Rustic vineyard cheese display

# Components:

→ Cheese

01 - 2 large wheels (approx. 3.3 lb each) of young, rustic, unfinished cheese (e.g., tomme, young pecorino, or farmhouse cheese)

→ Fresh Produce

02 - 3–4 long, untreated grapevine branches with leaves and stems, washed and dried

03 - 1.1 lb fresh grapes (red, green, or mixed), preferably left on the stem

→ Accompaniments (optional)

04 - 1 baguette or rustic country bread, sliced

05 - 3.5 oz assorted nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)

06 - 3.5 oz dried fruits (e.g., figs, apricots)

# Method:

01 - Drape the grapevine branches over and around the cheese wheels on a large wooden board or rustic platter, allowing leaves and stems to fall naturally for an authentic vineyard display.

02 - Nestle clusters of fresh grapes among the vines and encircling the cheese wheels to enhance color and freshness.

03 - Organize sliced bread and optional nuts and dried fruits in small piles around the cheese and grapevine arrangement.

04 - Present at room temperature. To serve, slice cheese and pair with grapes, bread, and accompaniments as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It looks like you've put in hours of work when you've barely touched your hands to anything.
There's no cooking involved, so you can prepare it while actually enjoying your guests instead of hiding in the kitchen.
The combination of creamy cheese, fresh grapes, and earthy vines feels both rustic and luxurious at the same time.

02 -

Use only organic, untreated grapevines—pesticide residue will linger on the leaves and defeat the whole point of this rustic, clean presentation.
If you can't find actual vine branches, grape leaves work fine, but the dish loses some of its sculptural drama and that earthy, slightly fermented smell that makes people pause before eating.

03 -