Muriwai’s Gannets
The Muriwai gannets keep coming back year after year because Muriwai provides everything they need to successfully breed, raise their…
Winter Warmth in a Glass and on a Spoon: Mulled Wine & Spiced Poached Pears at Vineyard Cottages
There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of mulled wine wafting through the kitchen on a winter’s evening. It’s the scent of comfort, of firesides and woollen blankets, of slow evenings and good company. At Vineyard Cottages, mulled wine and spiced poached pears have become seasonal staples—a celebration of winter’s richness, and an ode to the beautiful bounty of our local vineyards and orchards.
These aren’t just recipes; they’re rituals. They bring people together, warm the body and the spirit, and turn a simple moment into something memorable. Whether you’re sipping a steaming cup of mulled wine in one of our cedar hot tubs, or spooning tender poached pear after a long countryside walk, these recipes capture everything we love about winter in Waimauku.
The concept of mulled wine dates back to the Roman Empire, but here at Vineyard Cottages, we’ve added our own twist using local New Zealand wines and garden-grown aromatics. Made by gently heating red wine with spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a drink that encourages you to pause, sip slowly, and savour.
We start with a medium-bodied red—usually something from the Kumeu or Matakana regions. Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Syrah all work beautifully. Then we add:
The key is gentle heat. We warm the wine slowly in a heavy saucepan, being careful not to let it boil. Once the sugar dissolves and the spices begin to perfume the room, we let it steep for 15–20 minutes, then strain and serve in heatproof glasses or mugs, garnished with an orange slice or a curl of cinnamon.
Guests often enjoy a cup as they return from exploring the black-sand beaches of Muriwai or after watching the sun set behind the vines. It’s a drink that anchors you in the season—a little spiced comfort in every sip.
While mulled wine is all about convivial warmth, spiced poached pears are where comfort meets elegance. These jewel-toned desserts are stunning to look at and even more delightful to eat. They’re a regular feature at our winter dinners and are perfect for those who love desserts that aren’t overly sweet but are rich in flavour.
Poaching pears in wine infuses them with depth and colour, and the spices echo those found in our mulled wine—creating a pairing that’s both harmonious and indulgent.
We choose firm, ripe pears—Bosc or Beurré Bosc varieties are ideal because they hold their shape well. The key is to peel them gently and keep the stems intact for a beautiful presentation.
In a deep saucepan, combine:
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the pears and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let them poach for 25–40 minutes, depending on size and ripeness, until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Once done, remove the pears and reduce the poaching liquid to a syrup by simmering it uncovered for 10–15 minutes. Serve the pears warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup and paired with a dollop of vanilla mascarpone, crème fraîche, or even a scoop of local honey ice cream.
The best part? These pears are just as good the next day, making them a wonderful make-ahead dessert for guests or special occasions.
Together, mulled wine and spiced poached pears create a seamless winter experience. The wine warms your hands and heart, while the pears bring balance—elegant, aromatic, and light enough to leave you feeling satisfied rather than heavy.
We often serve them together during our winter gatherings at Vineyard Cottages, pairing the poached pears with a final sip of mulled wine, or turning leftover syrup into a glaze for baked treats. Guests have been known to ask for the recipes—and we’re always happy to share. After all, food and hospitality are meant to be passed on and enjoyed.
Even if you’re not staying with us, these recipes are a wonderful way to bring a little Vineyard Cottages magic into your own kitchen. Light a fire, play some gentle music, and let the scent of citrus and spice transform your home into a winter retreat.
And if you are staying with us this season—keep an eye out for simmering pots and ruby-red pears in the kitchen. You might just be invited in for a taste.
