Overview
- Germany’s wine institute reports rising supply of winemaker-made Glühwein and stronger demand, with at-home consumption gaining traction.
- German wine law defines Glühwein as an aromatised wine drink from red, white or rosé wine at 7–14.5% ABV with no added water, spirits or colorants.
- “Winzerglühwein” may be used only when producers craft it from their own wines, underscoring provenance and quality control.
- White versions and newly allowed rosé styles are trending after a 2022 EU rule change, with organic offerings showing smaller but steady growth.
- Experts recommend choosing cups that taste clearly of wine rather than excess sugar or spice, using fresh juice, and heating gently without boiling; alcohol-free variants must follow alternative naming rules.