Helen's Wines Fairfax
Wine store · Fairfax District ·
Naturally-driven & organic wines, small production, constant rotation
Naturally-driven & organic wines, small production, constant rotation
"As a part of the ubiquitous Jon & Vinny’s group of restaurants, there’s a good chance you know about Helen’s. And though it’s one of the more expensive options in town, you’ll still find some great wines at their Fairfax shop (or their other spot in Brentwood). Their website is great, too - alongside standard categories like biodynamic or traditional wines, you can sort by pairings, from spicy foods and pizza to the best bottles for brunch or taking a bath. Order online for pick-up, delivery, and shipping." - brett keating
"You probably know that Helen’s, the wine shop in the back of both Jon & Vinny’s locations, has an incredible selection of wine. You may not know how great their website is for finding something you like. In addition to the usual categories like biodynamic or traditional method, you can sort by pairings, from wines for spicy foods and pizza to the best bottles for brunch or taking a bath. Local delivery and in-store pick-up via apps or their website, also shipping nationally." - brett keating
"You probably know that Helen’s, the wine shop in the back of both Jon & Vinny’s locations, has an incredible selection of wine. You may not know how great their website is for finding something you like. In addition to the usual categories like biodynamic or traditional method, you can sort by pairings, from wines for spicy foods and pizza to the best bottles for brunch or taking a bath. Local delivery and in-store pick-up via apps or their website, also shipping nationally. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation
"I remember Helen Johannesen coming in 2009 and reshaping Animal’s beverage program by introducing inexpensive, mineral‑forward, acidic wines that mirrored the kitchen’s edgy cuisine; she favored bottles with acidity and minerality (a white Burgundy or a bright Sancerre rosé, for example) to pair with barbecued pork belly sandwiches and oxtail poutine, and her service model brought much‑needed front‑of‑house leadership. Johannesen went on to found Helen’s Wines in 2015 in partnership with Dotolo and Shook (she remains a partner and beverage director for their restaurants), and the mini‑wine shop she created sits inside every Jon & Vinny’s, reflecting her ethos of fun, affordable, and thoughtfully paired selections under $60." - Bill Esparza
"The chefs continue to operate Son of a Gun on West 3rd Street, Jon & Vinny’s (multiple locations), Helen’s Wines (multiple locations), and Cookbook Market in Echo Park and Highland Park." - Cathy Chaplin