A guide to vegetarian cheese and wine pairings — finding rennet-free cheeses and matching them with wine for a vegetarian-friendly board.
For vegetarians, building a cheese-and-wine board takes an extra step: many traditional cheeses are made with animal rennet. The good news is that excellent vegetarian cheeses abound, and they pair with wine just as beautifully. Here's a guide to vegetarian cheese and wine pairings.
The Rennet Issue
Many traditional cheeses are made using rennet, an enzyme traditionally derived from the stomachs of young animals, which means they're not strictly vegetarian. However, much cheese today is made with vegetarian alternatives — microbial rennet or fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), both non-animal. The key for vegetarians is to check the label or ask, as the same type of cheese (say, cheddar) may be made with animal or vegetarian rennet by different producers. Cheeses set with acid (like paneer, ricotta, and some fresh cheeses) avoid rennet entirely.
Finding Vegetarian Cheeses
To build a vegetarian cheese board, look for cheeses labeled "suitable for vegetarians" or made with "microbial" or "vegetable" rennet, or fresh cheeses set with acid. Many supermarket and artisan cheeses now specify this. Note that some famous PDO cheeses (like Parmigiano-Reggiano and traditional Manchego) are made with animal rennet by their rules, so vegetarians should seek alternatives or vegetarian-made versions. A good cheesemonger can point you to vegetarian options across all styles.
Vegetarian Cheeses Across Styles
You can build a full, varied vegetarian board: many cheddars, Goudas, and territorial cheeses are available rennet-free; fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, paneer, goat cheese, feta (check the brand), and cream cheese are often vegetarian; and many soft, blue, and Alpine-style cheeses have vegetarian versions. With a little label-reading, vegetarians need not miss out on any cheese style.
Pairing Them with Wine
Once you have your vegetarian cheeses, the wine pairing follows the same principles as any cheese pairing — match intensity, balance richness with acidity, and complement or contrast flavors. Crisp whites with fresh and goat cheeses; sparkling wine with creamy cheeses; bold reds with aged cheeses; sweet wines with blues. The rennet question affects the cheese, not the pairing logic, so all the usual wine-and-cheese wisdom applies.
A Sample Vegetarian Board and Pairings
A vegetarian cheese-and-wine board might include: a fresh goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc; a vegetarian brie with Champagne; a vegetarian aged cheddar or Gouda with a bold red; a vegetarian blue with a sweet wine; and a fresh mozzarella or ricotta with a crisp white. Add fruit, nuts, honey, and bread (all naturally vegetarian) to round it out. The result is a complete, satisfying board with no animal rennet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't all cheeses vegetarian?
Many traditional cheeses use animal rennet (from animal stomachs). Vegetarian cheeses use microbial or fermentation-produced rennet, or are set with acid.
How do I find vegetarian cheese?
Look for labels saying "suitable for vegetarians" or "microbial/vegetable rennet," or choose acid-set fresh cheeses like ricotta, paneer, and many mozzarellas.
Does vegetarian cheese pair with wine differently?
No — the rennet affects the cheese, not the pairing. Match vegetarian cheeses with wine using the same principles as any cheese.