Monterey County Delivers Decadent Dessert Wines

From late-harvest Riesling to port-style Souzao, the region offers a sweet treat for the holidays.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller takes readers on a tour of the dessert wine offerings from Monterey County, California, highlighting a range of sweet and fortified wines perfect for pairing with holiday desserts. The article covers late-harvest Riesling, Pudding Wine, port-style Souzao, Muscat, and botrytis-influenced Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, all from acclaimed local wineries.

Why it matters

Monterey County is known for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the region also excels at producing high-quality dessert wines that can elevate any holiday spread. These sweet and complex libations offer a delicious counterpoint to traditional seasonal sweets, making them a must-try for oenophiles and casual wine drinkers alike.

The details

The article reviews nine dessert wines from Monterey County wineries, including J. Lohr's late-harvest Riesling, Joyce Vineyards' Pudding Wine, Paraiso's port-style Souzao, Graff Family's July Muscat, Ventana's Orange Muscat, Mer Soleil's botrytis-affected Viognier, Pessagno's late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall-Jackson's late-harvest Chardonnay, and Mission Trail's Potbelly Port. Each wine is described in detail, with notes on flavor profiles, alcohol content, and ideal food pairings.

  • The article was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Randy Fuller

The author of the article and a wine writer.

Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association

The organization that provided the dessert wines to the author for review.

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What they’re saying

“The sugar belies a wonderful acidity that makes this wine great for pairing with desserts. You may like it with an apple tart and vanilla bean ice cream. You may also like it all by itself.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

“Quite viscous and very full in the mouth, it's got a rich nose full of candy cherry aromas and an explosive taste that reminds me of raisins and chocolate-covered cherries at the same time.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

“Expect a lush and long finish. Pair this with Foie Gras or with warm blue cheese-stuffed Mission Figs for a delightful dessert.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

Monterey County's diverse range of dessert wines, from late-harvest whites to port-style reds, offer a sweet and sophisticated way to cap off any holiday meal. These complex, flavorful libations can elevate traditional seasonal desserts or stand alone as a decadent treat, making them a must-try for wine lovers looking to expand their holiday repertoire.