Craft & Cork >> Winemaking

Few drinks are as comforting as a mug of mulled wine. This spiced, warm beverage has been a seasonal favorite for centuries, and is synonymous with cozy gatherings and festive cheer. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or while strolling outdoors at a holiday market, mulled wine is a drink that soothes the soul.

The History of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, a warmed concoction of wine heated with sugar, spices and often citrus fruit, has its roots in ancient Roman and medieval European traditions. The Romans reportedly included peppercorns, dates and herbs in their mix, and actually believed it held medicinal properties. As the recipe spread across Europe, it evolved into the mulled wine we know and love today. During the Middle Ages, wine was often heated and flavored with a mix of spices too – ginger, cloves, nutmeg etc. – and honey to preserve its taste and appeal. In fact, the practice of “mulling” wine – heating it with spices which also helped mask imperfections became a popular way to make inexpensive wines more enjoyable.

Modern-day Mulled Wine

Although mulled wine has become synonymous with holiday cheer, you can count on it to bring warmth and comfort throughout the long cold winter months. After all, who can resist its delicious aroma when it’s heating on the stove? Or its spicy flavour that typically combines red wine with orange and lemon, and essences of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise? Whether at holiday parties, Christmas markets, or by the fireplace, mulled wine has become a go-to drink for adding a touch of festivity to any occasion.

How Easy Is It to Make?

Mulled wine is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum payoff. The basic ingredients include red wine; sweeteners like sugar, honey or maple syrup; and a variety of baking spices, like the above mentioned cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. Simply heat the wine with your chosen spices and fruit (without boiling it), and let all of those ingredients infuse.

Mulled wine is also incredibly versatile when it comes to the base recipe. You can adjust the spice levels, sweetness, and citrus additions to suit your taste – and your crowd’s. It’s also easy to adapt to a large-batch for big get-togethers but it also suits a quiet, solo evening at home.

Best Wine Varietals for Mulled Wine

When choosing a wine to make mulled wine, choose a full-bodied red with enough structure to complement the spices. Look for wines that are fruit-forward but not overly tannic. Some great varietals to use are:

• Merlot: Smooth and soft with rich fruit flavors, Merlot is a classic choice for mulled wine. Try our France Cru Select with its medley of ripe red fruit and silky tannins.
• Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon: With their big, bold profiles, these two red varietals are ideal for your mulled wine making. Our Zinfandel Blend Style, which includes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, is a great choice. With black fruit plus rich notes of vanilla, coffee and chocolate, you can look forward to soul-satisfying results for your mulled wine.
• Syrah/Shiraz: This wine has peppery notes that complement the spices, making it a great choice for mulling. Try our robust Australia Style Shiraz wine kit, with its rich cassis character.

Inspired? Us too. We love mulled wine because it’s more than just a drink. It embodies tradition, and those cozy gatherings that we look forward to all year round. Plus it makes a great personalized gift. So cheers to that! With its rich history, ease of preparation, and versatility, it’s easy to see why mulled wine continues to be a beloved beverage year after year.