Wine lovers have been urged to discover the world of vintage port if they have not already done so, prompted by the forthcoming Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival.

According to the Vancouver Sun, fortified wines will be a key presence at the festival, including aged tawnies and late-bottled vintage port in a variety of styles, which can be sampled at the International Tasting Room.

Some of the ports to feature at the event include Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005, a "warm and fresh" wine with chocolate flavours.

"The palate is warm and full with fine sweetness and a spirity palate marked by espresso, hot black licorice, black tea, fig and blackberry flavours," added the newspaper.

"It has plenty of intensity that will require another five to seven years to fully mature."

Recently, the Winchester Star advised pairing tawny port with stronger blue cheeses and dried fruits, while late bottled vintage is best enjoyed with dark chocolate and nuts.