May 07, 2025

Dessert Wines 101: From Port to Sauternes and Everything in Between

30 minutes

Think dessert wines are just syrupy sips best left behind? Think again. The best dessert wines aren't just about sugar, they're about balance, complexity, versatility, and most importantly, they are absolutely scrumptious.

In this episode Nick Elliott, certified sommelier and your favorite wine guide, pulls back the curtain on the world of dessert wines. From the luxurious golden pours of Sauternes to icy Canadian Eiswein, nutty PX Sherry, and honeyed Tokaji, Nick walks you through the styles, regions, and production methods behind these often-overlooked gems.

You’ll learn:

What really makes a wine a dessert wine (hint: it’s more than just sugar)

How noble rot transforms grapes into liquid gold

Perfect pairings, from blue cheese to fried chicken to foie gras

Tips for serving dessert wine like a pro—including temps, glassware, and pour sizes

How to choose between options like Sauternes, Ice Wine, Tokaji, Sherry, and Vin Santo

Bonus: Nick shares some of his go-to recommendations and where to find these sweet treats without breaking the bank.

Pour yourself a small glass and get ready to savor.

Connect with Nick:

Website: https://www.thewineguy.vin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wine.guy.NTE/