Mulled wine is one of those drinks that makes a gathering feel like a proper occasion. The aroma alone — wine warming with spices and citrus — does something to a room before anyone takes the first sip. This version uses Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as its base, and layers in fresh blackberries, dried culinary lavender, and classic warming spices. The result is fragrant, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying on a cold evening.
At a Glance
- Base Wine: Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Key Flavors: Blackberry, lavender, cinnamon, star anise, citrus
- Serves: 6 to 8
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Best For: Winter entertaining, holiday gatherings, cozy evenings
Why Knights Valley Reserve Cab Works Here
Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has the dark berry fruit, spice, and structure that mulled wine needs. The wine's blackberry and cassis character amplifies rather than fights the fresh blackberries and warming spices. Its natural acidity keeps the mulled wine from becoming cloying even with added sugar. The lavender echoes the wine's herbal notes. Every ingredient in the recipe finds something in the wine to resonate with.
Mulled Blackberry Lavender Wine
Serves: 6 to 8
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 to 3 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds, adjusted to taste
- ½ cup sugar, adjusted to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 to 5 whole cloves
- 2 to 3 star anise pods
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Optional garnishes: extra blackberries, fresh lavender sprigs, citrus slices
Instructions
-
Build the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, dried lavender, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the blackberries and release their juice. -
Add the Wine
Pour in the wine. Place over low to medium-low heat. Do not bring to a boil — keeping the temperature below boiling preserves the alcohol and the wine's character. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. -
Add Citrus and Adjust
While simmering, add orange and lemon slices. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Taste and adjust sweetness. Add more lavender for a stronger floral character, or let it steep longer. -
Strain and Serve
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solids. Serve hot in heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with blackberries, fresh lavender sprigs, and citrus slices.
Tip: The lavender can be subtle or pronounced depending on how long it steeps and how much you add. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more — a little goes a long way.
About Knights Valley
The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974. Beringer was instrumental in securing official recognition for the area as an AVA in 1983. Located 17 miles north of Beringer's Napa winery in Sonoma County, Knights Valley lies in the shadow of Mount St. Helena, where rocky, alluvial soils and mountain microclimates produce wines with distinctive depth and character. Explore the full Knights Valley collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine is best for mulled wine?
Full-bodied red wines with dark fruit character and natural spice work best as a mulled wine base. The wine needs enough body to stand up to the dilution from warming and the addition of sugar and spices. Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice: its dark berry fruit amplifies the added spices, and its tannins hold up through the process. Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of black cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla bean, is particularly well-suited.
Why shouldn't you boil mulled wine?
Boiling causes alcohol to evaporate rapidly, which changes the character of the wine significantly. A gentle simmer below boiling allows the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse without cooking off the wine's alcohol content or developing off-flavors from excessive heat.
What are culinary lavender buds and where can I find them?
Culinary lavender buds are dried lavender flowers that have been approved for food use. They have a more concentrated, slightly sweet, floral flavor than fresh lavender and are used in small quantities to add aromatic complexity. They are commonly available at specialty grocery stores, farmers markets, herb shops, and online. Use food-grade lavender specifically — not craft or decorative lavender, which may be treated with pesticides.
Looking for another winter wine cocktail? Try our Wildly Refreshing Mountain Rosé Sangria or Spicy Sweet Semillon Spritz for a lighter occasion.
