About Dessert Wines

A sweet wine is one that contains enough residual sugar to be considered too sweet for dinner (= 5% RS). Some of these wines are naturally sweet, while others are fortified. Examples of the former category include Auslese from Germany or passito from Italy, while fortified sweet wines include port as well as sweet sherries such as PX.

Alcoholic levels vary with these sweet wines, from 5.5% for a Moscato d'Asti from Italy to 20% with a port or sherry. Colors range from light amber to deep gold for a non-fortified sweet wine, such as Riesling; these wines have aromas of honey, caramel and tropical fruits.

There are also sweet liqueurs, such as cream-based or fruit-based, produced from any number of fruits from raspberries and cherries to peaches and bananas.

Top Picks for Dessert Wines

Weis Vineyards 2020 Noble Select Riesling
95 points
$109
A delicious, round and welcoming sweet wine that will be fantastic with cheeses and desserts.
Weis Vineyards 2019 Ice Wine Riesling
95 points
$59
A bright and juicy ice wine with mouthwatering acidity for spicy foods or cocktails.
Awards: 2022 Best Ice Wine
City Winery 2020 Vin De Glaciere Uva Blanca Vineyard Riesling
94 points
$28
An unctuous, balanced, and delicious sweet wine that will be great with desserts and cheeses.
Il Duca NV Rosso Luxury Semi-Sweet Sparkling Red Wine Brachetto
94 points
$12
Best Buy
A very tasty, spot-on Lambrusco-like, Brachetto with nice layers and zippy acidity to hold it all together.
Awards: 2022 Best Sparkling Sweet Wine
94 points $12 Best Buy
Stella Rosa NV LOriginale Black Semi-Sweet Flavored Wine Italy
94 points
$13
Best Buy
Perfect to serve with a summer dessert cheese course and fruit.
Awards: 2022 Best Sparkling Sweet Flavored Wine
94 points $13 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2017 Ice Wine Riesling
94 points
$59
A delicious, spot-on ice wine with great flavor, balance, and intensity; will be excellent with cheese plates.
Chateau Chantal 2020 Estate Ice Wine Old Mission Peninsula
93 points
$90
Grab the bleu cheese with the fruit and nut platter; this is a wonderful dessert wine in the finest European tradition.
Stella Rosa NV Blueberry Flavored Wine Italy
93 points
$13
Best Buy
Well balanced flavor and structure to hold the sweetness; an excellent option for all of your summer grilling or waterside activities.
93 points $13 Best Buy
Wagner Vineyards 2021 Ice Riesling
92 points
$29
A juicy and satisfying dessert wine with great flavor and balance.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Iced Wine Frozen After Harvest
Wagner Vineyards 2022 Ice Vidal
92 points
$29
A juicy and toothsome sweet wine with fine balance and style.