Where I’m from, people are layering on their flannels to prepare for the colder season that is coming. The leaves have finished their gorgeous transition from green to yellow, red and orange and now the last few are falling to the ground. Although it’s turning cold, good things are happening. There is nothing like warming up from an afternoon of apple picking with a warm recipe including our favorite ingredients, wine and spice.
Yes, I know I’m not on the east coast right now, but believe it or not, we feel the signs of fall here at Ponte, too. That dry summer heat has passed so we’ve turned off the misters in the Restaurant at Ponte. It even rained! Out in the vineyards, all of our grapes have been harvested – the sure sign that the growing season is over and winemaking is underway. For us in SoCal, a successful harvest and crush is also reason enough for a mug of mulled wine.
Mulled wine is hot wine using a gentle addition of fall spices and it’s very easy to make, especially when made with a great bottle of Ponte wine.
Ponte Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider – I used Knudsen’s Cider & Spice
- 1 bottle of red wine – I suggest Beverino, or Late Harvest because it fits the season.
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange – zested, juiced, and peeled for garnish (or use apple!)
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
Directions: Combine the cider, wine, and spices in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Pour into mugs and add an orange peel to serve.
This not only tastes amazing, but will make your whole house smell delicious! What a wonderful way to celebrate the season!
Don’t let fall pass without preparing your own mulled wine. Let us know what you think!
— Cameron Snyder
–What recipe defines the fall season to you?
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