Sweet Wine

Sweet wine covers everything from luscious dessert wines like Sauternes and Tokaji to fortified styles such as Port and Madeira, plus lighter Moscato and Riesling. These wines bridge the gap between aperitif and pudding, offering concentrated fruit, honeyed richness, or caramel complexity depending on how they're made. Whether botrytis-affected, naturally sweet from residual sugar, or fortified for preservation, sweet wines reward slow sipping and pair beautifully with cheese, fruit tarts, or chocolate.

Why choose sweet wine?

Sweet wine drinkers tend to fall into two camps: those after a genuine dessert alternative (rich, satisfying, often golden or amber-hued) and those who simply prefer less dry acidity in their glass. A chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti works as casual Friday-night drinking; a 1997 Sauternes becomes an event. Price ranges from £15.55 to £86.35, with most bottles falling between £31 and £48, reflecting the diversity of styles from approachable fortified wines to mature, complex examples.

These wines keep longer than dry equivalents once opened (the sugar acts as a preservative), making them practical for occasional drinkers. Serve sweet wines cooler than reds but not ice-cold; a 50cl bottle does the job for two people without waste. Browse our sweet wine selection →

What's the difference between dessert wine and fortified wine?

Dessert wines (Sauternes, Tokaji, late-harvest Riesling) are naturally sweet because fermentation was stopped early or the grapes were picked with high sugar content. Fortified wines (Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala) have spirit added during production, halting fermentation and raising alcohol to 17–20%—a level that preserves them longer and deepens their flavor complexity in bottle. Both are sweet, but fortified last longer once opened and taste broader and more complex.

When should I drink sweet wine?

Lighter styles like Moscato d'Asti suit casual drinking, afternoon sipping, or light puddings. Richer dessert wines (Sauternes, Tokaji, aged Tawny Port) match chocolate, blue cheese, tarts, or sticky toffee pudding. Serve as an after-dinner digestif, or try a glass alongside dessert instead of serving both separately.

How much does sweet wine typically cost?

Most bottles of entry-level sweet wine—Moscato, younger Ports, and basic Madeira—fall between £31 and £48, with examples available up to £86, offering approachable sweetness at genuine quality. Mid-range: good Sauternes, Tokaji Aszú, and aged Tawny (10-year expressions) from £15–£35 deliver greater depth and aging character. Premium: older vintages, rare Tokajis, and fine Sauternes from £40 upwards represent serious collection pieces with decades of bottle evolution. A 50cl bottle (half-size) offers excellent value and reduces waste.