Port is a sweet wine that is fortified with a neutral grape alcohol that is added part way through fermentation. The added alcohol stops fermentation while the wine is still sweet and increases the alcohol level to 18 to 20 percent. Vintage Ports are generally the best, as they are made from a single vintage and can age for up to 50 years years. Tawny Ports are made from grapes from different years and can be aged in wood for as long as 40 years. Ruby Ports, which are generally made from lower quality batches of wine which are aged for about two years, is the least expensive. Ports can be made of several varietal wines including Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Because of the sweetness and high alcohol content, Ports are usually served after a meal.

Sherry is a fortified wine that is made in several styles and can take of various characteristics. Sherries are often deep gold to brown in color and are highly aromatic with flavors described as nutty or raisiny. Sherries are most often served before or after dinner, with the dry sherries served chilled and the sweet sherries served at room temperature