2026 Helm Riesling Rose, Canberra District

Canberran winemaker, Ken Helm, thinks outside the box. Plant grapes in Canberra? Why not. Start an international wine show only devoted to Riesling? Yes! So, making a Riesling into a Rosé was just another idea the maker made real and it’s turned into a bit of a star. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, around 5%, joins Riesling and the result is a medium dry, smart wine, delicate in style with an earthiness in train amid citrus and berry fruits.  Light salmon blush hues. Apple blossom, peony florals swirl amid light confection boiled lolly notes, wild strawberry and a long line of citrus grapefruit, apple. A dusty earthiness brings added depth and interest, especially through the finish, to what is a delicate, gently sweet Rosé. Has great versatility at the table, with or without food. Drink to 2031.

93 points Jeni Port for Wine Pilot, July 2026

Ken Helm AM planted his first vines in Murrumbateman in 1973, making Helm Wines one of the oldest wineries in the Canberra District. Ken has spent decades championing both the region and the Riesling variety — instigating the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his contribution to the Australian wine industry. Rieslings remain the heart of the range, made with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from fifty years of knowing a place well.

Ken’s singular style of rosé is made in an off-dry style that should be well chilled and enjoyed young and fresh. Somewhat reminiscent of the off-dry Loire Valley rosé wines, if lighter in body, it would be good company with smoked salmon blinis, grilled halloumi, or a goats cheese and tomato tart.