Wine and cheese pairings might seem kind of fussy, but don't go knocking it until you try it. With the help of your taste buds, you'll soon find how sublime a great pairing can be.

Here is Sivani's crash course in putting together complementary pairs of wine and cheese:

1. Salty cheese? Choose a crisp or sweet wine. For instance, we suggest pairing a platter of olives and divine feta cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc, and you can't do better for a Roquefort than to give it a glass of Port!

2. Sweet cheese? Your wine should be somewhat edgy. If you want to serve a Wensleydale cheese with embedded cranberry, reach for a Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Also keep in mind that you want your wine and cheese to both be at the proper temperature for serving. This will ensure that you get the best possible result where taste is concerned. If you're purchasing your delights in a deli or wine shop, ask at the counter for information on what the best way to serve is.

4. Try to pair wines and cheeses from the same country, and from the same region, if possible. This is the best shortcut to wonderful pairings, since natives have likely been pairing the wine and cheese you select for centuries.

Don't be afraid to try combinations until you get it just right. If you have a luxury delicatessan in your area, chances are good that they'll let you try out some sample. Feel free to experiment. There are no hard-and-fast rules. And after all, what could be so bad about testing delicious cheeses and luxurious wines? Absolutely nothing.