International Mulled Wine Day - The History of Mulled Wine

A Warm Tradition Worth Celebrating

Each year, International Mulled Wine Day offers the perfect excuse to revisit one of the world’s oldest and most comforting wine traditions. While often associated with European winter markets and festive gatherings, mulled wine has a history that stretches back centuries and across continents.

It is a reminder that wine has always been more than just a drink. It is culture, ritual, and shared experience.

Ancient Beginnings

The origins of mulled wine can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The Romans believed in heating wine and adding spices for both flavour and medicinal purposes. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves were used not only for taste but also for their perceived health benefits.

As the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, so did this practice. Warmed, spiced wine became a practical way to make wine more enjoyable during colder months and to preserve wine that may have been past its prime.

A Medieval Staple

During the Middle Ages, mulled wine evolved further. Spices were valuable commodities, often associated with wealth and status. Adding them to wine was not only practical but also symbolic.

Mulled wine became a feature at feasts and gatherings, particularly in colder regions of Europe. The warming blend of red wine, citrus, and spices provided comfort during long winters and became closely associated with hospitality.

In many ways, it laid the foundation for how we experience mulled wine today.

Mulled Wine in Modern Times

Today, mulled wine is most commonly linked to festive winter markets, particularly in countries such as Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. Known by names such as Glühwein or vin chaud, it remains a seasonal favourite.

Though South Africa’s climate is milder, there is still something deeply satisfying about a gently warmed glass of spiced red wine on a cool evening. It turns an ordinary gathering into something more intimate and memorable.

Choosing the Right Wine

Mulled wine traditionally begins with a good quality red wine that has enough body to carry the added spices. Wines such as Shiraz, Pinotage, or Cabernet Sauvignon work particularly well, as their structure and depth complement flavours like cinnamon, clove, star anise, and orange peel.

The key is balance. The wine should remain at the centre, with spices enhancing rather than overpowering it.

A Tradition of Togetherness

More than anything, mulled wine represents warmth and connection. It is not a drink rushed or consumed casually. It is something prepared thoughtfully and shared.

International Mulled Wine Day is a celebration not only of the drink itself but of the centuries of history and gathering it represents. From ancient Roman kitchens to modern winter evenings, mulled wine continues to bring people together.

Looking for a summer variation? Check out our recipe for a chilled version here.