Perfectly Paired with Wanderview Hospitality and Highlands Wine Shoppe

 

Wine and cheese, a pairing as old and honored as time, and the perfect combination of rich, earthy, and wholesome flavors that will elevate any entertaining experience. There’s a reason so many people opt for charcuterie when hosting a gathering – not only are gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and their accouterments mouth-wateringly delicious, but a well-made board offers something for everyone. On the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, we are lucky to have two fantastic sources for all our entertaining needs – Wanderview Hospitality and the Highlands Wine Shoppe.

The brainchild of Cashiers based travelers and international food enthusiasts Juqui Cheatham and her husband Matt Cheatham, Wanderview Hospitality offers exquisitely curated charcuterie boards, boxes, grazing tables, grazing cups, and cones to the people and businesses of the Plateau. Juqui and Matt are also owners of the Wanderview Lodge – a lovely vacation rental located between Cashiers and Highlands. Loaded full of tasty goodness, each one of Wanderview Hospitality’s offerings is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, salty, and meaty flavors, artfully presented in a way that will make anyone stop and stare.

Think intricately folded and cut cured meats, decadent gourmet cheeses of all shapes and sizes, fresh and dried fruits, seasonal vegetables, roasted nuts, salty and tangy olives, delicious dips, sweet, sticky honey, gourmet chocolate, and savory artisanal crackers. The list doesn’t end there, and Wanderview pays special attention to sourcing their produce both seasonally and locally whenever possible. The same goes for their cheeses. Western North Carolina is home to some magnificent cheese producers, and Wanderview always strives to include fresh cheeses from our local creameries. Did we mention the honey from Calm Creek Farm is local too?

No matter the size of the gathering you are hosting or the formality, Wanderview Hospitality has a board, box, or grazing table that will fit the need. From boxes that feed up to five to large boards that feed up to 17, there are plenty of options to keep all your guests satisfied and inspired. The grazing cups and cones are perfect for grab-and-go occasions, and for larger parties and events, a grazing table is a way to go.

 

 

Grazing tables are an incredible custom flat lay option that can be done on a counter or table, depending on your space and includes a dramatic spread of all the same goods found in the boards and boxes with added flourishes that will have all your guests in awe. In this beautiful board created by Wanderview Hospitality for NC Living Magazine, Juqui’s artisanal prowess and incredible charcuterie design skills are on full display. There is a delightful selection of local & seasonal cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, Calm Creek Farm’s Lavender infused honey, macarons, marinated olives, a selection of roasted nuts and fruity FROG Jam from Farmer Don of Deal Produce in Franklin. From classics like Spanish Manchego and Triple Cream Brie to fresh Chevre with honey and Liesel-Alpine Tomme dusted with cocoa from Marshall, NC-based Spinning Spider Creamery, this board was packed full of flavor and the perfect bite of spring.

To place your order for a charcuterie board or box or to speak with Juqui about setting up an elegant grazing table for your next gathering or event, visit their website at Wanderviewhost.com. Not currently on the Plateau? You can also follow their Instagram @Wanderviewnc for charcuterie inspiration and announcements!

With Wanderview Hospitality providing the meats, cheeses, and everything in between, the natural next step is selecting the perfect bottle (or bottles) of luxurious wine, and the Highlands Wine Shoppe is your one shoppe stop. Under the ownership of Stephanie and Steve Miskew since 2022, the Highlands Wine Shoppe is a wonderland for oenophiles (otherwise known as wine connoisseurs), and Stephanie knows a thing or two about what their shoppe has to offer.

An award-winning Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with The Society of Wine Educators, and a Wine Location Specialist for CIVC (Champagne) and IVDP (Port) with The Center for Wine Origins, along with a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Certificate; Stephanie lives and breathes all things wine and gourmet; just check out her blog, The Glamorous Gourmet, dedicated to food, wine, and travel. She is a Fox News Wine and Food contributor and host of the Wine Atelier Podcast, where she shares her insight and knowledge on wine and the industry along with other food and wine professionals.

Highlands Wine Shoppe carries a diverse selection of wine from around the world, offering everything from daily drinkables to hard-to-find collectibles that will impress even the most discerning palate. Visit the shop to experience new flavors through their Sommelier curated tasting machines that serve wine up by the glass! In addition to its diverse selection of wines, the Highlands Wine Shoppe hosts wine tastings with Master Sommeliers and other professionals within the industry, as well as exciting events such as Thirsty Thursday Tastings and Sinatra Sundays.

Keeping it light and bright for spring, NC Living asked Stephanie to share some of her favorite Rosé recommendations from Highlands Wine Shoppe for a fresh and fruity complement to your next charcuterie gathering. “The perfect rosés for Spring are bright and lively with flavors ranging from red berries and rose petals to cherry and blood orange” says Stephanie. “Made from a wide variety of grapes, rosés are always a fun way to explore the wine world. They’re also a natural match for charcuterie and cheese due to their complementary flavors and food-friendly acidity. And when planning any pairings, it’s always fun to follow the classic tenet, “if it grows together, it goes together.”

Visit the Highlands Wine Shoppe at 269 Oak Street to discover new and unique flavors, get fabulous recommendations, and pick up a few bottles of delicious Rosé to enhance your springtime hosting. You can also follow their Instagram @Highlandswine for updates on their wine tastings and events!

CLARENDELLE BORDEAUX ROSÉ

Bordeaux, France ($20.99): Delicate notes of rose water, watermelon and raspberry pastille and a bright acidity make this rosé perfect for Spring! Pair with chèvre (goat cheese) and fresh raspberries for lovely synergy.

BODEGAHIRUZTA TXAKOLINA ROSÉ

Spain ($22.99): Savory notes of red currant, pomegranate and bitter cherry are accompanied by a refreshing spritz in this off the beaten path selection. Pair with silky slices of Jamón ibérico for maximum enjoyment!

DOMAINEDUPEUBLE BEAUJOLAIS ROSÉ

Burgundy, France ($18.99): Crafted from 70-year-old vines, this rosé of Gamay displays rich notes of wild strawberry, red currant, and lavender with a mineral-tinged finish. Perfect for enjoying with a rich, savory paté or Terrine Beaujolais.

REFERENCE POINT ROSÉ

Willamette Valley, Oregon ($19.99): This 100% Pinot Noir rosé is a shop favorite with bright, fruity notes of strawberry, rhubarb, and cherry. A delightful match for classics like peppercorn-studded Genoa Salami or Prosciutto di Parma.

CHATEAU D’ ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ

Provence, France ($39.99): This sister wine to Whispering Angel has a bit more depth and complexity due to a delightful kiss of oak. Creamy notes of peach, citrus and vanilla pair perfectly with flavorful saucisson sec or rillettes.