Invivo Wine Nights at Helm Bar

Since commencing this journey of wine appreciation, I have started to be invited to a few little wine functions here and there. The most recent event that I attended was the launch party of Invivo Wine Nights at Helm Bar Darling Harbour, and it was fantastic!


To be perfectly honest I had never been to Helm bar. Darling Harbour has always seemed the place to go for tourists. However, since moving to my current residence China Town and Darling Harbour are right on my door step. My eyes have been opened up a whole world of opportunities in Sydney that one might miss out on if one simply resides in just one neighbourhood. Another thing that I hadn't realised was that now that many of the large enterprises are located in the South end of the city, which has given the area a great afterwork vibe during the week.

By way of introduction, Helm Bar is situated next to the Sydney Aquarium. It is an open space balcony that has recently been renovated. The outlook offers patrons a beautiful view of Darling Harbour catering to all weather rain, hail or shine. This comfortable space has teamed up with the fashionable kiwi wine brand Invivo and are celebrating by offering premium wines at the super cheap price of $5 per glass for Helm Bar members every Thursday night for the next five weeks.

Tim, Tim and Rob of Invivo Wines

Having over done it somewhat with sauvignon blanc when it was at the height of fashion, I am not generally not a fan. I often find that the unbalanced levels of acid pucker the sides of my mouth and result in unpleasant indigestion. The first wine that we tasted at the launch party was just that, a sauvignon blanc from Marlborough. Despite that Marlborough is actually one of the best regions in the world for sauv blanc, like most Australians I was complacent about what we were going to taste. The thing that did prick my ears, was when Invivo wine maker Rob Cameron said that the 'Bella' brand was low calorie.


We tasted the wine and were very impressed. Invivo 'Bella' is the first wine produced in New Zealand to be made in this style and has been a run away success. The wine itself is light, crisp and easy to drink. It is a sauvignon blanc but does not have any of the extreme characteristics that we sometimes associate with the style. It is simple, easy drinking and you wouldn't know that there were 30% less calories.

The bartenders at Helm aren't bad either

The way that they make the wine with less calories is to reduce the alcohol content. This is a dream for ladies who like to have a glass of wine when our male counterparts have a beer, and for those who enjoy a day at the races. Have you ever wondered why it is so easy to overdo it with wine? Wine ranges between around 11%-15% alcohol where as a beer or cider usually sit around 5%-6% which essentially doubles your alcohol intake in a serve that is half the size of a beer. By drinking a low calorie wine you will be able to indulge in that glass at the work lunch without fear that you will be asleep at your desk by 3:00pm.


The only thing to be careful with when drinking a low calorie wine is to think that just because you are drinking fewer calories and alcohol that you can have twice as much. This is a common trap that people fall into when eating low fat food.


If you prefer your wines in the traditional winemaking style then Invivo has one to suit almost every taste. We also tried the regular Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rose and Pinot Noir. All the wines are priced around $40 per bottle at Helm Bar or $9 per glass. If you want to try some delicious award winning wines for just $5 per glass make sure you sign up for membership at Helm bar and attend the wines nights over the next five weeks. http://helmbar.com.au/


At the end of the tasting one of the friendly Invivo guys asked me which wine I preferred and whether he could buy me a glass. Surprising even myself as the words came out of my mouth, "Yes please. My favourite was the Sauvignon Blanc. I would love another glass".


Until next time, have a glass for me! Alex Mac


http://www.invivowines.com/invivo.php