Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with Exceptional Wine Selections
Monday 16 February 2026 marks the vibrant commencement of the Year of the Fire Horse, initiating fifteen days of joyous Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. Traditional celebrations feature the hanging of red lanterns and the exchange of red envelopes filled with money during intimate dinners with family and close friends. London's dynamic hospitality sector is embracing this cultural milestone with unparalleled enthusiasm, offering specially curated experiences that blend culinary excellence with celebratory spirit.
London's Hospitality Scene Embraces Lunar New Year
Renowned establishments across the capital are launching exclusive offerings for the occasion. Hakkasan and Yauatcha City have developed bespoke menus accompanied by captivating Lion Dancer performances, with Yauatcha City hosting a spectacular display today at 7pm for those in the vicinity. Meanwhile, innovative cocktail collaborations are emerging at venues like the Shangri-La's Gong Bar in the Shard, enhancing the festive atmosphere throughout the month.
Expert Wine Pairings for Traditional Chinese Dishes
Chinese cuisine consistently ranks among the top two most popular takeaway choices in the United Kingdom, yet selecting the ideal wine accompaniment can be a delightful challenge. Alessia Mandolini, head sommelier of the Hakkasan Group, emphasizes that fish is a traditional Lunar New Year dish. "One of my absolute favourite pairings is our Chilean sea bass in honey with a beautifully oaked Chardonnay," she explains. "The wine's luxurious texture and subtle oak notes perfectly complement the richness of the fish, while its crisp acidity ensures the pairing remains balanced and elegantly refined." This description aligns wonderfully with the Cave de Lugny Les Charmes Macon, currently available at a £3 discount at Waitrose, priced at £14.50.
For stir-fried noodles, Mandolini enthusiastically recommends a vibrant Grüner Veltliner from Austria. "Its lively acidity, delicate spice nuances, and clean finish harmonize exquisitely with the savoury flavours and light oiliness of the dish, elevating the overall balance without overwhelming the palate." An excellent choice is the Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner from Majestic, priced at £12, renowned for its crisp character and distinctive white pepper finish.
Red Wine Excellence with Chinese Cuisine
A staple on any Chinese menu is the iconic crispy duck pancakes accompanied by rich plum sauce and finely-chopped spring onions. For this classic dish, Mandolini advocates for a Pinot Noir. "The bright acidity skillfully cuts through the duck's richness, while the red fruit profiles and gentle spice complement the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. A lighter, elegant Burgundy or a refined Pinot Noir performs particularly well." English Pinot Noirs are gaining significant recognition for their elegance and depth of flavour. The Simpsons Rabbit Hole, available at davywine.co.uk for £26.95, stands as a longstanding example of velvety refinement. Alternatively, Dermot Sugrue's recently released Crouch Valley Pinot Noir 2022, priced at £65 from sugruesouthdowns.com, offers an intoxicating choice. Sugrue, celebrated as one of the magicians of English winemaking, demonstrates his expertise through this complex and captivating bottle.
Taiwanese Specialties and Thoughtful Wine Lists
BAO City, nominated last year for Best Casual Dining at City AM's Toast the City Awards, buzzes with energy each lunchtime, often turning away hopeful diners. This restaurant chain specializes in steamed, filled buns with Taiwanese origins, yet the pairing principles remain consistent. The exclusive 'midnight lamb bao' sharing plate at the City branch pairs impeccably with their in-house Weeping Sake, a refreshing and uplifting beverage specifically crafted to complement their buns, presented in an appealingly cool little bottle.
Daddy Bao in Tooting features a concise and meticulously considered wine list, earning additional praise for its exceptional service. When indecisive about selections, the staff generously offered samples of wines by the glass to facilitate informed choices. For the hot and spicy fried chicken Bao, the Italian Caparrone Passerina is ideal, offering refreshing coolness and zesty lemon sherbert notes. For the slow-cooked beef brisket bao, a plush, red-berry rounded wine is recommended. The Portuguese Herdade do Portocarro Cavalo Maluco, available at wineathome.org for £46.99, presents a perfect choice with its rich berry notes and fine tannins.
Top Wine Recommendations for Celebratory Toasts
This month presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in Chinese culinary delights, so raise a glass to the Year of the Fire Horse. Gān bēi!
- Thamnus Pinot Noir 2023 – Hedonism, £45. A superb South African cool-climate Pinot Noir, lithe with wild strawberries, complex with forest floor notes and spice. Delicately structured and silky, it pairs excellently with crispy duck pancakes.
- Paul Jaboulet Aine Viognier – Tesco, £12. A remarkably accomplished viognier at an astonishing price, well-balanced with evocative perfume of white blossoms and stone fruit underpinned by sophisticated freshness. Pairs beautifully with spicy noodles.
- Tenuta J Hofstatter Meczan Pinot Nero 2023 – VINVM.co.uk, £23.25. Recommended at Knightbridge's 'Sale e Pepe' for both rich and delicate dishes, this fine-tuned, elegantly fruity wine is an incredible food companion.
