With the winters coming on and that soft chill settling into the evenings, there’s a certain shift in mood, blankets come out, lights feel warmer, and suddenly we all start craving things that feel a little slower, a little sweeter, a little cozier. That’s exactly where mulled wine enters the picture.
For starters, a mulled wine is just an alcoholic beverage which is heated gently and spiced, for instance, with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, a bit of citrus peel, and maybe some honey or sugar, depending on how you feel. It is cooked on a low heat for a long time, thus the house gets filled with a scent that is very much like winter hugging you. A few people refer to it as a tradition, a few as a treat, but the majority of us simply recognize it as a quiet solace in a cup.
There is also the lovely part, which is that you do not need a fancy bottle to make it taste magical. However, you do need the right kind of wine - a wine that is juicy, friendly, and warm-hearted enough to go with the spices without getting lost, or turning too bold. Therefore, before we go on simmering and stirring, it would be best if we talk about which wines have that cozy, festive charm and which ones we should quietly leave on the shelf this time.
Types of wine used in making Mulled wine
So exactly, which wine is it that you should get? Just think of a wine that is already comforting and easy to drink, the one which comforts you softly instead of being loud and strong. Generally, a warm red is the core of nice mulled wine. Imagine a medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward, and mild one, not too oaky or tannic. A red which makes you think of soft berries, a little spice, and a bit of warmth - a friendly one enough to allow cinnamon, cloves, and citrus in without being dominated by them or getting sharp. That’s where the best mulled wine truly shines.
Traditionally, mulled wine has been all about red wine. But yes, you absolutely can make it with white wine too, and it’s become a deliciously popular twist. If you want a lighter, fresher, and somewhat floral drink, then a medium-bodied, fruit-driven white would be just right. Choose the one with light citrus or stone-fruit scents and a gentle mellow, not too fresh or grassy. A white mulled wine is similar to winter sun - it is fragile, yet comforting, and it radiates softly with orange peel, honey, and warm spices.
The point of the matter is not strength – it is harmony. The red wine can be full, berry-rich and comforting, while the white can be soft and aromatic, warm, but in both cases, the spices and wine should be paired together, calmly.
Thinking about that, here are some best wines for mulled wine suggestions, each of them with its own lovable, winter-appropriate nature:
Best Red Wines for Mulled Wine:
Red wines are the first and foremost choice for making a perfect mulled wine, specially those which are fruit-forward, low in tannins, and full-bodied. Put simply, it's the wine that is already warm and comforting in a glass before the spices are added - for example, juicy Merlot, plush Cabernet Sauvignon, spice-kissed Zinfandel, bold yet velvety Shiraz, and generous red blends that lean into dark berries and warm spice. These varietals, by nature, dissolve in cinnamon, clove, citrus, and honey, thus becoming a hot cup of winter comfort that is rich, soothing, and effortlessly festive.
Let’s explore the list of best red wine for mulled wine for a perfect winter cup:
This Merlot is soft, velvety and, like a good winter-warmer, very inviting by nature. Ripe plums and cherries unfold with cocoa and a very light hint of spice, so that it becomes a dream when warmed it with cinnamon and orange zest. It dissolves perfectly in a good wine for mulled wine, thus making a mug that is warm, smooth and quietly luxurious. Imagine comfort, warmth and an easy drink next to the heater or fireplace.
- Region: Napa Valley, USA
- ABV: 14%
- Tasting Notes: Plum, Black Cherry, Cocoa, Vanilla, Soft Spice
The Vice Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley makes a great mulled wine as it adds bright blackberry and dark cherry taste with a small hint of cocoa, all in a silky smooth texture that fits winter spices perfectly. Warmed a little with cinnamon, clove, and a little orange peel, the wine's fruit-focused richness blends perfectly with the aromatics, creating a cozy, rich but light, comforting cup - it is the type of red wine for mulled wine that turns cold nights into a cozy and luxurious experience.
If this style is your love language this winter, go browse this best Napa cabernet sauvignon wine guide next and find cozy picks guaranteed.
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- ABV: 14%
- Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Dark Cherry, Cocoa, Soft Spice, Velvety Finish
Now, if you were to compare this to Merlot — here is the warm truth. Both can be excellent wines when heated, but the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is vividly noticeable specially in terms of texture and character. Merlot is gentler, rounder, and a bit more velvety by nature, thus making it very easy-drinking and smooth in mulled wine. Whereas, Cabernet is somewhat firmer, richer, and earthier in terms of its spicy character, thus it would be a great choice if you want your mulled wine to be more intense and robust. Therefore, whether you are seeking mellow comfort (Merlot) or sumptuous depth (Cabernet), you are fine- just pick the one that best matches your mood and let the spices work their magic.
Rombauer Zinfandel is a perfect match of delight and warmth - a rich, fruity red wine that is very comforting and cozy just like a warm winter season. It is packed with the flavors of dark berries, raspberry compote, and warm vanilla and has a naturally rich and velvety texture which is very comfortable with cinnamon, clove, orange zest, and honey sentiments.
Just spice it up a little and heat it a little and you have a very good mulled wine which is very simple, very comforting, holiday classic, a rather luxurious taste but not too complex. Think of a mild berry sweet taste with the season baking-spices and the whole feeling of the holidays as if you were sitting by a fire on a cold night, wrapped in a wool blanket and soft music was playing.
- Region: California, USA
- ABV: 14.5%
- Tasting Notes: Ripe blackberry, raspberry jam, plum, vanilla, baking spice, soft oak warmth
This Barossa Shiraz is rich, sumptuous and has a lovely texture, it really is a kind of winter luxury in a glass. Rich dark fruit, a touch of cocoa, and sweet baking spice all travel over a velvet structure, giving the wine depth and warmth but without tannins that are overpowering. It's the type of red that gives you a warm feeling even if you haven't paired it with a spicy dish yet — a definite winner when selecting the best wine for mulled wine and festive drinking.
A slow simmered Shiraz with warming spices and a tad bit of citrus peel gives feel like a fireside evening. The fruit gets more luscious and jammy, the peppery note lingers, but gently, and the oak tones combine to a smooth, holiday-dessert sort of finish. Think deep winter nights, soft candlelight, and a cup that wraps around your senses rather than shouting for attention, a mulled wine that’s indulgent, soulful, and quietly elegant.
- Region: Barossa Valley, Australia
- ABV: 14.5%
- Tasting Notes: Dark plum, blackberry, blueberry preserve, cocoa, black pepper, sweet oak spice, velvety tannins
There are some wines that really go well with the winter season, while others just gently hint it, in that subtle, recognizable way that feels cozy. Cune Rioja Gran Reserva is one of those quiet winter pleasures. The fruity flavor comes from the elegant red ones, such as dried cherries and winter berries, and this being nicely balanced by a gentle spice, the warmth of sandalwood, and a little bit of autumn leaves. It has that refined, classic style that comes from Rioja, lovely, soft, and with a great sense of the profundity but without the need for showing off.
Simmering it with spices will make it into a very comforting, a bit nostalgic, and slightly refined cup of a mulled wine which is great for the cold season and beautifully layered as well. If you are into cold-weather sipping which is thoughtful, elegant, and softly festive, then this bottle might be the best wine for the hot wine moment this season.
- Region: Rioja, Spain
- ABV: 13.5%
- Tasting Notes: Dried cherry, red plum, cedar, warm spice, leather, subtle earth, silky tannins
Red blend with a wild streak, this Paso Robles darling ventures comfortably into plush dark berries, cocoa warmth, and savory herbs in a fashion that seems to be its natural calling for a cold-weather drink. It is abundant, silky, and intricate. It is the sort of wine that not only stays in the pot, but also blossoms with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus aromas.
Such blends are some of the finest mulled wines because they take the best of each varietal —Syrah for depth, Petite Sirah for juiciness, Zinfandel for structure — to make a winter cup that is rich, smooth, and quietly dramatic. In case you are a fan of a good wine for mulled wine that is both bold and cozy.
- Region: Paso Robles, California
- ABV: 14.5%
- Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Blueberry, Cocoa, Sage, Black Tea, Warm Spice
Red Wines to Avoid for Mulled Wine
- Heavy, tannic reds can turn bitter and harsh when heated
- Very delicate reds lose flavor and taste flat with spices
If rich winter flavors and cozy glasses by the warmth have sparked your curiosity, wander deeper into our cellar. Take a peek at our full selection of the best red wine and find reds that fit every mood.
Best White Wines for Mulled Wine:
There is a certain gentle magic in white mulled wine - it is bright, soft, and comforting. The main thing when deciding on the best white wine for mulled wine is to get a naturally fruity and smooth one. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling, an unoaked Chardonnay, or a sweet Moscato are the kinds of wines you should be thinking of, with some peach, pear, citrus, or honey notes in them. These softer, fuller-bodied whites become great when heated and mixed with winter spices as they don't become sharp. If the wine is very dry and lean, it might taste a little harsh when heated, so it is better to take something that is friendly and cozy from the beginning. Considering that, these are some nice white wines that become a mellow, comforting cup of winter - light, aromatic, and quietly festive.
Here are some good white wines for mulled wine suggestions that will warm up your chilly winter nights:
If you want your winter drinks to be subtle, mellow and delicate, this Pinot Grigio is just right for the moment. Imagine a crisp pear and green apple flavor combined with a light floral note, the type of wine that is refreshing even when it is drunk alone and becomes more comforting when heated with a citrus peel and a little bit of clove. So, what do you get? A mulled wine that is quite simple, it is clean, comforting, and little bit luxurious in a quiet way. This one gives you a good wine for mulled wine experience when you want warmth without sweetness, and a mug that feels like a calm winter morning rather than a sugar-laced holiday dessert.
- Region: Veneto, Italy
- ABV: 12.5%
- Tasting Notes: Pear, Green Apple, Lemon Zest, Almond, White Flowers
Mulled white wine is not necessarily always to be sweet – sometimes we want freshness, brightness, and a slightly sour taste. Cloudy Bay is the one that has got just that vibe. With passionfruit, lime, and a slight hint of herbs, it becomes a wonderfully aromatic drink that tastes like winter citrus tea with an luxury twist. If you put ginger, honey, and a little bit of cinnamon, you will have a nice cup of mulled wine that is lifted and comforting. People who wish for something festive and at the same-time trendy will find it best wine mulled style for a lively gathering and holiday evenings.
- Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
- ABV: 13.5%
- Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, Lime, Green Gooseberry, Fresh Herbs, Mineral
Forge Cellars Classique Dry Riesling is an excellent choice for mulling as its lively acid and refreshing citrus-apple notes blend very well with the mulling spices such as cinnamon, clove, and star anise. The mineral note of the wine helps keep the taste fresh and crisp rather than sweet and heavy, thus, giving the spice a chance to brighten the palate without intimidating it. It is a perfect mulled wine, elegant, full of aromas, and well-balanced, absolutely great for people who like their warm winter cup light and refined.
- Region: Finger Lakes, New York
- ABV: 12.5%
- Tasting Notes: Peach, Lime, Green Apple, Slate, White Peach Blossom
Now for the romantic, dessert-leaning option. It's a soft one to start with, moscato has its fruitiness and floral aroma. When heated, it is the quintessence of comfort. This is the kind of beverage that can win anyone over - soft, sweetly perfumed and extremely pleasing to the senses. It will suit people who adore a sweet but still well-balanced mulled wine. If that is the case, then the moscato makes a lovely, fun, cozy, and easy-to-drink option that wouldn't fail to delight. In case you are aiming to propose a fun, cozy, and effortlessly drinkable wine, this bottle brings that vibe to life and naturally stands among the good wines for mulled wine — flavorful, comforting, and totally fuss-free.
- Region: Italy
- ABV: 7.5%
- Tasting Notes: Peach, Honey, Orange Blossom, Pear, Sweet Citru
White Wines to Avoid for Mulled Wine
- Super dry or sharp whites can taste sour when warmed
- Light or heavily oaked whites lose balance and feel off with spices
Already swooning over warm winter whites? Same here. Explore more of the best white wine options to brighten winter evenings.
How to make Mulled Wine:
Here is a quick and easy to make a warm, comforting, and soulful mulled wine for your next chilly night.
You’ll Need:
- A bottle of red wine or dry white wine of your choice
- Orange slices (slices, wedges, totally your choice)
- 2-3 Cinnamon sticks
- 3 or 4 Cloves
- 2-3 tbsp Honey or sugar
- A splash of brandy (optional, but again, totally your choice, we are not judging)
How to Make It:
Heat everything gently on low (no boiling, we’re making cozy wine, not wine steam). Let it mingle for about 15–20 minutes. Sip, smile, and pretend you're in a snow-globe Christmas market.
Pro Tip:
Add a star anise, apple slices, or a little vanilla. Serve in a mug you love, wrap yourself in a blanket, and suddenly it’s your perfect cozy and comfy moment.
Things to Avoid while making mulled wine
- Don’t boil the wine – gentle heat is all it needs.
- Be careful with delicate wines – they may lose flavor.
- Don’t overdo the spices – just subtle touches.
- Avoid cheap, low-quality wines – a good base is everything.
- Don’t rush the simmer – mulled wine needs time to meld flavors.
To Your Snug Nights and Spiced Sips
And that’s your mulled-wine magic, all set to simmer. All you need now is a classy mug, a nice playlist, and a person who will not mock you for singing Christmas songs in November. If you’re throwing a party with friends or simply giving yourself a treat after a hard day, go for a bottle that makes you happy, the one that becomes the best wine for mulled wine is the wine that makes a cold day a warm little celebration in your kitchen.
Simmer, sip slow, stay cozy, and let winter be delicious!!!
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