As someone who has called Prince Edward County home for many years, I sometimes fall into the trap of thinking I’ve experienced everything our local wine scene has to offer. Then a visit comes along that reminds me there are still plenty of surprises waiting among the vines.

Last year I popped into Amanda’s Vineyard, which delivered one of those surprises: my very first glass of mulled wine.

Now, before the wine enthusiasts start gasping into their stemware, yes, somehow I had managed to make it through decades of Canadian winters without ever trying mulled wine.

I’ve enjoyed red wines, white wines, ports, ciders, craft beers, and enough County culinary experiences to fill a few notebooks. But mulled wine? Somehow it had escaped me.

Thankfully, Amanda’s Vineyard changed that.

A Warm Welcome in Wine Country

Across the road from me in the heart of Prince Edward County, Amanda’s Vineyard has earned a reputation for producing approachable wines that beautifully showcase the region’s cool-climate character.

On a chilly County afternoon in November, it also happened to be the perfect setting to discover why mulled wine has been a winter favourite for centuries.

Walking into the tasting room, I immediately noticed a rich aroma drifting through the air. Cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and warm red wine mingled together in a scent that seemed specifically designed to make winter feel less offensive.

As Canadians, we tend to accept winter as an unavoidable annual guest. Mulled wine, however, makes winter feel like someone brought dessert to the party.

My First Mulled Wine Experience

The first sip caught me off guard.

I was expecting something warm and sweet and perhaps a little overwhelming. Instead, I found a surprisingly balanced drink. The warmth of the spices complemented the wine rather than masking it. Notes of dark berries from the red wine blended beautifully with orange and spice, creating something that felt both comforting and sophisticated.

It was essentially a cozy blanket in liquid form.

The experience reminded me why Prince Edward County wineries continue to evolve. They aren’t just producing exceptional wines; they’re creating memorable experiences that encourage visitors to enjoy wine in entirely different ways throughout the year.

Mulled wine transforms a cold afternoon into an occasion.

Why Amanda’s Wines Work So Well

One of the things that struck me was how well Amanda’s red wines lend themselves to mulled wine production.

The vineyard’s Marquette, Frontenac Rouge, and Petite Perle varietals bring robust fruit character and natural acidity, helping the wine maintain its personality even when infused with warming spices.

Adding a splash of Amanda’s Red Portofino elevates the recipe even further, contributing richness, depth, and a touch of sweetness that rounds out the finished drink beautifully.

The result is a distinctly Prince Edward County interpretation of a classic winter beverage.

Amanda’s Vineyard Mulled Wine Recipe

After enjoying my first glass, I couldn’t resist recreating it at home. Here’s a recipe inspired by the wines available at Amanda’s Vineyard.

Make Mulled Wine at home

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle Amanda’s Frontenac Rouge
  • 1 cup Amanda’s Red Portofino
  • 2 oranges
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Optional garnish:
    • Orange slices
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Fresh cranberries

Instructions

  1. Pour the Frontenac Rouge and Red Portofino into a large pot or slow cooker.
  2. Slice one orange into rounds and add directly to the wine mixture.
  3. Stud several orange slices with cloves and place them into the pot.
  4. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise.
  5. Stir in maple syrup and honey.
  6. Heat gently over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Do not allow the mixture to boil, as excessive heat can diminish the wine’s flavours.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  9. Strain before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries.

Serving Tip

Serve in heat-safe mugs while sitting near a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, or while pretending you’re watching snow fall romantically instead of wondering when you’ll need to shovel again.

The Perfect Winter Wine Country Experience

What impressed me most during my visit was how mulled wine creates a completely different winery experience. We often think about wine touring during sunny summer afternoons or vibrant autumn weekends, but there is something uniquely enjoyable about visiting a winery when temperatures drop.

The warm drink encourages people to slow down, relax, and savour the moment. It turns a quick tasting stop into a lingering conversation. It transforms a cold-weather outing into a memorable seasonal tradition.

As a long-time PEC resident, I’m always looking for new experiences that I can genuinely recommend to visitors and locals alike. Amanda’s Vineyard delivered exactly that.

Final Thoughts

It’s not every day that a lifelong Prince Edward County resident discovers a new favourite wine experience. Yet that’s exactly what happened during my visit to Amanda’s Vineyard.

My first encounter with mulled wine was warm, flavourful, and surprisingly memorable. More importantly, it reminded me that even after years of exploring the County’s wineries, there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re planning a visit to Prince Edward County during the cooler months, do yourself a favour and seek out a glass of mulled wine at Amanda’s Vineyard. Just be warned: after one taste, regular winter beverages may suddenly seem a little less exciting.