To my beloved sweet wine sippers:

I am often told by those who think I am a wine expert (which I’m not), that they are nervous about ordering wine out at restaurants, vineyards, and tastings, because they love sweet wine and don’t want to be judged. This makes me feel bad because (1) sweet wines are made because there are people who love them, (2) wine should be a fun, relaxing and/or an educational experience and (3) who gives a f*%$ what people think? Seriously.

I recall going on a date once with a wonderful man who really wanted to impress me. The waitress asked if we wanted to order anything to drink, and he asked if they had a bottle of Moscato. The waitress looked at him in disgust and said: “Sir, we don’t serve Moscato here. That is a dessert wine anyway.” I was humiliated for him. How rude.

Don’t ever let people make you feel inferior because of your wine preference. During my limited global travels, I’ve learned that sweet wines only get a bad rap in the U.S. Some of the most highly coveted wines are sweet, including Riesling. However, if you want to expand your palate a bit, and try some wines that are still sweet to semi-sweet, from different regions in the world, check out my recommendations below:

Red Wine

Apothic Red Blend

Country: California

Sweetness Level: Sweet

Apothic is a popular wine brand, especially among new wine drinkers. The Red Blend is pretty sweet, but there is a fair amount of acidity which balances out the sweetness. It is a blend of zinfandel, merlot, Syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. You may purchase this from your local grocery store for about $10 – $12.

Pairing: The red blends pair very well with BBQ, hamburgers, ribs, etc.

Serving suggestion: The ideal temperature for sweet red wine is 55 degrees. Chill in fridge for 10 minutes before serving.

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

Country: South Africa

Sweetness Level: Semi-Sweet

Jam Jars’ Sweet Shiraz is a very pleasant red. It is a fresh, fruity and semi-sweet wine that has aromas and flavors of ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with dark chocolate undertones. It is refreshing, yet approachable. It costs between $8 – $10.

Pairing: Pairs well with Italian, smoked meats, cheeseburgers and BBQ

Serving suggestion: The ideal temperature for sweet red wine is 55 degrees. Chill in fridge for 10 minutes before serving.

White Wine

Blue Vin Riesling

Country: Germany

Sweetness Level: Sweet

This German Riesling is fruit-forward, light-bodied and easy-drinking. It is a wonderful summer sipper or aperitif wine. It is light, crisp and refreshing. It costs between $8 – $10.

Pairing: Pairs well with soft cheeses, pastas with creamy sauce, grilled pork spareribs or a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.

Serving suggestion: You can chill white wine in the refrigerator for about two hours or in the freezer for 20 minutes.

La Vostra Prosecco

Country: Italy

Sweetness Level: Fresh/Semi-sweet

La Vostra Prosecco displays flavors of apple, white peach and fragrant honeysuckle. It is an inviting, bubbly that appeals to everyone. Perfect for Mimosas or Bellini’s.

Pairing: Pairs well with mushrooms, creamy sauces, seafood, fried foods and popcorn.

Serving suggestion: Prosecco should be served chilled between 6 and 8 degrees. Place it in an ice bucket, half filled with ice and water, or it can be put in the refrigerator for a couple hours before serving.

Rosé

Rondel Rose Semi Seco Cava

Country: Spain

Sweetness Level: Semi-sweet

Rondel Rose is a light wine that strikes a great balance between sour/dry and sweet.

Pairing: Pairs well with spicy dishes and desserts

Serving suggestion: Place it in the fridge immediately after buying; however, if you buy it the same day you want to drink it, either leave it in the fridge for several hours, or you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Ice Wine

Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine

Country: Canada

Sweetness Level: Very sweet

Displays tropical aromas of papaya, mango and apricot. Bold fruit flavors balanced with fine acidity are a great combination for someone with a sweeter palate.

Pairing:  Pairs well with dessert or foods with high fat content.

Serving suggestion: Served chilled around 55 degrees, or at a “room” temperature of 70 degrees. If serving during winter months, some like to warm it up like hot cider. 

Port Wine

Don Beningno Cream Sherry

Country: Spain

Sweetness Level: Very sweet

Golden brown in color with a smooth palate that is sweet but not cloying, which displays a nutty aroma and taste. 

Pairing:  Pairs well with cheesecake or nuts. 

Serving suggestion: Cream sherries can be served around 12 °C (54 °F), or on the rocks.