When I first reported on Helia Brewing in February of 2017, its owners were working under the name White Fence Brewing. Two follow-up pieces this year included info on the company’s new name, the address of the Vista brewery and its soft open date. Through all the reporting, owners Kelby Pedery-Edwards and Thomas Brogiollo stayed intentionally mum on the details of their project, but a month into Helia’s lifespan they’re finally ready to get into the nitty-gritty of their young Vista interest.
Though located in inland North County, the brewery’s roots actually span to the coast. The duo met in the Encinitas community of Leucadia. Brogiollo surfed on a daily basis and Pedery-Edwards’ home was on his return route from the beach. Often, the garage door would be open while Pedery-Edwards homebrewed. One day, attracted by the cereal aromas of the boil and sufficiently intrigued, Brogiollo poked his head in to ask what was going on. That simple query launched a friendship and homebrewing partnership that now spans half a decade.
“Over time, other neighbors and friends started congregating in our garage on the brewing days and would sample the goods,” says Pedery-Edwards, who acts as Helia’s head brewer with assistance from Brogiollo. “It was our communities’ support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for the brew that led us to open our brewery. They are still our life blood and have supported us through this journey.”
At first, it was envisioned as a short journey from a geographic perspective. Pedery-Edwards grew up in Encinitas and Brazilian-native Brogiollo’s family were regular visitors during his youth. Unfortunately, in a story that has played out with great regularity, permitting issues with the City of Encinitas proved insurmountable. So, the pair opted for a municipality with government officials and fellow breweries that were much more welcoming.
“It’s a logical brewery home. Like Napa for wine, clusters of breweries are a benefit to all,” says Pedery-Edwards. “People come to Vista as a destination to drink delicious craft beer. We are proud to be here among brewing friends and colleagues. The business and residential community here continues to grow and support good craft beer.”
Helia’s tasting room was designed to fit a “chill, bohemian beach vibe.” To achieve that, they worked with interior designers (and good friends) Elaina Myers and Susanna Samaniego of Design 4 Corners. At the onset of the project, the former was living in Bali, and some of the furniture that ended up in the tasting room was actually sourced on that Indonesian island before she moved back to California. Adding additional pop to the space is a mural by local artist, Mitch Hogan, and a shot from prominent ocean-and-surf photographer Todd Glaser (who is also an investor in the business).
Helia’s beers are brewed on a 15-barrel, three-vessel American Craft Fabrication system. The beers are designed to be refreshing enough for perpetual enjoyment in coastal environs, and the current tap list is as follows:
Brewcadia Golden Ale (4.3%)- Helia Tempo Pale Ale (5.4%)
- Happy Pale Ale (5.6%)
- Ponytail Red Ale (5.2%)
- Helia IPA (6.7% alcohol-by-volume)
- Cubano IPA (7.1%)
A Belgian-style white ale, hazy IPA, brut IPA, double IPA and milk stout are upcoming. Their names have yet to be determined, but the big question is what brought about the handle the company goes by?
“Helia is the daughter of the Greek sun god Helios and a sea nymph. She also pays homage to Leucadia, where all the streets are named for gods and mythical Greek heroes or locations,” says Pedery-Edwards. “She is our interpretation of a modern goddess, and a goddess today would definitely be surfing a sweet wave in the sun.”
Helia Brewing’s kid- and dog-friendly tasting room is located at 1250 Keystone Way. Its hours of operation are 4 to 9 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays, 4 to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.