Put everything except the pears into a wide pan and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add the pears and bring back to the boil.
Cover and simmer 1 hour or until the pears are very soft, basting occasionally.
Uncover, remove the pears and place on a serving dish, place the liquid back on the heat and boil to reduce until slightly syrupy.
Pour the red wine syrup over the pears.
Cool and chill.
Serve with whipped cream.