Selecting Wines for the Chinese New Year of the Snake 2025

January 29th, 2025 is the Chinese (Lunar) New Year of the Earth Snake. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. Snakes are usually regarded as great thinkers.

Some famous people born in the Year of the Snake are:

• Pablo Picasso – Oct. 25, 1881
• Stephen Hawking – Jan. 8, 1942
• John F. Kennedy – May 29, 1917
• J. K. Rowling – July 31, 1965

Snake Wines?

BC

Although we don’t have a winery that has snake in the name, Haywire Winery has released a special Year of the Snake, Lunar Red 2022 wine, that has snake design on the front label.  It is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

My tasting note: The Haywire Winery Lunar Red 2022 displays a clear garnet hue with inviting aromas of red fruit, plums, toast, and leather. On the palate, it is dry with a medium-minus body, bright acidity, and flavours of red fruit, plums, black cherries, and hints of oak and chocolate. A medium-plus finish features red fruit, black cherry, and a touch of pepperiness, with leather notes emerging after decanting. –

You can purchase this wine online from the Haywire Winery website.

 Outside of BC

Are there any wines that have a snake in the name of the wine or the name of the winery?  The closest thing I have found to wines related to snakes is the Snake River Valley AVA which covers part of Idaho and Eastern Oregon. 

According to Wikipedia, “The Snake River Valley AVA in an American Viticultural Area that encompasses an area in Southwestern Idaho and two counties in eastern Oregon. … for wines to bear the Snake River Valley AVA label, at least 85% of the grapes used for production must be grown in the designated area… The boundary encompasses 15 wineries, 46 vineyards, and 1,800 acres (728 ha) of commercial vineyard production.” (wikipedia.com).

This region produces wines using the grape varieties Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canadice, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Lemberger, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Riesling, and Syrah.  With such a range of grapes, I am sure that there is something for any Asian dish that you are going to serve on Chinese New Year.

Which wineries are in the Snake River Valley AVA?

• 

  3 Horse Ranch Vineyards http://www.3horseranchvineyards.com
• Bitner Vineyards http://www.bitnervineyards.com
• Cinder http://www.cinderwines.com
• Davis Creek Cellars http://www.daviscreekcellars.com
• HAT Ranch Winery http://www.hatranchwinery.com
• Huston Vineyards http://www.hustonvineyards.com
• Indian Creek Winery http://www.indiancreekwinery.com
• Koenig Vineyards http://koenigvineyards.com
• Sawtooth Winery http://www.sawtoothwinery.com
• Snake River Winery http://www.snakeriverwinery.com
• Split Rail Winery http://www.splitrailwines.com
• Ste. Chapelle Winery http://www.stechapelle.com/
• Telaya Wine Company http://www.telayawine.com
• Williamson Orchards & Vineyards http://www.willorch.com
• Zhoo Zhoo http://www.zhoozhoo.com

Can I buy these wines in BC?  I checked on the BC Liquor Stores website and did not find anything.  If you want to find some, I suggest taking a quick trip to Washington state.  

California:

Winc Wine Club sells “Sister Snake” wines, which come from South Africa. They offer a Chenin Blanc, Grenache, and a Syrah under this label.

Australia:

1. The Snake’s Lair

   • Location: South Australia
   • Wine: This name is associated with the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. “The Snake’s Lair” is a playful nod to the region’s rich viticulture.
   • Wines Produced: The winery produces wines like Shiraz and Grenache, known for their deep, bold flavours.

2. Snake + Herring Winery

   • 

     Location: Margaret River, Western Australia
   • Wine: Snake and Herring is a boutique winery in the renowned Margaret River wine region. The winery’s name comes from the combination of two symbolic animals: “snake,” often associated with transformation and strength, and “herring,” a reference to the local fishing culture.
   • Wines Produced: Snake and Herring is known for producing high-quality Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (Shiraz), and Malbec. 
     
     
3. Passing Clouds Serpentine Shiraz 2021 (from the Serpentine Vineyard)

• Location: Bendigo, Australia
• Grapes: A wide range of red and white grapes
• Soil: Sandy clay loam topsoil over friable reddish clay with limestone pebbles.

New Zealand:

1. Chard Farm Winery

• • Location: Central Otago, New Zealand
  • Grapes: Pinot Noir and other grapes
  • Soil: Shallow talus and alluvium of schist and “serpentine”

France:

1. 1. 

      Domaine Sainte Eulalie La Serpentine Rosé
      • Location: Côtes de Provence, France
      • Wine: A rosé wine made from Tibouren and Mourvedre grapes.

2. Domaine de la Janasse Le Serpent

   • Location: Côtes du Rhône, France
   • Wine: “Le Serpent” is a French wine produced in the famous Côtes du Rhône region. The name refers to the twisting nature of the region’s vineyards, which often follow the winding Rhône River.
   • Wines Produced: The wines from Le Serpent include reds made from blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, producing wines that are full-bodied with a mix of fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.

Whiskey

If you are a whiskey lover, you may want to purchase Johnnie Walker – Blue Label Lny 2025 Snake (BC $415), available at BC Liquor stores.  It has a snazzy-looking box and bottle.

Enjoy and Happy Lunar New Year!