South Oxfordshire, known for its beautiful landscapes, historic villages, and thriving food culture, is also a fantastic destination for wine and cheese enthusiasts. As spring approaches, there's no better time to explore the perfect pairings of local wines and cheeses. Whether you’re planning a leisurely afternoon in a countryside vineyard or indulging in the finest artisanal cheeses at a local shop, South Oxfordshire offers plenty of opportunities for a delicious experience. Here’s your guide to wine and cheese in this picturesque corner of England.

1. Discover Local Wines: A Taste of Oxfordshire’s Vineyards

South Oxfordshire is home to several excellent vineyards that produce a variety of wines. As the area’s wine industry has grown, it’s becoming known for its crisp whites, refreshing rosés, and increasingly popular sparkling wines. Some vineyards even host events, tastings, and tours throughout the year, allowing you to get an in-depth look at the wine-making process. Here are some vineyards you won’t want to miss:

• Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery (Turville): A family-run estate in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, Chiltern Valley is one of the most famous vineyards in the area. The estate produces a variety of award-winning wines, from rich reds to light, crisp whites. They offer wine tastings and tours where you can sample some of their finest wines and learn about their sustainable winemaking practices.
• Brightwell Vineyard (Wallingford): This beautiful vineyard is nestled near Wallingford and produces a delightful selection of white and red wines. Brightwell Vineyard is known for its charming setting and excellent tasting experience. It’s the perfect place to sip on some local wine while enjoying stunning views of the Oxfordshire countryside.

2. Local Cheese: A Journey Through South Oxfordshire’s Best Cheese Makers

No wine is complete without a delectable cheese to accompany it. South Oxfordshire boasts some of the best artisanal cheesemakers in the country, with many producing cheese using time-honoured methods and local ingredients. The area’s cool, temperate climate provides the perfect environment for making delicious cheeses. Here are some cheese highlights:

• The Oxford Cheese Company: Located in Oxford, this artisanal cheese shop stocks a wide variety of cheeses, both local and international. It’s a great place to explore some of the region’s finest cheeses, including their own handmade cheeses like the Oxford Blue—a rich and creamy blue cheese—and the Oxford Isis, a soft, smooth cheese that’s perfect for pairing with a crisp white wine.
• The Real Cheese Company (Henley-on-Thames): This family-run shop is dedicated to bringing the best of British cheeses to the region. They offer an extensive selection of handmade, award-winning cheeses. Some of the standouts include the traditional Stilton, creamy Cornish Yarg, and the wonderfully rich Montgomery’s Cheddar. A visit here will provide you with some of the best cheese pairings for your South Oxfordshire wine adventure.
• River Cottage Dairy (Abingdon): A short drive from Oxford, River Cottage Dairy produces a wide range of organic cheeses, many of which are made from the milk of local cows, sheep, and goats. Their farmhouse cheeses are known for their excellent quality and distinctive flavors, which perfectly complement local wines.

3. Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings for Spring

Now that you’ve discovered some great local wines and cheeses, it’s time to explore how to pair them. Wine and cheese pairing is an art, but it’s also incredibly fun. As spring brings in lighter, brighter days, the perfect pairings are often fresh, vibrant, and balanced. Here are a few wine and cheese combinations that will bring the best of South Oxfordshire’s flavors together:

• White Wine & Oxford Isis: The crisp and citrusy notes of a chilled Oxfordshire white wine, like the ones from Brightwell Vineyard, pair wonderfully with the Oxford Isis cheese. The smooth and creamy texture of the cheese complements the refreshing acidity of the white wine, making it a delightful match.
• Sparkling Wine & Chiltern Valley’s White Wine & Stilton: A rich Stilton, like the one from The Oxford Cheese Company, is perfect when paired with a sparkling white wine from Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery. The effervescence of the sparkling wine balances the creamy, tangy taste of the Stilton, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Red Wine & Montgomery’s Cheddar: For a heartier combination, pair a robust red wine, like a local Pinot Noir, with a sharp and tangy Montgomery’s Cheddar. The depth of flavor in the cheese complements the rich complexity of the red wine.

4. Wine and Cheese Tastings: Experience the Best of South Oxfordshire

For a truly immersive experience, why not indulge in a wine and cheese tasting? Several venues across South Oxfordshire offer the opportunity to enjoy guided tastings with expert sommeliers and cheesemongers. These events provide the chance to try local wines and cheeses while learning more about the origins and production of each.

• Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery Tastings: This vineyard hosts regular wine and cheese tasting events where guests can sample a selection of wines alongside a variety of local cheeses. The tastings often include a tour of the vineyard, offering insight into the winemaking process.
• The Oxford Cheese Company Tasting Events: The Oxford Cheese Company offers expert-led tasting sessions where visitors can enjoy a curated selection of local cheeses and wines, learning the best pairings from their experienced staff. These events are perfect for those who are new to the world of wine and cheese or seasoned enthusiasts looking to refine their palate.
• Henley Food and Drink Festival (Spring Edition): If you’re visiting in late March, Henley-on-Thames is home to a seasonal food and drink festival featuring local wines, cheeses, and other culinary delights. It’s the perfect place to experience the best of Oxfordshire’s wine and cheese in a festive and fun atmosphere.

5. Take Your Wine and Cheese Home: Local Shops to Visit

After a day of tasting and pairing, you might want to take a little piece of South Oxfordshire home with you. Luckily, there are plenty of local shops where you can purchase the wines and cheeses you’ve tasted.

• The Vineyard Shop (Wallingford): A lovely shop that sells a selection of wines from local vineyards, including wines from Brightwell Vineyard and Chiltern Valley Winery. You can also pick up local cheeses and other locally sourced produce.
• Henley Fine Wines: Located in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, this shop offers a fantastic selection of wines, including local labels. It’s a great place to pick up a bottle of South Oxfordshire wine to take home.
• The Real Cheese Company (Henley-on-Thames): Pick up your favorite cheeses and enjoy the best of South Oxfordshire in your own home. They also offer cheese hampers, making it easy to share the local flavors with friends and family.

6. Conclusion: Celebrate Spring with Wine, Cheese, and South Oxfordshire’s Charm

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a relaxing afternoon with a glass of wine and a slice of cheese, South Oxfordshire has something for everyone. From vineyard tours to artisanal cheese shops and wine tastings, the area provides a wealth of opportunities to indulge in the finest local wines and cheeses. If you’re planning to visit the area, consider staying at a local property with Pass the Keys, offering a variety of charming homes and cottages to make your experience even more special. So, gather your friends, sip on local wine, savor delicious cheeses, and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of South Oxfordshire this spring!