Start the year with something real. No heavy makeup, just honest wine.
In Hong Kong, the Lunar New Year table is a chaotic, beautiful symphony of flavors. From the sweet tang of Lou Hei to the umami bomb of soy sauce chicken, it’s a sensory overload.
This year, as we welcome the Year of the Horse (2026), we are skipping the industrial, mass-produced bottles. The horse symbolizes energy, freedom, and untamed spirit—traits that perfectly define Natural Wine.
Here is our curated guide to unlocking the perfect harmony at your feast, featuring vibrant, unfiltered bottles that have nothing to hide.
1. The Opener: Prosperity Toss (撈起) x Pet-Nat
The "Lou Hei" is all about the toss—the higher, the better. You need a wine that matches this electric energy. Forget stiff Champagne; you want a Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel). Its raw, rustic bubbles mirror the excitement of the toss, cutting through the sweet plum sauce with laser-sharp acidity.
The Pour: Particella 128 Vibe: Precise, Elegant, Alive. This isn’t your average fizzy wine. Particella 128 is a masterclass in balance. Fine bubbles, crisp acidity, and a savory undertone that cleanses the palate after every bite of raw fish and crackers. It’s the perfect firecracker to start the night.
2. The Theme: Year of the Horse x Chilled Red
Red wine at CNY doesn't have to be a heavy, oaky Bordeaux that puts you to sleep. This is the Year of the Horse—we want energy. We want Chilled Reds. They are vibrant, full of fruit, and dangerously easy to drink.
The Pour: Trojan Horse 2023 Vibe: The conversation starter. It’s 2026, the Year of the Horse, so naturally, we had to pick this. The Trojan Horse is a juicy, unfiltered red that thrives when chilled. It’s bursting with red berries and spice, with zero heavy tannins. It pairs effortlessly with Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕)—the acidity cutting through the fatty cured meat and oil, refreshing your palate for the next round.
3. The Main Event: Soy Sauce Chicken x Premium Orange Wine
Soy Sauce Chicken (豉油雞) is deep, savory, and rich. A white wine might get lost; a heavy red might clash. The answer? Orange Wine (Skin-contact White). The tannins from the grape skins provide structure, while the exotic fruit notes elevate the soy marinade. 
The Pour: NEANDERTHAL Vibe: Wild, prehistoric, and unforgettable. If your family loves strong flavors (like braised mushrooms or oyster sauce dishes), go for the Neanderthal. With 6 months of skin contact, it’s a deep, textured orange wine that acts almost like a light red. It’s bold, unapologetic, and perfect for the adventurous table.
The Alternative: Don Pippinu 2021, Vini Scirto (Etna Orange) Vibe: Volcanic soul from 100-year-old vines. This is a serious wine for a serious dish. Grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, this amber wine has a mineral backbone that stands up to rich sauces. It’s complex, savory, and incredibly long-lasting on the palate.
Shopping Tips: The Earth Wine Way
Navigating wine shops during CNY is stressful. At The Earth Wine, we curate for Taste over Status.
- Real Wine Only: Every bottle we sell is low-intervention, additive-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Next-Day Delivery: We know CNY is hectic. Order online, and we’ll get the wines to your door before the first visitor arrives.
Serving Tip: Ditch the fancy decanters.
- Pet-Nats & Whites: Ice bucket cold.
- Reds & Orange: Cool (put them in the fridge for 20 mins before serving).
- Glassware: Use a versatile glass like Gabriel-Glas. It works for everything.
A Toast to the Year of the Horse
May your 2026 be filled with prosperity, joy, and wines that make you feel something. The best pairings are the ones that spark conversation and bring people together.
Ready to reset your palate?
