A Unique Microclimate and Terroir
Shortly after it opened, I first read about Domaine Helena and knew a visit was in order. Domain Helena is the type of winery I want to evangelize -small production with a mantra centered around quality, not so much quantity, pleasant but unassuming facilities, but with drop-dead gorgeous surroundings.
Nestled in the shadow of the Mayacamas Mountains with Mount Helena peeking in the background, the microclimate combined with the volcanic soil and optimal weather conditions—hot days and cool nights—provide near-perfect conditions for stellar grapes.
Meet André Guéziec: The Visionary Owner
André Guéziec is a fascinating guy who humorously claims to have lived seven lives so far. His first life was as a tech guru and entrepreneur. After earning a PhD in Computer Science, he founded a navigation software system, initially used by TV stations and later transformed into a popular smartphone app. Nonetheless, his Alsatian heritage continued to beckon, reigniting a passion for winemaking. In 2020, he embarked on a quest to find the perfect place to grow grapes and discovered a vineyard property, Domaine Helena. He fell in love with the mountains, the vines, and the charm of small-town life, driving his decision to dive into the world of winemaking.
He acquired Domaine Helena in early 2022 and has infused Domaine Helena with his heritage, guiding the vineyard through an organic transition and shifting the winemaking style towards lower alcohol content. With his mantra "It's the terroir," he has set out to design wines that achieve greater compatibility with food, making them perfect for enjoying with family and friends. His vision encompasses sustainable farming practices and a dedication to maintaining the vineyard's natural resources, ensuring that Domaine Helena continues producing outstanding wines for years.
The Wines of Domaine Helena
Domaine Helena's wines are a testament to Mr. Guéziec's philosophy of quality over quantity. Easy to drink, with very affordable price points and lower alcohol than their competitors, it's easy to see why Domaine Helena wines earn the accolades they've garnered. We sampled a trio of excellent wines: 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast, 2021 Chardonnay Lake County, and a delectable Rose, 2020 Rose Lake County (full disclosure: we purchased the open bottles and served all at a dinner party that night). I have to call out the Cabernet Sauvignon specifically. I am not a big fan of super tannic, big wood Cabernet Sauvignon. Domaine Helena's Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific, easy-sipping wine that is amazingly versatile (I never thought I would be describing a Cabernet Sauvignon as "easy sipping.") It's easy to see why Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine with a score of 90.
A Perfect Destination for Wine Lovers
Domaine Helena is the perfect destination for those seeking an exceptional wine-tasting experience. Visitors to Domaine Helena can enjoy an intimate, personalized wine-tasting experience by appointment. Mr. Guéziec personally escorts visitors through the winemaking facility of the winery and the vineyards. The picturesque setting and the vineyard's commitment to excellence make Domaine Helena a must-visit destination for wine lovers. This is one winery that will appeal to wine connoisseurs as well as casual enthusiasts. For more information or to plan a visit, you can check out Domaine Helena's website.
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