The Art of Drinking: A Five-Senses Journey Inspired by The Lady and the Unicorn
At Helen & Joey Estate, our fascination with unicorns is no secret. But did you know that our appreciation runs deeper than whimsy? We draw inspiration from the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries — a series of six extraordinary works woven in the 15th century, now housed in the Musée de Cluny in Paris.
Each tapestry represents one of the five senses — taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight — with the sixth representing desire. These themes resonate deeply with how we believe wine should be enjoyed: not just as a drink, but as a fully immersive, mindful experience.
Wine Tasting as a Sensory Ritual
To truly appreciate premium Yarra Valley wines — ours or those from our fellow local producers — take a moment to slow down and invite your whole being into the experience.
Touch
Start by holding the wine glass. Feel its fragility in contrast to the strength of the bottle. Let your fingertips connect you to the craftsmanship of both glass and wine.
Sound
Notice the satisfying crack as the screwcap is released or the soft pop of a cork. Hear the wine glug and swirl as it pours — a prelude to pleasure.
Sight
Observe the colour in the glass. Is it jewel-toned, cloudy, clear, or luminous? Tilt the glass in the light and watch how it clings to the sides — an early indication of body and texture.
Smell
Breathe in. Great wines reveal layers — from fruit and florals to spice, earth and oak. This is where memory often stirs, connecting scent to past experiences.
Taste
Take a sip and hold it. Let it move across your palate. Notice the structure, the weight, the finish. Wine isn’t just about flavour — it’s about balance, rhythm, and evolution in the glass.
Desire
The sixth sense in the tapestries reminds us that wine stirs longing — for connection, for beauty, for celebration. It’s why we keep coming back for more.
