Before we visited Portgual, I didn’t think I was a fan of port wine. I had only had it once, and thought of it solely as an overly sweet, dessert wine. But I was utterly mistaken! I had no idea there were different styles of port and that it’s not necessarily just a dessert wine.  

So… what exactly is Port?

Port is a fortified wine, meaning that it’s been strengthened with a splash of grape brandy during fermentation. This stops the sugar from fully converting into alcohol, which is why Port is both sweet and strong—usually around 19-20% ABV. Technically, anything labeled “Port” should come from the Duoro Valley region.

Types of port (don’t worry, just the basics)

For beginners, you only really need to know three main types:

• Ruby Port: Young, fruity, vibrant. Think red berries and chocolate.
• Tawny Port: Aged in barrels, this is more nutty, caramel-y, and mellow
• White Port: Made from white grapes and often served chilled as an aperitif. Can also be used to make a port tonic cocktail!

There’s also Vintage Port, which is the fancy, cellar-worthy stuff. It’s made only in exceptional years and can age for decades. But no need to start there.

How to drink port

Small pours, usually in smaller glasses (around 3 oz), either after dinner or with dessert. You don’t have to be fancy—just enjoy it slowly. Tawny Port is often nice slightly chilled, while Ruby is usually room temp.

Want to try something unexpected? Mix white Port with tonic and a slice of orange or lemon. It’s a popular aperitif in Portugal and way more refreshing than you’d expect from something labeled “dessert wine.”

Bottles to try

If you’re browsing and feel overwhelmed, try:

• Taylor Fladgate Fine Ruby – classic, affordable, very approachable.
• Graham’s 10 Year Tawny – smooth and nutty without blowing your budget.
• Dow’s White Port – light and versatile if you want to play around with cocktails.

Final thoughts

Port used to raise images in my head of stuffy old men in their velvet smoking jackets (more specifically, Richard Gilmore smoking a cigar in his suit and bow tie), but that’s not at all the case! Port is just meant to be enjoyed, whether that’s sipping slowly after dinner or mixing it into a spritz on a sunny patio.

Cheers to your first glass!