Shaped by landscape, wine and the simple act of gathering.

Set among the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley, Helen & Joey Estate brings together wine, food and hospitality through a distinctly contemporary lens.

Founded by Helen Xu and Joey Zeng, the estate reflects a vision shaped by landscape, culture and a shared appreciation for gathering around the table. Vineyards unfold across the property alongside the cellar door, restaurant and hotel. Together, they create a destination that feels connected to the Yarra Valley while remaining calm and private.

At the heart of the estate is Re’em Yarra Valley, where Chinese Australian cuisine is explored through seasonal produce, refined technique and balanced flavours. Each menu is designed to complement the estate’s wines and create a seamless food and wine experience. Nearby, the cellar door showcases estate grown wines that express the character of the vineyard and the evolving direction of the winery.

The estate continues to grow through the people who shape it. From vineyard to winery and kitchen to front of house, the focus remains the same. Thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail and creating a place guests genuinely want to return to guide everything we do.

Read about our Winemaking here.

Photography by Jack Lovel

Our Team

Helen Xu

Managing Director

Helen Xu’s story begins in a house more than 500 years old, nestled within a village whose roots stretch back over 1,100 years. Founded by a single family and shaped over many generations, the village was more than a place to live. It was a living legacy where tradition, resilience and community were part of everyday life.

In 2012, Helen’s father completed a remarkable work. He created a 24-volume family tree that carefully documented their lineage. The achievement was a source of great pride for Helen and her family. It celebrated their identity, history and heritage.

Helen’s early memories are shaped by the rhythms of village life in the 1970s. Meals were shared with her grandmother, parents, aunt and brother. Life was simple, and each day was marked by quiet perseverance.

The values Helen inherited continue to guide her today. Perseverance, dedication and a strong commitment to family have shaped her journey. From the village of her childhood to the vineyards she now nurtures, Helen’s story reflects hope and determination.

She honours her heritage while building a future shaped by vision, hard work and respect for the generations who came before her.

Darren Fraser

Venue Manager

With more than 30 years of hospitality experience, Darren Fraser is a respected industry leader known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across Victoria’s food and wine destinations. As Venue Manager at Re’em Yarra Valley, Darren oversees the restaurant, cellar door, boutique accommodation and private events. He ensures a seamless experience across the estate.

Prior to joining Re’em Yarra Valley, Darren spent 20 years at TarraWarra Estate. During this time, he contributed to the venue’s success, including the achievement of five chef hats. Earlier in his career, Darren worked at Crown Melbourne, where he developed his expertise in hospitality operations and team leadership.

Under Darren’s leadership, Re’em Yarra Valley received a chef’s hat and a Regional Restaurant of the Year nomination within its first year of operation. These achievements reflect the estate’s commitment to hospitality, dining and service in the Yarra Valley.

Mark Ebbels

Culinary Consultant

Born and raised in the Yarra Valley, Mark Ebbels brings a passion for local produce, sustainability and creative innovation to his role as Culinary Consultant at Re'em Yarra Valley. A plant-based chef by philosophy, his love of seasonal cooking began on his family's vegetable farm.

After working in leading Yarra Valley wineries and restaurants, Mark moved overseas to expand his experience. He spent two years at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck before helping open Singapore's Bacchanalia, which went on to receive a Michelin star in 2016.

Mark returned to Australia in 2018 to join TarraWarra Estate, where he continued to champion sustainable, produce-led cuisine. His cooking is guided by respect for the land and a commitment to showcasing the best seasonal ingredients.

At Re'em, Mark helps shape a menu that reflects Helen and Joey's Chinese heritage while celebrating the richness of Yarra Valley produce. Innovation and tradition come together in every dish.

Adam McCallum

Winemaker

Adam McCallum brings extensive experience and a strong connection to the Yarra Valley to his role as Winemaker at Helen & Joey Estate. He joined the estate in 2024. Born and raised in the region, Adam began his journey in wine through local hospitality. A chance encounter with Steve Webber led to his first vintage at De Bortoli Wines and helped launch a career spanning more than two decades.

Throughout his career, Adam has worked at leading wineries including Yarra Yering, McPherson Wines, Frankland Estate in Western Australia and Domaine Matrot in Burgundy. He also spent more than a decade working alongside Clare Halloran at TarraWarra Estate. During this time, he refined his skills in crafting site expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Guided by mentors such as Steve Webber, Dr Bailey Carrodus, William Downie and Timo Mayer, Adam has developed a winemaking philosophy grounded in minimal intervention. His approach focuses on allowing the fruit to speak for itself.

At Helen & Joey Estate, Adam continues to champion wines of elegance, balance and authenticity. He believes great wine does not need to be expensive. Instead, it should reflect the vineyard and vintage with honesty. With a calm and thoughtful approach, Adam leads the estate’s winemaking with a deep respect for the land and a commitment to continual improvement.

Stuart Sissins

Vineyard Manager

Stu is the steady hand behind the vineyards at Helen & Joey Estate. With close to 30 years of experience at TarraWarra Estate, he brings a deep understanding of the land, the seasons and what it takes to grow exceptional fruit in the Yarra Valley.

Stu worked alongside winemaker Adam McCallum at TarraWarra Estate for more than 13 years before the pair joined Helen & Joey Estate.

Together, they bring a shared understanding of vineyard and winery collaboration shaped by years of working together in the Yarra Valley.

For Stu, great vineyard work comes down to the fundamentals. He believes in understanding the vines, respecting the soil and allowing the fruit to speak for itself.