Over the generations beer has had the reputation of being a lesser drink while wine is aimed at those with more sophisticated tastes and styles. But with the popularity of microbreweries beer is becoming a more sophisticated beverage that is gaining in popularity on wine even at some of the finest restaurants. Now beer is slowly starting to be pared up next to cheese boards at an elegant gathering.
Belgian cuisine has always pared fine cheeses with a good brew but now in countries such as Italy this combination is becoming more prevalent. To many it is shocking that some of these countries that never considered beer a beverage to be served with fine food is changing their point of view on this drink.
While beer may be trying to change its reputation to match that of wine it does not seem to be hurting wine sales in the least. A recent report showed that despite the poor economic numbers all around the world sales of wine is still up for yet another year. So do not be surprised if at your next wine and cheese party you find a quality beer next to the cheese board alongside a fine wine.