Vins Fins is a delightful wine bar and shop in the picturesque Grund, whose owners Rostislava Petkova and François Dickes, launched the neighbourhood’s own seasonal Grund Gourmet Market last year.

At this year’s market, open until 23 December, the Vins Fins stand will be selling mulled white wine, made from local ingredients.

Passionate about organic and biodynamic wines, Rostislava and François decided to offer an alternative to the standard red wine version by instead using a white wine as the base.

“Mulled wine is a typical northern European drink, and although it is popular, our white version appeals to those who want to try something new, or to those who aren’t keen on red wine in the first place. Following the success of our invention last year, we decided to offer it again, served in heated ceramic mugs,” François explains.

“Not only is it distinct in colour, but also in sweetness: we prefer not to over-sugar it and actually use a honey made in Luxembourg instead of sugar.”

Bound to keep you toasty on a cold evening, this mulled white wine follows in the vein of the Vins Fins philosophy: to be as local and organic as possible, not only for the quality, but also to lessen their carbon footprint.

“We chose the Happy Duchy Elbling, a simple wine that mixes excellently with spices, and is quite acidic, which is complemented well by the honey. It cheers up the souls of our customers!”

Happy Duchy is a small independent producer that uses organic grapes to make wine, crémant and juice.

For 3-4 portions:

• 1 bottle Happy Duchy Elbling (only sold at Vins Fins or Naturata)
• 3 teaspoons local honey
• Half an orange, diced
• Cardamom and cinnamon--a big pinch of each

Marinate the ingredients and heat for at least 30 minutes, but take care not to bring to the boil.  Serve hot with a slice of orange in a (preferably heated) ceramic mug.