Top Zodiac Wine Picks for the Year of the Horse

Auswan Creek

For Auswan Creek, zodiac wines have become a cornerstone of its annual marketing strategy. Led by Chinese-Australian entrepreneur Li Wei, the winery places strong emphasis on localisation in its China operations. With Lunar New Year remaining the country’s most important gifting occasion, Auswan Creek has developed zodiac wines tailored specifically to this context.

Its Year of the Horse release is titled “Ma Shang Fa Cai” (The Fortune Horse), a play on words that uses the homophonic association of “horse” to convey wishes of immediate prosperity. The message is direct and unmistakable, with a strong emphasis on wealth and success, clearly positioning the wine for business gifting.

The front of the gift box features a golden horse carrying a large gold ingot, offering a bold and literal interpretation of the theme. Set against a red background, the design incorporates five auspicious Chinese motifs—swallows, peonies, dragonflies, koi carp and butterflies—symbolising the arrival of good fortune.

Continuing the winery’s established zodiac style, the 1.5-litre large-format bottle is a South Australian blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering a rich, full-bodied profile. The wine is priced at RMB 699 per bottle.