As you know we rely heavily on nature. We tend not to add yeast to most of the barrel fermented white wine that we produce under the Helen’s Hill label. Our Fume Blanc aka Evolution and Arneis are 100% natural ferment and our Chardonnay is up to 75% natural or “wild” ferment.

As with everything that is 100% natural sometimes things do not go according to plan. This is particularly the case with the Arneis. Added to these winemaking challenges are the intricacies involved in growing the stuff to begin with. To say that this variety can be troublesome in the vineyard is an understatement! I would say that the Helen’s Hill Arneis aka The Nemesis is more than aptly named!

So it has been a long time coming but in 2011 things went according to plan – and the result is worth the wait. Nine months in old French oak barrels, 100% natural ferment and extended time on lees has resulted in a wine that captures the uniqueness of this variety. The nose is complex and aromatic. The palate is all almonds, pears, peaches and honey. It has a firm clean finish but with tiny hints of toast from time in barrel.  A perfect substitute to New Zealand Sav Blanc with the added bonus that you can drink it with a variety of food – but in particular, seafood!”

Chillout Travel Winery Tours highly recommends Helens Hill Estate for a great Cellar Door experience.   We can take your group on one of our winery tours to the Yarra Valley where you can sample their lovely and interesting selection of wines, whilst enjoying the rustic ambiance and warm fireplace set amongst the blue gums and vines……  click on this link for more information – Yarra Valley Winery Tour

[Sourced 30 April 2012 - Helens Hill Estate May Newsletter]

The egg hunt will kick off at 2:30pm sharp outside the cellar door, and will last until approximately 3:00pm (dependent on how long it takes for all the eggs to be found!). Vines Restaurant will be open for lunch – so why not indulge yourself, and drop by Vines beforehand?

Our cellar door will also be open from 10:00am, for any adults who wish to sample a few of our wines! Why not treat yourself to a platter while you’re watching the kids hunt for eggs? Our cheese and antipasto platters will be available for all adults who wish to relax on our deck and watch the hunt.

So gather partners, friends and family for an afternoon of fun, food and wine – and we’ll see you on Easter Saturday!

- The team at Helen’s Hill

[sourced 31 March 2012 - http://www.helenshill.com.au/]

Not free Easter Weekend then let Chillout Travel take you and your friends on a wine tour visiting some of the best boutique wineries in the Yarra Valley, including Helens Hill Estate.  Just click on this link for more information –  Yarra Valley Winery Tour

Wed 22 Feb

“Exclusive for the next 72 hours the extremely limited 2010 Yering Station Reserve Chardonnay will  be able for purchase before its official release April 1st, 2012.  Yering.com – Buy Now”.

96 Points – James Halliday.  See Yering.com for review.

Join one of our winery tours to the Yarra Valley where you can enjoy the stunning Yering Station and its great wines on offer.  Click on this link for more info – chilloutwinetours.com.au – a great day out!

Sourced 22 Feb 2012 [ http://www.yering.com ]

2 March, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

“While away the afternoon in the most spectacular location watching dairy cows make their way to be milked with lush vineyards and the Yarra Ranges in the distance. Yering Station’s head chef, Laura Webb-James will design a three-course lunch inspired by new season’s produce from the best local growers. Accompanying wines from some of the region’s premier producers will be matched to each course to complete the Yarra Valley food and wine experience”.

Where:  Yering Station, 38 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen.     www.yering.com

Cost:  $105.00 includes canapés on arrival, three-course lunch, petits fours with tea & coffee and Yarra Valley wines.

Bookings:  03 9730 0114

If you are not free the 2 March then come along on our Yarra Valley Winery Tours and experience four of the top wineries in the Valley including the fabulous Yering Station.

Click on this link to check out our Yarra Valley Winery Tours and enjoy a great day out!

[sourced Yering Station and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 28 Jan 2012]

Celebrate and enjoy the warm hospitality of Rae’s Restaurant, with our Executive Chef producing contemporary classics matched with Balgownie Estate award winning wines. Be entertained with Fine Arts ARIA nominated Sarah McKenzie and welcome in the New Year with a bang along with DJ Masters.

Dinner Menu Includes:

• Complimentary amuse bouche
• Menu choice of 3 entrees
• Menu choice of 3 mains
• Menu choice of 3 desserts
• Dietary requirements are available only when pre booked with reservation.

Beverages Includes:

• Complimentary Sparkling on arrival
• Balgownie Estate Beverage package served from 7pm – 11pm, cash bar from 11pm
• Cash bar for spirits & vintage wine

Adult price $135.00 per person
Adult price $125.00 for in-house guests
Children aged 13-18 price $80.00 (adult menu)
Children under 12 price $50.00 (kids menu)

Bookings are essential and based on availability.
Pre Dinner drinks from 6.30-7.00 pm.
Dinner service commences at 7.00 pm.
Event concludes at 1.00 am.

For bookings please contact:
Jayde Mayes
P: 03 9730 0700 | E: yvsales@balgownieestate.com.au

Check out Chillout Travels Winery Tours and visit Balgownie Estate plus many more wineries to choose from for a great day out!   Click for more info:-  http://www.chilloutwinetours.com.au/