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

Weis Vineyards NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
97 points
$39
A remarkably rich, delicious, and warming American fortified wine with Old World nuances that add complexity and delight; definitely a benchmark for domestic port style wine that tastes like a true vintage port.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fortified (Port-Like)
Sandeman  20 Year Old Tawny Porto Douro
95 points
$64.99
A high quality and dangerous after dinner drink that would pair well with dessert and transition splendidly to an after dinner brown spirit.
Awards: 2022 Best Port 2022 Best Port 20 Year Tawny
95 points $64.99
St. Julian NV Solera Cream Sherry Lake Michigan Shore
93 points
$13
Best Buy
Concentrated fruit backed with a tart acidity, this would pair well with blue cheese and candied nuts.
Awards: '2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fortified Wine'
93 points $13 Best Buy
Sandeman NV Founders Reserve Ruby Porto Douro
93 points
$24.99
An excellent after dinner Port to pair with a mild Maduro cigar, flourless chocolate cake, or blue cheese.
Awards: 2022 Best Ruby Port
93 points $24.99
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
92 points
$18
Best Buy
A spicy and distinctive domestic port with lovely layers of bourbon barrel notes.
92 points $18 Best Buy
Two K Farms NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$35
Delicious fresh apple cider with more apple juice, a little baking spice, and just a splash of Bourbon.
45 North Vineyard & Winery NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$65
A silky and satisfying fortified wine with loads of delicious berry and Bourbon-barrel accented flavors.
Stone Hill Winery NV Cream Sherry Missouri
92 points
$32
This wine brings to mind salted caramels on a camping trip through a cedar grove; a lovely Cream Sherry.
Awards: 2023 Americana Cup - Best Fortified Wine
St. Julian NV Cathermans Port Chambourcin
87 points
$13.99
Best Buy
This reads very clearly as both Chambourcin and Port; tip of the cap.
87 points $13.99 Best Buy
White Pine 2021 Reserve Mirage Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
87 points
$19
An intriguing fortified wine with interesting wood character; try in cocktails.