THE BRAND

Founded in 1992, St. Christopher Glühwein is a distinguished brand dedicated to producing and bottling traditional German mulled wine, known as Glühwein, from the picturesque Rheinhessen region of Germany. The brand was born out of a collaboration between two passionate wine enthusiasts, Manfred Bauer and Gunther Schlink, who shared a vision of showcasing the finest wines that Germany has to offer under one unified label. The name “St. Christopher” is inspired by the Catholic Saint revered as the “guardian of travelers.” This symbolism resonates deeply with our mission: to create wines that accompany people on their journeys, whether they are exploring new cultures, celebrating special moments, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home. Just as St. Christopher is believed to protect those on their travels, our wines aim to enhance every experience and connection. In today’s global landscape, wine serves as an international conversation starter that connects individuals across cultures and histories. At St. Christopher Glühwein, we strive to bridge these connections through our carefully crafted products that celebrate not only German winemaking traditions but also the joy of sharing experiences over a glass of mulled wine.

Glühwein, which translates to “glow wine,” has a rich history that dates back several centuries, particularly in Germany and other German-speaking regions. The origins of this warm, spiced wine can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the practice of heating and spicing wine was first documented. Roman troops were known to consume warm spiced wine as early as the 1st century CE, spreading this tradition throughout the territories they conquered. The first recorded instance of what we now recognize as Glühwein specifically appears in Germany around 1420. This is evidenced by a gold-plated tankard belonging to Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen, a German nobleman who was also the first grower of Riesling grapes. This tankard is significant not only for its historical value but also for its association with the consumption of sweet and spicy wines during festive occasions. Throughout the years, Glühwein evolved into a staple beverage during the winter months and especially around Christmas time. It became popular at German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), where it is traditionally served in festive mugs. The drink typically consists of red wine infused with various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus fruits like oranges or lemons. Sugar is often added to enhance its sweetness.

In Germany, Glühwein is sometimes enjoyed mit Schuss, meaning it is served with a shot of liquor such as rum or amaretto. This variation adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor to the drink. The preparation methods have remained relatively consistent over time; however, modern recipes may include additional spices or variations using white wine instead of red. The cultural significance of Glühwein extends beyond mere consumption; it represents social gatherings during cold winter nights. People often enjoy Glühwein while strolling through Christmas markets or gathering with friends and family at home during the holiday season. As time progressed into the 20th century, particularly after World War II, Glühwein gained further popularity across Europe and beyond. Each region has developed its own variations—such as Feuerzangenbowle in Germany, which involves setting a rum-soaked sugar loaf on fire above the wine before serving—demonstrating how this traditional drink has adapted while maintaining its core essence. Today, Glühwein remains an integral part of German holiday culture and continues to be enjoyed by many both within Germany and internationally during the festive season.

Rheinhessen is a prominent wine region located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Its history dates back to Roman times when vineyards were first established along the Rhine River. The Romans recognized the favorable climate and fertile soil of the region, which made it suitable for viticulture. They introduced various grape varieties and winemaking techniques that laid the foundation for what would become one of Germany’s most significant wine-producing areas. During the Middle Ages, monastic communities played a crucial role in developing viticulture in Rheinhessen. Monks from various orders cultivated vineyards, improved winemaking practices, and documented their findings. This period saw an increase in both the quantity and quality of wine produced in the region. By the 12th century, Rheinhessen wines began to gain recognition beyond local markets, establishing a reputation that would continue to grow over the centuries. In the 19th century, advancements in technology and transportation further propelled Rheinhessen’s wine industry. The introduction of railroads facilitated easier distribution of wines to larger markets, leading to increased production and sales. During this time, several grape varieties were cultivated that would later be recognized as ideal for producing Glühwein (mulled wine), including Riesling and Dornfelder.

Glühwein is traditionally made from red or white wines that are spiced and heated, making it a popular beverage during winter months and festive occasions like Christmas markets. The choice of grapes used for Glühwein is essential as they must possess certain characteristics: they should have good acidity to balance out sweetness from added sugar or spices while also being rich enough to withstand heating without losing flavor. In Rheinhessen, two grape varieties stand out as particularly well-suited for Glühwein: riesling and dornfelder. Rieslings, known for their high acidity and aromatic profile, thrive in Rheinhessen’s climate, contributing to the development of their complex flavors. When used for Glühwein, add floral notes with hints of stone fruits that enhance the overall taste experience. Dornfelder wines are often described as having berry flavors with moderate tannins, making them an excellent base for mulled wine. The richness of this varietal also complements spices like cinnamon and cloves typically used in Glühwein recipes. The combination of these grape varieties with traditional spices creates a unique flavor profile that embodies the essence of German winter festivities. Today, Rheinhessen continues to be one of Germany’s largest wine regions by area under vine cultivation while also being recognized for producing high-quality wines suitable not only for drinking but also for festive preparations like Glühwein. The historical significance combined with modern advancements ensures that Rheinhessen remains integral to Germany’s viticultural landscape.