As the Lunar New Year approaches, set to begin on February 17, 2026, celebrations will usher in the Year of the Horse, specifically the fire horse—an auspicious element that occurs only once every six decades. This year symbolizes urgency, intensity, freedom, action, and breakthrough, setting a vibrant tone for festive gatherings. If a Chinese banquet dinner is in your plans, selecting the right wines can enhance the culinary experience. Here are three bottles expertly chosen to complement the multitude of dishes typically served.
M. Chapoutier 2024 Belleruche Côtes du Rhône, France
Priced at $19.49 (product code #476846), this French red offers a robust alternative to lighter options like Pinot Noir or Gamay. The Belleruche Côtes du Rhône is a perennial value choice, known for its elegant label that adds sophistication to any dinner table. Its glossy, purple-black hue introduces an enticing bouquet of dark fruit, herbs, and sun-baked earth. The wine starts with a robust profile, featuring great structure and underlying freshness, leading to a soft, balanced finish. It pairs excellently with meatballs, braised beef with Gai lan, and fried rice.
Bottom line: B+, a tasty crowd-pleaser.
Whitehaven 2023 Pinot Gris, New Zealand
Available for $20.99 on sale until February 28 (product code #198887), this white wine addresses the challenge of pairing with seafood and fish dishes at banquets. While Riesling is often recommended, New Zealand Pinot Gris provides a smooth, robust alternative. Whitehaven's Marlborough Pinot Gris showcases floral, citrus, and orchard fruit aromas, offering a rich yet fresh and opulent experience. It concludes with a smooth, balanced, and fruity finish, making it ideal for Asian seafood dishes.
Bottom line: B+, elegant and ready to go.
Haywire 2022 Lunar Red, B.C.
Priced at $28.88 and available through the winery, this Merlot-dominant red from Summerland's Haywire winery continues an annual tradition of limited-release bottles for the Lunar New Year. The bottle features a snazzy gold horse motif on a bold red background, fitting the celebratory theme. Inside, the wine offers lush dark fruit with hints of spice and toasty, cigar box notes. It begins with a plush entry, moves to a dry mid-palate with firm tannins, and ends with a lingering, dry finish. Pair it with duck dishes, braised beef or lamb hot pot, or pan-fried dumplings.
Bottom line: B, also goes great with red envelopes.
The Swirl: Spirited: A Winter Wine & Spirits Festival
For those looking to expand their tasting horizons, the Spirited: A Winter Wine & Spirits Festival will take over Rocky Mountaineer's The Station at 1755 Cottrell St, Vancouver, on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event features over 150 wines, whiskies, rums, tequilas, and more for tasting. Evening sessions start at 7 p.m. with tickets at $45 (plus fees), while the Saturday afternoon session begins at 2 p.m. and costs $35 (plus fees). All tickets include a souvenir tasting glass and access to an exclusive bottle shop. For complete details, visit letsgetspirited.ca.
