Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Ever since my palate first met the playful sweetness of a Riesling wine, I’ve been hooked. The Riesling wine was a revelation—delicate, playful, and brimming with sweetness from authentic grapes.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or just Riesling-curious, sweet Riesling offers a perfect grape sip for every preference. But with so many Riesling varietals, it’s hard to sort out the best sweet Riesling wines to try.
If you’re diving into the world of the best sweet Rieslings, let me guide you through the lush Riesling grape vineyards and introduce you to the best sweet Riesling that deserves a spot in your glass.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 14 Best Sweet Riesling Wines To Sip
1. Modales OOBA Sweet Riesling

Average Price: Roughly $13.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 9.7% ABV
Nose: Stone fruit flavors with floral notes
Palate: Sweet with crisp acidity and elegant finish
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: I’m drawn to the vibrancy of this sweet Riesling wine, and I like the way this Riesling dominates the palate. It proves how sweet Riesling wines can be fun and sophisticated at once.
“The joy of Riesling lies in its playful, sweet whispers.” – Liquor Laboratory
I can say that this Riesling is a good dessert wine for its symphony of sweet grape notes, providing vibrant flavors on the palate. OOBA is a celebratory Riesling wine embodying the joy of the sweetest moments.
2. Dablon Vineyards Sweet Riesling

Average Price: $15.49/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 11% ABV
Nose: Mineral and lime aromas
Palate: Stone fruit flavors with crisp acidity
Star Rating: ★★★★✩
Why We Like It: There’s a complexity in this Riesling that’s hard to find in sweet Rieslings. This white wine, Riesling, is perfect for those evenings when I crave grape depth and character in my glass.
Dablon Vineyards has created a Riesling that’s as intricate as it is enjoyable, with a sweetness perfectly pitched against a backdrop of minerality, thanks to the high-quality Riesling grape varieties.
3. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling

Average Price: Roughly $11.14/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 8.5% ABV
Nose: Green apple with a floral aroma
Palate: Apricot and peach notes
Star Rating: ★★★★✩
Why We Like It: This Riesling wine from Columbia Valley has a grapes’ lushness that’s hard to resist, with a low alcohol content that allows its sweetness to shine.
It’s a sweet Riesling wine that’s made many evenings memorable with its rich palate and high acidity. For me, this Riesling from the Columbia Valley is one of the best white wines I’ve tried.
4. Moonbeam Sweet Riesling Wines

Average Price: Approx. $19.08/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 9% ABV
Nose: Floral and fruit aromas
Palate: Light with fruit flavors
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This sweet Riesling wine can be a satisfying dessert wine for its light body and bold fruit flavors, which I highly recommend for those new to sweet Rieslings.
Like a moonbeam, this sweet Riesling wine is subtle and enchanting. This Riesling is one of my go-to white wines for tranquil evenings – a perfect drink after eating spicy food or any Asian cuisine.
5. Boathouse Northern Lights Sweet Riesling
Average Price: Approx. $14.49/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 11.5% ABV
Nose: Citrus and honeysuckle scents
Palate: Pear and melon flavors
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The lightness of this Riesling wins me over every time. This sweet Riesling has a gentle sweetness from grapes and acidity that doesn’t overwhelm, making it an impeccable choice for afternoon picnics.
I find this sweet Riesling wine a refreshing escape, oozing with a delightful balance between candied and fruity flavors (grapes, of course). Besides, this Riesling comes highly recommended for its perfect match of flavors.
6. Fulkerson Juicy Sweet Riesling

Average Price: Roughly $12.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 9% ABV
Nose: Green apple with a floral aroma
Palate: Juicy with peach notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: True to its name, this sweet Riesling wine is like biting into a ripe, succulent fruit. This white wine boasts a lively sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy their Riesling wine bold and bright.
While the sweetness is bold, it’s not cloying, and it has become one of my favorites for its burst of fruit flavors and balanced acidity, imparted by the estate Riesling grape varieties used in the fermentation.
7. Lake Michigan Vintners Sweet Riesling
Average Price: Roughly $13.49/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 12.7% ABV
Nose: Green apple and white blossom
Palate: Citrus flavors with balanced acidity
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Unlike the dry Riesling from the brand, this sweet Riesling wine is as refreshing as a lakeside breeze, with just enough sweetness to enliven the senses.
It’s the Riesling wine I reach for when I want something unpretentious yet satisfying. This Riesling is an ode to balance and acidity, offering a confident and reserved sweetness.
8. Love Cork Screw “Head Over Heels” Sweet Riesling

Average Price: Around $14.14/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Nose: Tropical and peach
Palate: Berries with bold acidity
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This Riesling is romantic at heart. Its rich and inviting sweetness makes this semi-dry Riesling wine an ideal companion for those special moments when only a sweet wine will do.
This is one of the sweet Riesling wines that make me fall head over heels with its berry-infused sweetness, lively character, and high acidity.
9. Paradise Peak Sweet Riesling

Average Price: $14.49/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 11% ABV
Nose: Floral and citrus fruit aromas
Palate: Smooth and candied taste
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: It’s the Riesling with smoothness, so it’s the bottle I choose when I want to unwind and treat myself. This delightful Riesling wine greets with a dominant peach scent.
It presents a rich fusion of stewed pear and mature green apple notes on the tongue. These wines have a juicy taste perfectly offset by a high acidity, leading to a pure and refreshing finish.
10. Honey Bee Sweet Riesling Wine
Average Price: Approx. $13.04/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 10.5% ABV
Nose: Lemon zest and floral aroma
Palate: Sweet citrus and honeyed taste
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: It has a whimsical charm, with a flavor that makes me think of lazy bees on a warm summer day. Like Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling, this German Riesling is a sweet reminder of the simpler pleasures in life.
Honey Bee is a semi-dry Riesling wine that’s a gentle nudge to slow down and savor the moment. This German wine is one of my personal favorites in terms of white wine [1].
11. Washington Hills “Sweet” Riesling

Average Price: Approx. $10.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 9.5% ABV
Nose: Lime and mineral notes
Palate: Bright with peach, pear, apple notes
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This late-harvest semi-dry Riesling has the right refreshing and candied brightness. Washington Hills created candied Riesling wines that are approachable and enjoyable.
It contains more residual sugar than dry Riesling from the brand, making it a bit sweeter. This is one of the best dessert wines [2] from the Columbia Valley that’s also light and affordable.
Tip: This Washington Hills Riesling wine is a good substitute for Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling wine since it’s more refreshing and has a balanced acidity.
12. Hogue Sweet Riesling Wines

Average Price: Around $9.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Tropical fruit aromas
Palate: Tropical flavors with a refreshing acidity
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This late-harvest wine is a crowd-pleaser with its light profile and pocket-friendly price. It has nailed the ‘sweet spot,’ delivering an aromatic wine that’s both quaffable and remarkably versatile.
Like Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling, it’s an all-rounder that pairs as well with a meal as it does with a casual conversation. Hogue’s rendition is a testament to sweet Rieslings that can be both sophisticated and unassuming.
13. Blue Fish Sweet Riesling Wines

Average Price: Around $9.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 10% ABV
Nose: Peach, apricot, floral notes
Palate: Honey, peach, and apple notes
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This German Riesling wine strikes a beautiful balance of natural sweetness and refreshing acidity. It’s the kind of late-harvest wine that reminds me of sunny days and good company.
Its harmonious blend of sweetness with a zesty finish is a testament to its craftsmanship. This sweet Riesling is an ideal introduction to the varietal’s charm, providing an approachable and enchanting taste.
14. Sutter Home Sweet Riesling Wines

Average Price: Around $6.99/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Peach and honey
Palate: Pear notes with tonic acidity
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This is one of the best Riesling wines for anyone looking to explore sweet Rieslings without breaking the bank. Its accessibility and consistent quality make it a staple in my wine [3] rack.
“I’d urge you to try German Riesling because it’s delicious, but I fear you’ll be more impressed if I tell you it’s cutting-edge.” – Jay McInerney, American Novelist and Screenwriter
I love the rich, smooth texture, complemented by a lively, zesty tartness (from the Riesling grape) and a hint of sweetness (from the residual sugar) within an overall balanced dry Riesling.
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its sweetness level, overall quality, flavor, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs Related to Best Sweet Riesling
What is Riesling wine?
Riesling is a white grape variety known for producing aromatic and flavorful wines. It’s cultivated in various wine regions worldwide, with notable examples from Germany, Alsace (France), Austria, and the United States.
What distinguishes sweet Riesling from other Riesling wines?
Sweet Riesling refers to Riesling wines with a noticeable residual sugar content, resulting in a sweeter taste profile. These wines often exhibit ripe fruit flavors, floral aromas, and a balancing acidity that prevents them from being cloying.
What are some characteristics of the best sweet Riesling wines?
The best sweet Riesling wines are characterized by their vibrant fruit flavors, aromatic complexity, balanced sweetness, and refreshing acidity. They may showcase notes of peach, apricot, honey, citrus, and floral nuances.
Where are the best sweet Riesling wines produced?
The best sweet Riesling wines are often associated with cool-climate wine regions, such as the Mosel and Rheingau in Germany, Alsace in France, and the Finger Lakes region in New York, USA. These regions offer ideal conditions for Riesling cultivation and grape ripening.
Can you recommend some renowned producers of sweet Riesling wines?
Renowned producers of sweet Riesling wines include Dr. Loosen, Joh. Jos. Prüm, Egon Müller, Zilliken, and Schloss Johannisberg in Germany; Trimbach and Hugel & Fils in Alsace, France; and Hermann J. Wiemer and Dr. Konstantin Frank in the Finger Lakes, USA.
In Summary
The world of candied Rieslings is rich and varied Riesling grape varieties, with each bottle (be it an American, Australian, or German Riesling) offering its own unique profile [4].
From the vibrant Modales OOBA to the lush Pacific Rim to the affordable Sutter Home Riesling wines, there’s a Riesling for every palate and occasion.
But if I had to crown a champion, the Modales OOBA Sweet Riesling wines take the top spot with their perfect blend of vivacity, acidity, and sweetness, making the wines not just drinks but an experience.
These wines exemplify what it means to be the best sweet Riesling – they’re delicious and undoubtedly unforgettable!
References:
- Influence of the Presence of Grape Skins during White Wine Alcoholic Fermentation
- WINES | Production of Table Wines
- Wine
- It’s time for a riesling rethink