About Fruit Wines

We have extolled the virtues of traditionally made American fruit wines for some years now; the category is full of well made and downright excellent wines. Perhaps most surprising is the fact that some of the best wines are actually made in dry table styles. These are often at their best with food. 'It's really exciting to match these wines with food,' said Maine blueberry winemaker Bob Bartlett, 'because there's no history, no precedent.' He suggests serving blueberry wine with Italian dishes or grilled lamb, and pear wine with smoked fish. A tasty thought indeed.

Top Picks for Fruit Wines

End Of The Road Winery NV Mount Me Cherry Wine Michigan
94 points
$16
Best Buy
Tremendous purity and depth make this a superb choice for a dessert pairing, or dessert itself.
Awards: '2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fruit Wine'
94 points $16 Best Buy
Door Peninsula Winery NV Cranberry Apple Wine Door County
93 points
$11
Best Buy
A very stylistically interesting sweeter fruit wine that balances the honeyed fruit with earthy floral notes; will work well with more savory meat appetizers, desserts and especially rustic cheeses.
93 points $11 Best Buy
St. Julian NV Blueberry Wine Lake Michigan Shore
93 points
$11
Best Buy
A delightfully spicy blueberry treat for desserts or clever cocktails.
93 points $11 Best Buy
Angry Orchard NV Albany Post Apple Wine New York State
93 points
$25
A tasty and savory artisan Cider with nice mouthwatering acidity and length; will be great at the table.
End Of The Road Winery NV Blackberry Wine Michigan
91 points
$15
Best Buy
A supple and appetizing berry dessert wine will be great with vanilla ice cream.
91 points $15 Best Buy
Middleburgh Winery 2022 Blackberry Wine New York State
90 points
$20
A pure, dry berry wine with great versatility.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fruit Wine
Door Peninsula Winery NV Sweet Cherry Wine Door County
89 points
$11
Best Buy
A lovely spiced cherry aroma and flavor to transition from summer to fall on a crisp September evening.
89 points $11 Best Buy
Middleburgh Winery 2020 Blueberry Wine Blueberry
89 points
$15
Best Buy
A brilliantly pure and flavorful blueberry wine with a fine, not-too-sweet balance and style.
89 points $15 Best Buy
Roads End Orchards NV Semi-Sweet Red Currant Wine New York State
88 points
$15
Best Buy
Nice purity and balance make this a versatile fruit wine for desserts, cheeses and cocktails.
88 points $15 Best Buy
Angry Orchard NV Porters Perfection Apple Wine New York State
87 points
$25
A funky scrumpy Cider that will be best with cheeses and appetizers, or toddies.