Fabulous Fortified Wines for Fireside Moments

As the golden leaves begin to fall and the evenings grow cooler here in Cornwall, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a rich, warming glass of wine. Autumn is the season of slowing down — of cosying up with good food, good company, and perhaps something a little special in your glass. At EWWines, we believe this is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of fortified wines — bold, characterful drinks that are ideal for sipping slowly by the fire, sharing with friends, or treating yourself after a long walk along the Cornish coast.

Visit Our Wine Warehouse This Autumn

Autumn is a busy and exciting time at EWWines, and we’d love for you to come and see us. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you find the perfect bottle — whether you’re looking for something to pair with a hearty roast, a thoughtful gift, or just a new favourite to enjoy at home.

We stock a wide range of wines across all styles and price points, and we often have bottles available to taste before you buy. This autumn, our tasting calendar includes some real seasonal showstoppers:

• September: Explore our Bordeaux selection, including robust reds and elegant whites from this iconic French region.
• October: Fall in love with Organic Wines — packed with flavour, low intervention, and too delicious not to try.
• November: Join us for Feliz Rioja, a celebration of Spain’s most famous wine region.

Mark your diaries — it’s shaping up to be a flavour-packed autumn at EWWines!

Why We’re Celebrating Fortified Wines This Autumn

In this edition of our Autumn Drinks Guide, we’re shining a spotlight on a style of wine that has long been associated with tradition, elegance, and that unmistakable warming quality — fortified wines.

Fortified wines have been quietly waiting in the wings for their renaissance. While their popularity has dipped slightly in recent years — thanks to evolving drinking habits, shifts in taxation, and the misconception that they're only for a certain "older" audience — we’re here to set the record straight.

The UK still ranks among the top ten global consumers of fortified wine, showing there’s still strong and growing appreciation for these delicious, complex styles.  

What better time than autumn to fall back in love with them?

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Port, curious about the nutty depth of Sherry, or ready to be won over by Madeira’s toasty richness, there’s a fortified wine for everyone — and this season is the perfect time to explore.

What Is Fortified Wine, Exactly?

Let’s start with the basics. A fortified wine is a wine that has had a neutral grape spirit (usually brandy) added to it during or after fermentation. This boosts the alcohol content (typically between 15–22%) and was originally done to preserve the wine for long sea voyages — handy when exporting from places like Portugal and Spain.

These days, fortification is all about flavour, structure, and tradition. Fortified wines are often richer and more intense than your average wine, with layers of complexity that develop beautifully with time. They’re built for autumn: ideal for slow sipping, pairing with cheese or dessert, or enjoying by the fire after a blustery coastal walk.

The timing of when the spirit is added determines whether the wine will be sweet or dry:

• Fortification after fermentation results in a dry style, such as a Fino or Oloroso Sherry.
• Fortification during fermentation preserves some of the natural grape sugars, resulting in a sweeter wine — like a luscious Port.

And then there's Madeira — a wine like no other. Heated gently during ageing and oxidised in a unique way, Madeira develops complex flavours of toffee, caramel, roasted nuts, and citrus peel. In many ways, it tastes like autumn in a glass.

Three Fortified Wines We’re Loving This Autumn 

Here at EWWines, we’ve selected three fortified favourites that showcase the rich diversity and drinkability of this classic style. Whether you’re new to the world of fortified wines or a seasoned sipper, these bottles offer something truly special:

1. Vinte Vinte Chocolate & Port Tasting Pack – £21.95

Four miniature bottles of Port. Four handcrafted chocolates. One unforgettable tasting experience.  This gift box pairs premium Ports from Taylor’s and Fonseca with the first-ever chocolate collaboration from Portugal’s Vinte Vinte. It’s a deliciously educational way to explore how Port and chocolate complement each other. 

Ideal for an Autumn tasting night or a unique gift for the foodie in your life.

2. Hidalgo, Oloroso Abocado Alameda – £15

This cream-style Sherry blends aged Oloroso Sherries with sweet Pedro Ximénez wines, creating a luxurious drink that’s rich, nutty, and a little bit indulgent. Aromas of dried fruits and nuts lead into a full-bodied, warming palate. Serve it slightly chilled with aged cheeses, roasted nuts, or even sticky toffee pudding.

At just £15, it’s one of our top-value fireside sippers of the season.

3. Henriques & Henriques 15-Year-Old Malvasia Madeira – £30

Aged for 15 years, this Malvasia Madeira is deeply complex, combining notes of dark chocolate, burnt sugar, roasted coffee, dried dates, and spiced nuts. With its balance of sweetness and acidity, it’s perfect after dinner — or even as a bold pairing with rich pâtés or blue cheeses.

This is one to savour slowly, preferably with a woolly blanket and your favourite novel.

Join Us for a Fortified Wine Tasting – 14th November

Curious to learn more about Port and fortified wines? Join us at EWWines on 14th November for a special tasting evening with Quinta de la Rosa — one of Portugal’s most exciting and respected Port producers.

You’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide selection of their wines, ask questions, and discover how versatile (and delicious) fortified wines can be.

Tickets are limited, so pop in or call us to book your place. Whether you’re a newcomer or a connoisseur, we promise a relaxed and informative evening — perfect for autumn wine lovers.

Autumn Is the Season for Fortified Wine

At EWWines, we love seeing our customers fall in love with fortified wines — sometimes for the first time, or sometimes all over again. These wines aren’t just for Christmas or special occasions. They’re deep, expressive, warming drinks that fit perfectly with autumn’s mood of comfort and reflection.

Whether you're pairing a tawny Port with a cheeseboard, enjoying a glass of Oloroso with roasted chestnuts, or sipping Madeira by candlelight, there’s a fortified wine for every moment.

So why not explore something new this season? Come by our warehouse, join a tasting, or ask us for a recommendation. We'd love to help you find your perfect autumn pour.

Here’s to a warming, flavour-filled Autumn. Cheers!