The Story of Helvetia Vineyards & Winery

Our first wine was created in 1987

In these hills John Platt farms what has become 70 acres of forest and vineyards. John and Elizabeth Furse moved to their farm in 1980 and began planting wine grapes on the southern slopes in 1982.

In 1987 they made their first wine, and in 1989 they started selling grapes to home winemakers. From 1992 to 1995 they custom-crushed their grapes at Laurel Ridge Winery under the Helvetia Vineyards label and opened their own winery in October 1996.

In 2001, Platt purchased the adjoining Jakob Yungen property with its 100-year-old house to use the grounds as a gathering place for wine tastings. The farm also has two rustic barns.

Today, John continues to grow, produce and finish the estate wines at Helvetia Winery. His commitment to the vineyards, the area’s history, and a wider involvement in the community is the magnetism that often entices return visits.  John and his staff invite you to take a Helvetia Daycation to the farm house to enjoy our wines and take in the relaxing environment of the old Yungen farm.