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M&S Discontinues Its Popular Rose Mulled Wine
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Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 12:30 GMT by London Evening Standard- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
M&S Discontinues its Popular Rose Mulled Wine – A Quick Guide to What the Change Means
When you think of the M&S festive shopping list, the first items that pop up are usually their range of wines, cheeses, and pre‑made mince pies. But this year, a small yet beloved addition to that list has quietly been pulled from the shelves: the M&S “Festive Treat” rose mulled wine. While the decision was announced with a brief note on the retailer’s website, the full story behind the move, and what it could mean for shoppers, warrants a closer look.
The product that made the rounds
The rose mulled wine first appeared in early 2023 as part of M&S’s “Festive Treat” line – a collection of seasonal goodies designed to add a splash of holiday cheer to every household. In the first few months, it quickly became a fan favourite, celebrated for its unique twist on the classic mulled wine recipe. Rather than the traditional red base, the M&S version used a bright, fragrant rosé. This gave the drink a lighter, fruitier profile, with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and a subtle citrus lift that made it a popular choice for both daytime and evening gatherings.
The bottle, which came in a standard 750 ml size, was marketed as “perfect for a cozy night in or an easy party cocktail.” The marketing copy highlighted the warm spices – cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise – combined with a splash of orange peel and a drizzle of honey. It even included a handy “recipe” sheet on the back of the bottle, encouraging shoppers to experiment with variations (e.g., adding a splash of brandy or spicing it up with a pinch of cayenne).
The news that sparked a wave of questions
The short notice posted on the M&S website – a single sentence explaining that the rose mulled wine “will no longer be available” – set off a ripple of speculation. Customers and wine‑enthusiasts alike began to wonder: Was this a one‑off supply issue? Was demand lower than expected? Or was it a strategic shift in M&S’s holiday strategy?
The retailer’s official statement (linked on the same page) was clear but brief. It read that after reviewing “sales data and customer feedback,” M&S had decided to discontinue the product. The company noted that “the festive wine range will continue to evolve, and we remain committed to offering a diverse selection of high‑quality products that meet the tastes and preferences of our customers.” No mention of supply chain hiccups or ingredient shortages was made.
Digging into the context
To understand why a product that had been so well received could be pulled so quickly, it helps to look at the broader picture of M&S’s wine strategy and the UK market’s dynamics.
M&S has long positioned itself as a premium retailer, offering wines that are both “accessible” and “authentic.” Their own M&S label, launched in 2003, has grown to include a mix of house‑made and partnership wines, many of which have been rated highly by wine critics. In the past few years, M&S has expanded its focus on “specialty” and “seasonal” offerings – such as the limited‑edition “M&S Christmas Sparkling” and the “M&S Halloween Spiced Cider.” These are often sold in short runs, making them feel exclusive.
The rose mulled wine was part of this trend – a seasonal offering that had a relatively short shelf life. Yet, it outperformed several other seasonal wines in sales metrics, especially during the second quarter. The fact that it was discontinued in the summer, rather than closer to the holiday season, is what surprised many. A possible explanation lies in M&S’s quarterly profit reporting. Companies often align product launches with their fiscal calendars to manage inventory and cash flow. If the wine did not meet projected profit margins by the time the quarter closed, it could have prompted a swift pull‑back.
A look at the UK wine market in 2023–2024 also offers clues. Consumer tastes were shifting toward “lighter” wines, with a growing appetite for rosé and sparkling varieties. However, there was a noticeable “wine fatigue” among shoppers who had been bombarded with an ever‑growing number of ready‑to‑drink mixes and pre‑made cocktails. The rose mulled wine, while unique, may have been perceived as too niche for the mass‑market approach M&S typically favours.
What the move means for consumers
1. Availability of the bottle
If you were hoping to snag a bottle of the rose mulled wine from the shelf, your chances are slim. M&S’s own website indicates that it is no longer stocked. However, there may be a small window of opportunity on the platform’s “Clearance” page, where last‑minute stock can still be found. For those who have a few bottles left in their home, the recipe sheet can still guide you in repurposing the wine into cocktails, mulled wine with a twist, or even a rosé sangria.
2. Alternative festive wines
M&S’s flagship “Festive Treat” line still includes a handful of other wines that can fill the void left by the rose mulled wine. The range now boasts:
- M&S Festive Sparkling – a dry, crisp sparkling rosé that can double as a celebratory starter.
- M&S Winter Blend – a richer, berry‑laden red that’s great for cosy evenings.
- M&S Mulled Red – the classic warm wine with a slightly different spice profile.
If you’re looking for something as special as the rose mulled wine, you might also explore independent producers on the M&S website. A few boutique winemakers are offering limited‑run “rosé mulled” or “spiced rosé” varieties that are available for a short period before the next season’s launch.
3. Where to find the recipe
Although the official product is gone, the recipe has lived on in the wider community. The M&S recipe sheet has been shared on social media, wine forums, and even a few YouTube channels. For those wanting to recreate the drink, the basics are simple: warm the rosé, add spices, a splash of honey or sugar, and garnish with citrus. Many variations include adding brandy, orange liqueur, or a pinch of chili for heat.
Looking ahead
The decision to pull the rose mulled wine is likely a blend of practical and strategic factors: inventory management, changing consumer preferences, and a need to keep the seasonal assortment fresh and profitable. M&S has repeatedly signalled that its approach to wine – especially seasonal items – is to be nimble and responsive to the market.
As the winter season rolls in, keep an eye on M&S’s “Festive Treat” updates. It’s possible that the retailer will bring back a similar rosé‑based product, perhaps with a different twist or under a new brand name. In the meantime, those who cherish the warmth and flavor of rose mulled wine might consider exploring other rosé‑based drinks or even attempting a homemade version.
In the end, while the discontinuation may feel like a small disappointment, it underscores a broader trend in retail: seasonal products are born, evolve, and sometimes vanish all within the same year, all in response to a fast‑moving market and a shopper base that’s hungry for novelty. Whether that means M&S’s future festive wine offerings will look more refined or more adventurous remains to be seen, but for now, the rose mulled wine has made its brief, memorable splash on the UK’s holiday scene.
Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/business/m-and-s-festive-treat-rose-mulled-wine-discontinued-b1258631.html ]
