Claire Rogers All about wine www.sunlive.co.nz

Divine mulled wine is the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights, especially after a day skiing.

The wonderful aroma of hot spices is always a warm welcome to guests.
Divine mulled wine is made locally by Geoff Duke from Divine Food and Wine Ltd. The wine is a Hawkes Bay bordeaux blend of merlot and cabernet franc; featuring classic ripe blackberry and plum flavours.
This versatile wine is the result of nearly six months of testing and refinement. During this time, Geoff has carried out tastings with local chefs, restaurateurs and cafes – and this smooth rich, well-balanced wine is proof of all his hard work.

It is a delicious blend of red wine, fruit and traditional spices, but also contains a unique blend of spices such as star anise, fresh root ginger and juniper berries. This not only makes it the ultimate ‘hot toddy', but also a unique refreshing summer drink. Try it on ice with dry lemonade to make a delicious sangria-style drink, add Frangelico liqueur to make a divine cocktail. Mulled wine also has many culinary uses; such as a marinade with any red meat – especially game – and can be used in pate.

Divine mulled wine is available in Mount Maunganui from The Good Food Company and Imbibe restaurant and bar and in Tauranga at Hillsdene wine cellars.

The Weekend Sun has a bottle of Divine Mulled Wine for a lucky reader who can tell us what unique spices are in the wine?

Enter under the Competitions section.
Entries must be received by August 24.