Wine tasting: Cullen Vineyard from Margaret River

Hongkongers often consult the tung shing (farmer's almanac) to find auspicious dates for important events such as weddings and company openings. Often forgotten is that it also served as an important guide for farmers to plan important activities such as when to plant crops, and when to harvest them. The wine world has its equivalent called biodynamics. The term may sound New Age and esoteric, but it follows similar principles as organic farming in eschewing the use of synthetic additives in the vineyard.

Biodynamics takes this concept a step further and follows the lunar cycle in planning viticultural activities such as pruning and harvesting. Homeopathic additions made from plant materials such as chamomile, yarrow flowers and stinging nettle are used to control pests and diseases.

Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines, based in the Australian region of Margaret River, is a strong supporter of biodynamics. She describes it as "uplifting and alive. It is about creating life in the vineyard". The most important vineyard preparation she uses is called 500, made from cow manure, to improve soil health and micro flora.

The other addition is 501, derived from quartz crystals, which helps improve vine health. In the winery, Cullen practices minimalist intervention, and fermentation relies on indigenous yeast, to help retain the character of the fruit, flowers and earth in the wine. She says the wines have an elegant structure with lower alcohol and sugar, and higher acidity. Langton's, which classifies Australian wines, rates Cullen's products as "exceptional".