This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
In recent years, the quiet refinement of wine tastings has found new harmony in the company of an unlikely duo not from France or Italy, but from the sunbaked regions of Spain.
The cheeses are humble in name yet commanding in presence, Manchego and Drunken Goat, the latter known in Spain as Cabra al Vino. Both are suddenly appearing at curated pairings, artisanal gatherings, and sommelier-led tastings across the United States.
Manchego: The Heritage Cheese from La Mancha
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Manchego, crafted from the milk of Manchega sheep, has long been the pride of central Spain. Its firm texture, nutty undertones, and gently grassy finish make it a versatile companion to a variety of wines, particularly earthy reds and full-bodied whites.
Drunken Goat: A Playful Yet Sophisticated Pairing
Drunken Goat, or Cabra al Vino, is as evocative in taste as its name suggests. A semi-soft goat cheese soaked in red wine during the aging process, it develops a violet-hued rind and a subtle wine-kissed tang. Its creamy body contrasts beautifully with its aromatic edge, making it a favored pairing for medium reds and dry rosés.
The American Palate Is Evolving Toward Narrative Pairings
Wine tastings are no longer driven purely by vintage or terroir. Increasingly, guests seek a deeper, more storied experience. Manchego and Drunken Goat offer that narrative each slice a gesture of cultural depth, regional care, and artisanal integrity. Their rise is not about novelty, but about alignment.
Spanish Cheeses Offer an Accessible Introduction to Bold Flavors
For many American tasters, Spanish cheeses strike a rare balance between the familiar and the adventurous. Manchego’s approachable savor and Drunken Goat’s delicate acidity make them excellent entry points for those new to the tasting world.
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Cheesemongers Are Elevating Their Boards With Spanish Character
Across the United States, from boutique wine shops in Oregon to cheese counters in New York, professional cheesemongers are placing Manchego and Drunken Goat front and center. These cheeses offer both visual contrast and textural intrigue.
Spanish Wines Are Benefiting from the Pairing Synergy
Wines such as Garnacha, Albariño, and Mencía once overlooked by mainstream consumers are experiencing a renewed interest thanks to their compatibility with these cheeses. Manchego’s slight saltiness draws out fruitier notes in reds, while Drunken Goat, with its lactic creaminess, provides a counterbalance to minerally whites.
Related Post: 13 Easy Afternoon Tea Treats That Feel More Expensive Than They Are
Chefs Are Designing Courses Around the Cheeses
At intimate wine dinners and regional tasting events, chefs are now building entire courses around Manchego and Drunken Goat. Manchego may be shaved over roasted vegetables or tucked into warm tarts with fig and honey. Drunken Goat often appears in crostini with balsamic or layered into elevated grilled cheeses.
Related Post: 12 Foods That Are Way Better When You Pick Them Yourself
Educational Tastings Are Introducing Their Origins
Sommelier-led sessions now frequently include educational segments on Spanish cheese-making. Tasters are learning about La Mancha’s Denomination of Origin protections and the careful wine-bathing process behind Drunken Goat’s maturation.
Related Post: 10 Sneaky Grocery Tricks That Target Shoppers Over 40
Travel-Inspired Menus Are Driving Curiosity
As culinary tourism gains popularity, so too does the desire to relive travel experiences through food. Visitors returning from Madrid or Barcelona often seek the cheeses they encountered abroad. Manchego and Drunken Goat, widely available yet still steeped in regional character, provide an accessible bridge between memory and mealtime.
Related Post: 13 Graduation Potluck Dishes That Never Get Touched
Grocery Stores Are Following the Trend With Prestige Offerings
Upscale grocery chains in states like California, Texas, and Massachusetts are now stocking premium versions of Manchego and Drunken Goat. These offerings are often placed alongside curated wine selections and even suggested pairings.
Related Post: 10 Ice Cream Trends People Over 40 Just Don’t Get
Their Shelf Stability Makes Them Ideal for Events
Unlike softer or more temperamental cheeses, Manchego and Drunken Goat travel well and hold their flavor beautifully. This reliability makes them perfect for outdoor wine festivals, vineyard picnics, and catered receptions. Hosts value their consistent performance and crowd-pleasing appeal, while guests remember their subtle elegance long after the glass has been set down.
Related Post: 10 Things Grocery Stores Don’t Want You To Do On Memorial Day Weekend
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Spanish Cheeses Offer a Refreshing Break From French Tradition
While French cheeses have long dominated the American imagination, a quiet shift is underway. Manchego and Drunken Goat introduce a different kind of sophistication, one less concerned with tradition and more aligned with expression. Their flavors are bold but balanced, their stories rich but unpretentious.
Related Post: Dear Friend: Your Kids Will Remember The Laughs, Not The Lunches
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
The popularity of Manchego and Drunken Goat cheese is not merely a passing trend, but a sign of evolving taste, one shaped by curiosity, appreciation, and a desire for substance over spectacle. As more Americans discover these cheeses at wine tastings and bring them home with intention, they reinforce a quiet truth: the best pairings are those that whisper stories while filling the senses.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
What No One Told You About the Cheese Culture In These American Cities
Cheese, in all its delicate, decadent forms, tells a story far richer than most grocery aisles suggest. Across America, from creameries tucked into green hillsides to bustling cheese counters in urban food halls, there exists a culture as textured and regional as the dialects of its people.
But unlike wine or coffee, whose rituals are endlessly romanticized, cheese culture remains partly hidden, woven into communities, shaped by history, and quietly treasured by those who know where to look.
Read it here: What No One Told You About the Cheese Culture In These American Cities
How to Save $100+ Every Month at the Grocery Store
From planning your meals to avoiding sneaky upcharges in the snack aisle, here’s a realistic guide to trimming your food budget without adding stress to your week.
Read it here: Things Moms Waste Money On (and Don’t Even Know It)
Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
You’ll love these related posts:
- 10 Unbelievable Food Show Feuds That Shook The Culinary World
- 11 Restaurants Where The Food Isn’t The Only Thing You’ll Want To Snap
- 13 Fast Food Chains That Are Weirdly Better In Drive Thru Than Dine In
- 14 Under-The-Radar Restaurants That Will Blow Your Mind With Their Instagrammable Decor
- 10 Food Show Cooking Hacks That Will Change The Way You Cook Forever