Toscano with Syrah: Trader Joe’s Holiday Star

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If there’s one cheese that deserves a spot on every holiday table, it’s Trader Joe’s Creamy Toscano soaked in Syrah. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why this wine-washed beauty has become a cult favorite—and why it might just be your new December must-have. We’ll talk about what Toscano cheese actually *is*, how Syrah transforms its flavor, and why the pairing works so shockingly well.

I’m also digging into how Trader Joe’s sources cheeses like this (yes, small makers really are involved), plus a little cheese-world lore, fun facts, and everything I’ve learned from tasting this one for years.

Then we get into the good stuff: holiday pairings that make this cheese shine on festive boards, and—because balance—my “girl dinner/rat in the kitchen” pairings for the nights when you’re eating cheese straight from the fridge while wrapping presents.

Whether you’re building a party board or sneaking a midnight snack, this is the cozy, wine-soaked cheese episode you didn’t know you needed.

References:

Cheese
Creamy Toscano Soaked in Syrah

Pairings
Meia-Dúzia spreads from Portugal
Au Honey
Blake's Chocolate

Websites
Syrah - Wine Folly
Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese Spread & Dip - Trader Joes
Say cheese! A quick tour through Tuscan cheeses - Visit Tuscany