We at Virginia Wine & Country Life love nothing better than holiday port pairings. As the holidays draw near, few pleasures feel as timeless and comforting as gathering around a glowing table with loved ones, sharing good stories, hearty dishes and a beautifully poured glass of Port. Rich, warming and endlessly versatile, Port has long been a favorite for cozy winter evenings, and Horton Vineyards has helped bring this classic tradition into the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a lively holiday soirée, the right Port pairing can transform a simple menu into a memorable celebration.
Port wines are known for pairing well with certain cheeses and treats, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday table whether you are serving nibbles at a party or dessert after a holiday feast. Versatile in their pairing options, port’s sweet taste can complement an array of foods.
We went to Virginia’s port expert, Horton Vineyards, to get some holiday port pairing suggestions we can all try while entertaining this season! Horton Vineyards was the first vineyard in Virginia to make commercially available port wine since the end of prohibition with their 1995 vintage. Vineyard founder Dennis Horton also first brought Portugal’s Touriga Nacional grape—a variety commonly used for port wine blends—to the state. Their commitment to crafting small-batch, fortified wines has made Horton an essential stop for Port enthusiasts seeking rich, flavorful bottles made right here in the Commonwealth.
Today, Horton is the foremost vineyard in Virginia making Port-style wine using traditional Portuguese grapes and brandy. Since Dennis’ passing in 2018, the women of Horton Vineyards remain dedicated to leading and diversifying the Virginia wine industry.
With a long history of experimenting with Portuguese grape varieties, Horton has produced a range of Ports over the years—from youthful, fruit-forward expressions to more mature, nuanced bottlings. Each vintage tells a slightly different story, shaped by the season, the cellar and the patience required to age Port to its full potential. For holiday hosts, that means a wide spectrum of flavors to play with, allowing you to tailor pairings to your menu and mood.
About Port and Port-Style Wines
Port is a fortified wine, meaning brandy is added during fermentation to preserve natural grape sugars and elevate alcohol content. The result is a sweet, robust, full-bodied wine with layers of fruit, spice and warmth—qualities that make it exceptionally well-suited for holiday meals.
While true Port is produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley, Port-style wines made in Virginia offer a distinctly local character while honoring the classic tradition. Horton has crafted several styles over the years.
Horton Vineyards’ Holiday Port Pairing Suggestions
- Gorgonzola mousse
- Mixed green salad with roasted beats, fennel and balsamic dressing
- Fila cup topped with sautéed mushrooms and brie
- Biscotti topped with Apple Cinnamon Boursin Cheese
How to Serve Port Wine
Port lends itself beautifully to holiday hosting—especially when paired with local flavors and festive presentation. Build a holiday board with cheeses from Virginia farms, include roasted nuts from local orchards, or serve a dessert made with seasonal Virginia apples or pears, or even the lesser-known fuyu persimmon.
For a tablescape, incorporate natural greenery, beeswax candles, woven linens or handcrafted boards from regional artisans. These touches celebrate both the season and the unique character of Virginia Wine Country.
When serving Port, stick to a few quick and simple rules to maximize the experience:
- Temperature: Serve slightly chilled for ruby or younger Ports; room temperature for older or tawny-style expressions.
- Glassware: Small, tulip-shaped glasses concentrate aromatics and control portion size.
- Decanting: Older or vintage-style Ports may benefit from decanting to open their aromas and separate sediment.
- Portion size: A small pour (2–3 ounces) is typical.
- A mini tasting flight: If you have multiple styles or vintages on hand, offer a flight to spark conversation and let guests explore the range.
Horton Vineyards continues to craft beloved Port-style wines in small batches, each with the depth and complexity that makes Port such a perfect winter indulgence. Whether enjoyed as the highlight of a holiday feast or shared quietly by the fire after guests have departed, Horton Vineyards’ Ports offer warmth, tradition and a taste of Virginia’s winemaking spirit.
No matter how you plan to pair your holiday entertaining and dinners this year, we wish everyone a very happy holiday season, full of great Virginia wine! ~
