In order to create a working environment with the least amount of stress and the maximum amount of positive energy both for the wines and their maker, I decided "chez" Mimi should incorporate "feng shui," the Chinese traditions of yin and yang, wind and water, metal and wood, fire and earth, south, west, north and east into its interior design. For more than four thousand years the Chinese have realized the value of harnessing "chi," an invisible energy, in a given space. Good "chi" starts with color. Color can raise our spirits, increase our energy, as well as create a sense of concentration. For example, I painted each wall a separate color according to the "bagua," the eight-sided map of "feng shui." The winery's south wall and foyer are painted 'antique' red. Red is thought to be the most auspicious color by the Chinese. Representing fire and happiness, red is also the most highly charged wavelength in the visual spectrum and tends to attract dynamic creativity. The winery's north wall is painted 'beluga' black since black represents water and money. Black is powerful and absorbs other colors. Interestingly, Renoir defines black as the Queen of all the colors. While red creates "yang" (energy), black creates "yin" (energy). The winery's west wall is painted 'moonrise' white. White is the source of all colors and represents metal and innocence to the Chinese. The stainless steel tanks are placed along the winery's west wall. Finally, the winery's east wall is painted 'old vine' green as green represents wood, longevity and peace. Green also signifies farming to the Chinese. One should be very active on the east quadrant of the workplace, hence the east side of the winery is open space for destemming grapes, topping and rinsing barrels, hand bottling, hand labeling, etc. The winery's entrance is via the south door and rollup door intentionally as the sun's rise and set plays a critical role in the Chinese culture. Other "feng shui" concepts include a well-lit foyer, several yellow lanterns hanging from the ceiling, eight antique Chinese coins tied on a lanyard, a welcoming statue of Buddha alongside a jade tortoise, and a water fountain handmade out of an older barrel originally purchased from Château Margaux.

biodynamics in the cellar