education and "Your Friendly Wine Mentor" in Chula Vista, and Joye West, founder of Joye’s Gone Grazey Charcuterie and artisanal cheese and charcuterie expert, got together to offer three perfect pairings for you to drum up at your next get-together.
Joye got into the business of grazing tables and boards because she believes in the power they have to bring people together. Each table and board she crafts is a lovingly curated creation of artisanal cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and indulgent touches that spark conversation and connection. It is so important to her business that it’s encapsulated in her tagline: Creating special moments around LOVE. CONNECTION. CELEBRATION!
Erica Aros is a wine educator and community builder in Chula Vista, whose business purpose is making wine education approachable, engaging, and fun for her community. Her approach is intentionally different from traditional wine education—less intimidating, more conversational, and focused on sharing practical wine knowledge that people can use in their daily lives.
While their businesses are separate from one another, sometimes teaming up just makes sense. Together, their aim is to make wine and cheese a cause for celebration, creating experiences for people that offer connection and contributing to the growing food, beverage, and community culture of the South Bay. You can find them on IG: @joyesgonegrazey and @yourfriendlywinementor.
The Wine and Cheese Experts
This dynamic duo share in their love for celebrations, connections, and bringing people together over delicious cheese and wine. Here, they put together a series of approachable pairings that are sure to elevate your next gathering. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, bridal shower, family gathering, or a cozy night in, these pairings are more than just food and drinks, they are an experience. More importantly, an opportunity for connection.
Prosecco + Double Cream Brie
Perfect for your next brunch, celebratory happy hour, or ladies night bubbles. The luxurious richness of the double cream brie coats your mouth and melts across your palate, while the crisp bubbles of the prosecco slice through the richness, offering a bright and refreshing counterpoint. Each creamy bite and effervescent sip will leave you floating in a sea of lightness, ready for your next taste.
Sauvignon Blanc + Garlic Herb Goat Cheese
This pairing is for those who love a zesty finish. The bright, tangy taste of the goat cheese echoes the signature acidity of Sauvignon Blanc, creating a beautiful balance on your palate. The creamy, soft texture of the chèvre is refreshed by the wine's crisp, refreshing finish, while the garlic and her flavors shine through. Bring this one out at your next party for a show-stopping combo.
Pinot Noir + Gouda
Classy and comfortable, this pairing is a go-to for your next date night or pre-dinner appetizer. Buttery, mild, and delicately creamy, Gouda provides an elegant canvas for Pinot Noir’s lush notes of strawberry and raspberry without overpowering the flavors that come through. The cheese’s gentle sweetness softens the wine’s fruit-forward character, allowing its bright berry flavors to linger beautifully on the palate. A classic combo.
Together, their aim is to make wine and cheese a cause for celebration, creating experiences for people that offer joy and connection while contributing to the growing food, beverage, and community culture of the South Bay.