If your wine rack hasn’t yet made room for a bottle of Port or Sherry, consider this your official invitation 😉

Fortified wines are a little old-school, a little misunderstood, and absolutely worth rediscovering.

They bring bold flavor, rich history, and a touch of drama to your glass… And yes, they’re just as good for sipping as they are for cooking.

So, what makes a wine “fortified”?

In short: a splash of spirit.

Fortified wines are made by adding distilled alcohol (usually grape brandy) to wine.

This bumps up the alcohol content and helps preserve the wine, meaning these beauties can last longer once opened.

A Few Classics to Know:

🍷 Port – Sweet, rich, and often ruby or tawny in style.

Lovely with blue cheese, dark chocolate, or a cozy evening by the fire.

🍷 Sherry – Not just your grandma’s wine!

From dry, nutty Fino to lusciously sweet Pedro Ximénez, Sherry is incredibly food-friendly. Try it with tapas, olives, or roasted nuts.

🍷 Madeira – A wine that thrives on heat and oxidation.

Its bold flavors and long shelf life make it perfect for both sipping and sauce-making.

🍷 Vermouth – Yes, the cocktail staple!

But good vermouth (especially dry or sweet red) is delicious on its own over ice, with a twist of citrus.

In the Kitchen or in Your Glass

Fortified wines pull double duty.

• A splash of Port can elevate a pan sauce for steak.

• Sherry adds depth to soups, stews, and risottos.

• Vermouth is perfect for deglazing veggies or adding complexity to marinades.

They’re like the secret ingredient you didn’t know you were missing.

If you’re looking to expand your wine horizons this fall, fortified wines are a great place to start…

Bold, storied, and ready to surprise you.