Mulled wine prices in Saxony remain largely stable

Mulled wine prices at Christmas markets in Saxony remain relatively stable compared to last year. In most cases, a 0.2-glass of mulled wine costs between four and five euros, according to several vendors in Leipzig, Dresden, Zwickau, and Chemnitz. 

Nevertheless, the economic conditions are difficult, said Tino Walcha of the Heide fruit press. This year’s apple harvest was a “total failure.” Despite this, they have kept the base price for fruit mulled wine stable.

Heiko Meyer, chairman of the Friends of Dresden’s Historic Altmarkt and a vendor at the Striezelmarkt, also expects prices to remain stable. At most vendors, a 0.2-liter glass of mulled wine costs five euros, just as it did last year. Non-alcoholic mulled wine has been growing in popularity for some time, Meyer said.

Mulled wine also costs five euros at the Wackerbarth Castle stands at the Striezelmarkt and the Augustusmarkt in Dresden. As press spokesman Martin Junge explained, the mulled wine is based on a historic recipe from 1834 that has been “carefully adapted to today’s tastes.”

Summer drinks are popular even in winter

Mario Schmökel, a vendor at the Leipzig Christmas market, expects his prices to remain stable this year. Mulled wine at his stand costs between four and five euros. The fruity varieties, in particular, are popular and are “taking off.” People want in winter what they wanted in summer—just as a hot drink, the stall operator explained. Warm rosé and Aperol, for example, are in high demand.

At Café Stein in Leipzig, mulled wine costs five euros this year, remaining at last year’s price. However, he serves the hot drink in 0.25-liter glasses. Red and white mulled wine are the best sellers, but Feuerzangenbowle is also in demand, he said.

Uta Rockstroh from Heureka Marktgastronomie also offers 0.25-liter servings of mulled wine in Leipzig. The hot drink in a clay mug is once again available this year for five euros. Those who want blueberry mulled wine have to pay an extra euro. The rosé is also available as a hot drink for six euros. Rockstroh added that non-alcoholic mulled wine is also popular.

Booth fees in Leipzig remain stable

When asked, the Leipzig Market Office provided only a cautious estimate. A spokesperson said they expect prices to remain roughly at last year’s level. According to him, stall fees for vendors will remain stable.

In Zwickau, Matthias Rose from the Tourist Information Office expects vendors to “calculate tightly” this year and to “appropriately factor in the widespread increase in costs.” Last year, mulled wine typically cost between four and five euros.

André Gruhle, one of the operators of the Chemnitz Christmas market on Innere Klosterstraße, also reports stable prices. This year, classic mulled wine is once again priced at four euros, with specialty varieties available for an additional 50 cents.