Helen Xu founded this business after buying the expansive Fernando Vineyard on Spring Lane in 2010. Pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, pinot gris, shiraz, and sauvignon blanc are among the grapes that are grown there. Helen comes from a very diverse background. She worked as a QA manager for Nestlé for a number of years and has a master’s degree in analytical chemistry. Together with her husband Joey, she now runs a business in Shanghai that specializes in the production of textile ink. Currently, they spend equal amounts of time in China and Australia. — JAMES HALLIDAY
In 2010, Helen & Joey bought a Yarra Valley Vineyard that was already operational. Helen, the female owner and operator, and her tiny staff have been slavishly working to better farm the vines since that time in order to produce better fruit so that they can make better wine. Estate wines from the Yarra Valley exhibit extraordinary character as a result of the efforts. The Yarra Valley’s mild climate allows for the production of wines with significantly higher levels of finesse, restraint, and aromatics than are often associated with Australian wine.
The Helen and Joey Estate is situated at the foot of the Warramate Ranges in the Yarra Valley’s Gruyere sub-district. Vineyards in this region are known for producing traditional cool climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but they also have a proven track record for making classy but enduring red wines from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is being improved by Jamie McGlade, a viticulturist, who achieves this through enhancing the vitality and health of both the soils and the grapes. The ultimate goal is to produce fruit that needs as little intervention in the winery as possible. Famous Yarra Valley vineyards including Mount Mary and Yering Station were previously under Jamie’s management. Meg Brodtmann is our senior winemaker and a MW. The Institute of Masters of Wine initially admitted Meg, an Australian-born woman. Her primary goal is to create wines that authentically capture the Yarra Valley’s elegance, restraint, and fragrant character. There are hardly any interventions or manipulations. One of the women winemakers that started Yarra Valley Women of Wine is Meg. The Helen and Joey Estate is a proudly family-run business. US, Chinese, Japanese, Norwegian, Hong Kong, and Singapore exports
Helen and Joey’s, one of the busier Cellar Doors in the Yarra Valley, with a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. When the weather allows, tastings take place outside as well as indoors. The unmatched views from the deck and the presence of unicorns help to create a welcoming atmosphere at this family-friendly cellar door.
If you are in Toorak, Victoria 3142, and looking for a winery tour to Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula, this is the best way to visit us.
Winery Tour Yarra Valley
Unit 201/98 River Esplanade
Docklands, VIC 3008
(03) 7042 3201