Vegan Cheese and Wine Pairing

Join us for a one-of-a-kind sensory experience this summer as New York Kitchen’s beverage educator Shomari Smoak partners with Ali Lawrence, the visionary behind Spirit and Abundance, to elevate your cheese and wine pairing experience. This immersive tasting class is designed to surprise and delight both longtime vegans and the vegan-curious alike.

Ali Lawrence is a trailblazer in the plant-based culinary world, known for her refined, artisanal approach to vegan cheese. Through Spirit and Abundance, Ali uses traditional cheese cultures and nut-based fermentation techniques to craft cheeses that rival their dairy-based counterparts in texture, complexity, and depth of flavor. These aren’t your average vegan alternatives—these are aged, spreadable, meltable, and deeply flavorful cheeses that reflect time-honored methods and a bold creative edge.

From soft and creamy to sharp and umami-rich, Ali’s cheeses are infused with various herbs and spices that makes each bite a robust experience. The result? Cheeses that are texturally stunning, incredibly pairable with New York’s best wines, and rich enough to satisfy even the most devout cheese lovers.

Whether you’re a plant-based pro or simply curious, this class is an invitation to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of unexpected flavor. Sip, savor, and discover how vegan cheese and wine can create a symphony of pairings that are at once elegant, earthy, and unforgettable.

Bring your friends, your family, or a group of curious foodies for an experience that’s as communal as it is delicious. This is your chance to learn, taste, and elevate your next charcuterie board, dinner party, or wine night—the Spirit and Abundance way.