Blessed Are the Cheesemakers

At Helen & Joey Estate, we’ve always been passionate about great wine. However, over the past few months, we’ve also been proud to showcase carefully selected local food. In particular, we’ve loved sharing the exceptional cheeses from Stone & Crow.

The Yarra Valley is home to many talented food producers, and Stone & Crow is no exception. The label belongs to acclaimed Yarra Valley cheesemaker Jack Holman, who has crafted cheeses for local producers for many years.

The Yarra Valley community is also incredibly close-knit. In fact, my son’s former teacher happens to be Jack’s wife. It’s a small reminder of how connected the region really is.

Crafting premium artisan cheese is not easy. It takes patience, skill and a huge amount of hard work. I still remember the loss of Ironstone Cheese from Gippsland in 2009. Without doubt, it was one of the finest hard cheeses ever produced in Victoria. Because of this, cheesemakers truly deserve to be celebrated.

Fortunately, Stone & Crow has helped continue Australia’s strong tradition of artisan cheese. Today, Jack produces six different cheeses, each with its own personality and style.

Here are a few of our favourite cheese and wine pairings from Helen & Joey Estate.

Amiel

An ashed goat’s milk cheese with a light, mousse-like texture. As it matures, the cheese develops a sharper and slightly chalky finish. We recommend pairing it with Layla Pinot Noir.

Galactic Disk

This yeast surface-ripened cow’s milk cheese is rich, buttery and beautifully soft. As a result, it pairs perfectly with Alena Chardonnay.

Night Walker

A soft washed rind cheese with elegant texture and bold, funky flavours. For a richer pairing, enjoy it alongside Inara Shiraz.

Annie Baxter

This hard buffalo milk cheese is produced in Western Victoria before being matured locally by Jack. Importantly, it fills the space once left by Ironstone Cheese. The texture is rich, complex and incredibly satisfying. We love pairing it with Alena Cabernet Sauvignon.

Moonshine

Moonshine is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that melts beautifully. In addition, the rind is washed with Layla Chardonnay. For the best match, enjoy it with Wayward Child Skins Pinot Gris.

Venus Blue

The best blue cheeses should feel elegant rather than overpowering. Thankfully, Venus Blue delivers exactly that. With floral aromas and a smooth finish, it pairs beautifully with our Late Harvest Sauvignon Semillon.

At Helen & Joey Estate, we believe great wine deserves equally great food. Alongside vineyard views, warm hospitality and premium Yarra Valley wines, we’re proud to share some of the region’s best artisan cheese as well.

And of course, great Unicorns too.