Cut a small portion of the bottom of each pear off so they can sit upright. Peel the skin from each, then set aside.
Set a large pot over medium heat and add the wine, water, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar. Split the vanilla bean down the middle, scrape the seeds into the pot, then throw the pods in the pot as well.
Add the pears, making sure they’re mostly covered by the wine, then cover and let gently simmer for 20 minutes, or until pears are soft.
Serve warm and fresh, or store leftovers in the wine juice in the fridge.