About Fortified Wines

A fortified wine is one in which a neutral alcoholic spirit or grape brandy has been added to increase the alcoholic level. Famous examples include port, sherry and vermouth.

When the brandy or neutral spirit is added, alcohol increased from 14% to a level between 18% to 20%, taking them out of the table wine category. Fortified wines in many countries are thus taxed at a higher rate than table wines.

Top Picks for Fortified Wines

White Pine 2023 Mirage Reserve Lake Michigan Shore
95 points
$19
Best Buy
White Pine
2023 Mirage Reserve Lake Michigan Shore
A lively and well-balanced domestic port wine with great flavor, versatility and style.
95 points $19 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Acquilano Wine Cellars 2023 Forza Finger Lakes
93 points
$30
Acquilano Wine Cellars
2023 Forza Finger Lakes
Juicy rich berry flavor with integrated alcohol and a lingering finish make this a great wine to drink with chocolate or instead of dessert.
93 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Acquilano Wine Cellars 2023 Forza 3 Year Dornfelder
90 points
$30
Acquilano Wine Cellars
2023 Forza 3 Year Dornfelder
A savory wine, with chocolate and nuts, for the end of a meal.
90 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Gold Bourbon Barrel-Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
89 points
$18
Johnson Estate
NV Old Oak Gold Bourbon Barrel-Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
A rich and complex sherry-like wine that would pair well with creme brulee, blue cheese and caramel pastries.
89 points $18
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Quady 2006 Starboard Dessert Wine California
88 points
$33
Quady
2006 Starboard Dessert Wine California
A very fun take on classic Port out of California; a touch lighter than its Portuguese brethren but delicious.
88 points $33
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Deer Run Winery NV Dockside Finger Lakes
87 points
$19
Deer Run Winery
NV Dockside Finger Lakes
A light bodied dessert wine with nice fresh fruit.
87 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Apple Barn Winery NV Blackberry Dessert American
87 points
$28
Apple Barn Winery
NV Blackberry Dessert American
Nice texture and complexity of fruit make this blackberry fortified wine a great choice for a range of desserts and cheeses, on its own, or in a cocktail.
87 points $28
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Apple Barn Winery NV Apple Pie Dessert American
86 points
$28
Apple Barn Winery
NV Apple Pie Dessert American
Pommeau for after dinner, with cheese or in a cocktail spiking a pumpkin spice latte.
86 points $28
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Wild Sun Winery NV 4th Release Icarus Tawny Dessert Wine Missouri
86 points
$75
Wild Sun Winery
NV 4th Release Icarus Tawny Dessert Wine Missouri
An interesting flavor that is sweet, rich, and nutty.
86 points $75
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Tabone Vineyards 2021 Estate "Barrel Strength" Chardonnay
84 points
$35
Tabone Vineyards
2021 Estate "Barrel Strength" Chardonnay
A spiky and syrupy fortified wine shooting for the white port lane; try in cocktails.
84 points $35
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted: