Helen & Joey Estate is thrilled to announce the opening of a new chapter in its illustrious winery journey with the introduction of Re’em Yarra Valley. This exciting expansion sees Re’em becoming the home to a brand-new restaurant and 16 boutique rooms, solidifying the estate’s position as a premier destination for wine tourism.
Under the visionary leadership of Helen & Joey Estates’ founders and the guidance of esteemed culinary consultant Mark Ebbels, Re’em presents a dining experience that pays homage to Helen and Joey’s rich Chinese heritage while celebrating premium seasonal Australian produce. Head chef Abe Yang, in collaboration with Ebbels, has curated a menu that promises a truly distinctive culinary adventure in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Ebbels, known for his tenure at renowned establishments such as The Fat Duck, Bacchanalia, and TarraWarra Estate, expressed his honor in working with Helen & Joey on this venture. He shared, “The challenge of blending their heritage with innovative culinary techniques and local produce has forged a truly unique dining experience. It’s a privilege to help craft a menu that marries tradition with creativity in the Yarra Valley.”
Re’em’s front-of-house team, led by venue manager Darren Fraser, a finalist for the ‘Service Excellence Award’ in the Good Food Guide 2024, is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience from Monday to Sunday. The restaurant’s menu has been meticulously designed to harmonize with the estate’s new world wines. At the core of the kitchen is a wood-fired grill, infusing many of the hot dishes with an additional layer of flavor and complexity. The menu also features dishes that champion raw produce served at the peak of its season, complemented by an array of Asian flavors to elevate each ingredient.
Some of the menu highlights and their recommended wine pairings include:
- Hainanese chicken on a crispy rice cracker paired with 2019 Re’em blanc de blanc
- Fried dumplings filled with bean sprouts, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and Loaganama dressing paired with 2022 Re’em sauvignon
- Sichuan beef tartare with fermented cabbage and wood ear mushroom paired with 2022 Re’em pinot noir
- Dry-aged Buxton trout with crispy shallots, ginger, soy, and star anise sauce paired with 2022 Re’em chardonnay
- Crispy eggplant doused in a capsicum doubanjiang paired with 2019 Wayward Child (skin contact) pinot gris
- Black sesame cake in a black sesame glaze topped with fresh summer strawberries, tarragon, and a homemade strawberry sorbet and crumble paired with 2022 Late Harvest merlot or shiraz
Yang expressed his excitement about leading the kitchen at Helen & Joey Estate, emphasizing the blend of innovation and tradition that defines their unique menu. The 80-seat dining room, flooded with natural light and adorned with warm timber furnishings, offers a perfect setting for indulging in a leisurely lunch or an elegant evening meal. Intimate, light-filled booths and a shaded balcony provide sweeping views of Victoria’s renowned wine country, adding to the overall dining experience.
Following a sumptuous meal, guests are invited to extend their stay in one of the hotel’s 16 boutique rooms, all offering spectacular views of the vineyards via a private balcony or garden patio. The rooms boast a contemporary yet cozy finish, featuring plush king beds, bathrooms with deep bathtubs, artisanal olive-oil bath products, and bespoke wine glass holders for a touch of luxury.
Relocated from its original site on Helen & Joey Estate, Re’em has integrated the cellar door into the new establishment, inviting patrons to savor a bespoke tasting guided by the expert team. Downstairs, wine enthusiasts can sample Re’em’s premium varietals among impressive oak barrels or opt for a more intimate experience in the 12-seat private tasting room.
Owner and winemaker, Helen Xu, shared her excitement about this new chapter, emphasizing the special meaning behind the name ‘Re’em,’ which translates to ‘unicorn’ in Chinese culture, symbolizing determination and persistence. Xu expressed her passion for experimenting with the land to produce a remarkable range of wines and her enthusiasm for bringing the ingredients of the Yarra Valley to life, showcasing the techniques and nuances of her Chinese heritage at Re’em.
Re’em Yarra Valley represents a harmonious fusion of culture and science, a testament to the dedication of a remarkable team driven by a shared appreciation for innovative dining culture, high-quality produce, and wine. The opening of Re’em marks an exciting evolution for Helen & Joey Estate, promising an unparalleled experience for visitors seeking a blend of culinary excellence, luxurious accommodations, and the charm of the Yarra