Dar Richi Helem is a unique white wine that captures the essence of dream-like complexity. Made from Chardonnay grapes, it undergoes a 10-day skin contact fermentation process and is aged in amphora, imparting a distinctive texture and depth. The 2022 vintage offers vibrant aromas of fresh fruit and subtle floral notes, with a touch of earthy minerality, creating a beautifully balanced and aromatic wine. Helem is an expressive, slightly tannic white that showcases Abdullah Richi's commitment to

At a Glance

• Origin: North Lebanon
• Varietal & Type: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2022
• ABV: 13%
• Vineyard Soil: Terra rossa at 1,300m elevation
• USNW Classification: Natural

Tasting Notes & Pairing

• Profile: Apriocot, peaches, pecans
• Food Pairing: Light seafood, poultry, Mediterranean appetizers, vegetarian dishes.
• Serving Temp: 50-55°F (Lightly chilled)

About the Winemaker

Dar Richi (meaning 'Richi's Home') is the wine label of Abdullah Richi, a Syrian refugee who fled to Lebanon to escape the atrocities of war. Settling in North Lebanon, Abdullah learned the art of winemaking by observing local producers, including Eddie Chami at Mersel Wine. His dream is to one day return to Syria and establish his own winery there—his wines are an investment toward that future.

Abdullah's flagship red, Hanan, is named after his wife—the word means kindness, love, tenderness, and a good heart. His second wine, Helem (meaning 'dream' in Arabic), is a skin-contact Chardonnay signifying his dream of making his own wine. Some of his vines grow from terra rossa soil at 1,300 meters in Ainata, Bekaa Valley—around 10 years old, certified organic and fair trade. These vineyards are part of an effort to replace illicit hash cultivation with vines. Other vines are planted near the Mediterranean in Bousit.

Farming & Cellar: Abdullah employs low intervention winemaking to honor his adopted country. For Hanan: grapes are destemmed and fermented spontaneously for 10 days, undergo natural MLF, and are racked twice before spring bottling. For Helem: 10-day skin-contact Chardonnay fermented and aged in amphora. Vineyards are organic and fair trade certified. Purchasing his wine creates a direct link for Abdullah to build his Syrian winery dream while uplifting communities.