Port is a type of fortified wine renowned for its rich, full-bodied, and heavily sweet character, traditionally produced in the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal, hence its name. This deep, often dark red, dessert wine is notable for its high alcohol content, which results from the addition of distilled grape spirits during fermentation to halt the process and retain residual sugar in the wine. Tasting notes frequently include hints of heavy fruits like blackberries, raspberries, and plums. Varieties of port wine range from vintage ports, characterized by their body and complexity, to tawny ports, exhibiting a more nutty, caramel character due to extended barrel aging. Other types consist of Ruby, Crusted, and White Port, each possessing unique aging and flavor profiles. Owing to its strength and sweetness, port is typically served in small quantities and lends itself well as an after-dinner beverage.

1. Sandeman 20-Year-Old Tawny Port: This drink is made in the attractive Douro region of Portugal. It has a luscider nature, with a perfect blend of freshness and age. Its dark red color and strong flavor transport you to the vineyards of Portugal with each sip. 2. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port: A favorite among port drinkers, this robust red wine is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor. Graham's Six Grapes has an intense, dark fruit taste that's sweet yet balanced, with a delightfully potent kick. 3. Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port: This is known for its concentrated flavors and strong, sweet finish. You can marvel at the depth of its dark red, almost purple color while savoring its intense, plummy sweetness. 4. Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port: A full-bodied, rich port wine with a robust flavor profile. It provides a perfect balance of sweetness and strength, exuding a luxuriously dark red hue. 5. Fonseca Bin 27 Port: Coming from the vineyards of Douro Valley, this port is loved for its opulent, rich, and fruity flavor profile. Adored for its dark ruby color, this drink has a strong backbone of sweet, juicy flavors, making it a perfect dessert wine.

Though Port wine is considered a hallmark of Portugal, the process of its fortification was actually introduced by the British. In the late 17th century, British wine merchants began fortifying their wines with brandy to preserve them during long sea journeys. This resulted in wine that was not only robust and long-lasting, but also featured a deliciously enhanced sweetness, kick-starting the popularity of what we now know as Port wine.