production

KEN HELM, one of the pioneers of the wine industry in the Canberra region, was told the region was far too cold for quality grapes. This year, Helm Wines is celebrating its 40th vintage and is regarded as one of the leading riesling producers in the country. The Helm family purchased land and started planting their vineyard at Murrumbateman in 1973, moving to the property full time in 1979 and opening a cellar door in 1982. In 1988, Helm took early retirement from the CSIRO to run Helm Wines full time, was elected to Yass Shire local council and served 12 years, including two as mayor. In 2010 he was appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to wine industry. His daughter Stephanie now works alongside him. Great vintages like 1986, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2016, make up for any bad seasons, Helm says. “It is with great satisfaction that I look back over 40 years and see the Canberra Wine region is now regarded as one of the premium wine regions in Australia, if not the world,” he said. “It was not just me, but a group of dedicated people like Edgar Riek, John Kirk, Tim Kirk, the Hendry and Carpenter families, and many other fellow winemakers who have fought the odds and criticism that have made the Canberra wines great over the last 40 years.” The 2016 vintage was the earliest and hottest season on record, but looks like equalling the great 2013 and 2015 vintages in production of quality wines. “It shows the depth of the quality from Canberra can be realised across a range of climate conditions,” Helm says. Helm Wines is at 19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman; phone (02) 6227 5953, www.helmwines.com.au.