The Ultimate Charcuterie Board for Washington Red Wines

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

Washington State produces some of the best bold red wines in the country.

From powerful Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon to peppery Walla Walla Syrah and velvety Horse Heaven Hills Merlot, Washington reds are known for rich fruit, structure, and balance. And one of the easiest ways to elevate those wines at home is with a thoughtfully built charcuterie board.

The good news? Pairing wine with food does not need to feel intimidating.

A great charcuterie board simply combines salty, creamy, sweet, crunchy, and savory elements that soften tannins, highlight fruit flavors, and make the wine feel more balanced.

Here’s why each element on this board works so well with Washington red wines.

Smoked Gouda

The smokiness in smoked gouda mirrors the oak, spice, and subtle smoke often found in Washington Syrah.  In fact, this is one of my favorite pairings is a smoked Gouda with a Washington Syrah!

Best with:

• Syrah – of course!

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Bold Washington red blends

Double Cream Brie

It was only recently that I learned the difference between Brie, Double Cream Brie, and Triple Cream Brie.  Double cream and tripe cream have extra cream added, which seems obvious to me now, just look at the name of the cheese (face palm). But what I really notice is the creamy, velvety texture of a double cream and triple cream. 

Creamy cheeses are one of the best ways to balance the tannins in a red wine, and I love the texture of the double cream.

Best with:

• Merlot

• Cabernet Franc blends

• Cabernet Sauvignon

Add a little fig jam or blackberry on top and the pairing becomes even better! 

Prosciutto

The salt and richness of prosciutto help bold reds taste softer and fruitier.

Best with:

• Merlot

• Cabernet Franc

• Medium-bodied Washington blends

Dried Apricots

Sweet dried fruit creates contrast with dry red wines while amplifying ripe fruit characteristics already present in the glass.

Best with:

• Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM-style) blends

• Merlot

This is one of those pairings that surprises people because of how dramatically it changes the wine.

Plus – it ads a beautiful color to the spread!

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is bold, salty, creamy, and intense — exactly what powerful Washington reds need.

The salt softens tannins while the creaminess balances structure.

Best with:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Petit Verdot blends

A small bite alongside a sip of Cabernet completely changes the experience.

Calabrese

Calabrese salami brings spice and richness that pair beautifully with peppery Washington Syrah.

Best with:

• Syrah

• Rhône-style blends

• GSM blends

The spice in the meat amplifies black pepper and dark fruit notes in the wine.

Salami

Classic salami is one of the easiest charcuterie pairings because the fat and salt naturally soften tannins.

Best with:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Merlot

• Columbia Valley red blends

Blackberries

Blackberries naturally mirror the dark fruit flavors found in many Washington reds.

Best with:

• Syrah

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Malbec blends

Pairing similar flavors together creates a seamless tasting experience.

Marcona Almonds

Marcona almonds are softer and more buttery than traditional almonds, making them ideal with structured red wines.

Best with:

• Merlot

• Tempranillo

• Cabernet blends

Their richness helps balance tannins without overpowering the wine. 

Pick some up at Walmart and have a little luxury on your board without breaking the bank!

Dried Dates

Dates bring concentrated sweetness and caramel flavors that pair beautifully with oak-aged Washington reds.

Best with:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Syrah

• Barrel-aged blends

This pairing often highlights mocha, vanilla, and dark cherry notes in the wine.

Bonus:  A super easy upgrade – stuff a dried date with blue cheese!  You’re welcome!

Aged White Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is one of the best pairings for bold Washington reds because it has enough intensity to stand up to structured wines.

Best with:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Syrah

• Red Mountain blends

The savory sharpness makes the wine taste smoother and richer.

Candied Pecans

Candied pecans bring sweetness, spice, crunch, and richness — all elements that work beautifully with Washington reds.

Best with:

• Merlot

• Syrah

• Cabernet blends

The slight sweetness makes dark fruit flavors in the wine feel even more pronounced.

They are super easy to make, and in my opinion, taste a lot better than store bought and much more cost friendly.  You can find the candied pecan recipe I use here: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/candied-pecans/

Fig Jam

Fig jam bridges savory and sweet flavors while enhancing dark fruit characteristics in bold reds.

Best with:

• Brie and Merlot

• Blue cheese and Cabernet Sauvignon

• Aged cheddar and Syrah

It is one of the easiest ways to make a charcuterie board feel elevated. This Dalmatia Fig Spread is my first choice for grazing boards.

Final Thoughts

A few intentional combinations of cheese, cured meats, fruit, nuts, and preserves can completely transform the way a wine tastes.

And honestly, that is what Experience 46 Degrees is all about — helping people slow down, gather around the table, and enjoy Washington wine in a way that feels comfortable rather than intimidating.