Port Beyond the Tawny: Meet Dry White Port (& its Bubbly Bestie, Tonic)

When most people hear “Port,” they picture rich, sweet, after-dinner reds served by the fire. But there’s another side to Port wine that’s crisp, refreshing, and downright summery: dry white Port.

Made from indigenous white grapes like Viosinho, Rabigato, and Gouveio, dry white Port is aged in oak to develop gentle nutty tones, but it finishes much drier than its ruby or tawny cousins. With a bright acidity, citrus peel character, and sometimes a whisper of salinity, dry white Port is a natural match for sparkling water—and that’s how we get the cult-favourite Portuguese cocktail: the White Port & Tonic.

White Port & Tonic: The Summer Classic

This effortlessly refreshing cocktail is a staple in Porto’s cafés and garden bars. Think of it as a lighter, more aromatic take on the G&T. Here’s how to make it:

Classic White Port & Tonic

• 2 oz dry white Port

• 4 oz tonic water

• Garnish: lemon wheel or orange peel + a sprig of mint

• Serve over ice in a wine or highball glass

It’s crisp, zesty, and just sweet enough. Bonus: the lower alcohol makes it a perfect aperitif or daytime sipper.

Don’t Forget the Rosé: Dry Rosé Port & Tonic

Not to be outdone, dry rosé Port is a newer style, made from red grapes vinified to keep things light and pink. It's fruit-forward, with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and melon, but still carries that lovely dry finish.

Rosé Port pairs just as well with tonic, creating a slightly juicier, more playful version of the classic. It’s ideal for brunch or patio evenings.

Rosé Port & Tonic

• 2 oz dry rosé Port

• 4 oz tonic water

• Garnish: grapefruit slice, fresh berries, or mint

• Serve in a balloon or wine glass with plenty of ice

Whether you go white or rosé, Port & tonic is an underrated cocktail that deserves a permanent spot in your summer rotation. It’s proof that Port isn’t just for winter nights and dessert—it’s for sunshine, clinking glasses, and sipping slow.

Two Options We Have On the Shelf Now:

Taylor's Dry White Port: Elegant and lifted, this classic dry white port is crafted from white grapes grown on the high elevation upper slopes of the Douro Valley. After three years in oak the wine is bottled and we get to enjoy a fragrant nose with aromas of mellow fruit and hints of honey and oak. A perfectly balanced cocktail with tonic over ice finished with a squeeze of citrus and your favourite herb.

Quevedo Dry Rosado: Bright and vibrant this Port is fun to drink and has intense and pure aromas of young red fruits and tropical fruits. Made from the tradtional red port grapes it is perfect for hot summer days in a fragrant port tonica cocktail.