If you love cheese as much as I do then I must warn you, this post might make you a little jealous. I recently had the opportunity to attend an event that was all about cheese. Ok, there was tennis too, but honestly the cheese stole the show……
Thank you to our friends at Cheeses of Europe for sponsoring this post. 

If you were to ask me what my favorite food in the world is, without hesitation I would tell you CHEESE! I love cheese, all kinds of cheeses. So I was very excited to attend the VIP wine and cheese event hosted by Cheeses of Europe at the Winston Salem Open. I’m a fan of tennis and I was excited to catch the match up close and in person, but really it was the cheese that drew me in.

Cheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsI loved the set-up that Cheeses of Europe created for this event. Walking in we were instantly greeted with a team of friendly cheese experts to help guide us through the display of cheeses and offer samples of each kind. I downloaded the Cheeses of Europe app so I could follow along and note my favorites as we explored the varieties.

Cheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsCheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsCheeses of Europe

We started our cheese tour with Mimolette, a brilliant orange cheese that is quite eye catching and equally tasty. Mimolette has a sharp, nutty taste with a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with a rustic red wine or ale.

Cheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsNext up on our tasting tour, Brie. I’m very familiar with this soft and creamy favorite. It’s called the King of Cheeses for it’s popularity and it’s taste and texture make it the perfect spread for bread or crackers. Brie goes great with light, fruity red wines or crisp whites.

Cheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsCheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsMake it Magnifique

Comté came next on our cheese sampling experience. This hard cheese has a complex nutty, fruity flavor with sweet hints of apricot and chocolate. It’s a great melting cheese and makes a delicious sandwich or fondue.  Enjoy Comté with a dry white or light red wine.

Secrets de fromage

The last two cheeses we tasted are two I’m a big fan of and often enjoy at home whether I’m making a meal for myself or entertaining friends. Goat cheese and Bleu cheese are staples in our fridge, I love adding them to salads or simply spread over crackers or fresh bread. Our wonderful, knowledgable host noted that Bleu cheese is often the most popular at tastings and events. The bright flavor and pungent scent make it a memorable, flavorful cheese that adds intensity to burgers and tastes delicious with apples, on salads or toast. It’s best enjoyed with sweet dessert wines, strong reds, or a rich dark beer.

Want to know more about all the wonderful Cheeses of Europe: where to find them, how to pronounce and tasty recipe ideas you can try at home? Download the Cheeses of Europe App or visit their website at cheesesofeurope.com

 

 

 

 

 

Cheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedeventsCheeses of Europe VIP Tasting Winston Salem US Open Tennis - Misty Nelson, frostedblog frostedevents.com @frostedevents