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
Weis Vineyards
NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
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)
97 points $39
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Date Tasted:
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
92 points
$18
Best Buy
Johnson Estate
NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
A spicy and distinctive domestic port with lovely layers of bourbon barrel notes.
92 points $18 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Two K Farms NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$35
Two K Farms
NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
Delicious fresh apple cider with more apple juice, a little baking spice, and just a splash of Bourbon.
92 points $35
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Date Tasted:
45 North Vineyard & Winery NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$65
45 North Vineyard & Winery
NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
A silky and satisfying fortified wine with loads of delicious berry and Bourbon-barrel accented flavors.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Pedroncelli 2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port Dry Creek Valley
91 points
$45
Pedroncelli
2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port Dry Creek Valley
Dried fruits highlight this Port style wine that lingers with acidity and candied nuts; this would be an asset to any cheese board.
91 points $45
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Date Tasted:
White Pine 2021 Mirage Reserve Sweet Red Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
90 points
$19
White Pine
2021 Mirage Reserve Sweet Red Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
A high quality domestic Port that will make any end of the evening a delight.
Awards: '2024 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fortified Wine'
90 points $19
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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
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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
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Date Tasted:
Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Strawberry Dessert Wine Fraser Valley
87 points
$18.74
Maan Farms Estate Winery
NV Strawberry Dessert Wine Fraser Valley
A fun and delicious ride of caramel strawberry from beginning to end.
87 points $18.74
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Date Tasted:
Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine Fraser Valley
87 points
$19.10
Maan Farms Estate Winery
NV Raspberry Dessert Wine Fraser Valley
A rich, candied raspberry bramble beast for drinking or drizzling over your vanilla ice cream or sorbet.
87 points $19.10
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Date Tasted: