|
Winery &
Merchant
Finder
|
Lake
Chelan Wine Country
...
wineries, wine
shops and tour guides
|
The
Lake Chelan appellation is among the newer and most scenic of Washington
State's wine-growing regions. Its foray into
wine-grape growing began relatively recently, while its
reputation as an intoxicating travel destination is
historic. Lake Chelan has appealed to tourists,
water-sport enthusiasts, skiing and backcountry hikers for
many years, while its status as an American Viticultural
Area (AVA) was gained only recently, in April of 2009. This beautiful region
is located in north central Washington
and now offers more than thirty wineries,
with others making plans to join them soon.
The
breathtaking beauty of the area is second to none in
Washington State and wineries take advantage
of lake
views when locating their tasting rooms. The narrow,
fjord-like lake acts in a similar fashion as do rivers in
moderating temperatures viticultural growing areas.
A surprisingly
high number of
heat units have been recorded for the Lake Chelan Valley
over several years at nearby weather
stations. A range of 2600 -
3300 heat units make for a good growing season for
many grape varieties, and the city of Chelan records approximately
2,900, similar to Walla Walla, Sunnyside, and Prosser,
Washington. The last two hard freezes in
the Northwest did not damage to the area. The
region receives an average annual rainfall of 11
inches, with 39 inches of average annual snowfall.
|
|
Lake Chelan AVA
The Lake Chelan
Winegrowers Association filed an American
Viticultural Area (AVA) application in 2006;
in April 2009, official authorization of the
Lake Chelan AVA was published in the
Federal Register. This Washington
State AVA
established the 24,040-acre area surrounding Lake Chelan
as the 11th appellation in the state. Located in north central
Washington, the Lake Chelan Valley
lies entirely within the Columbia Valley AVA
and is about 112 miles east-northeast of
Seattle. Distinguishing features of
the Lake Chelan viticultural area
include its geology, geography, soils, and
climate as directly influenced by past
alpine glacial activity of the Cascade
region. Lake Chelan Valley is the only
valley in the Cascade Range in Oregon or
Washington that holds a natural lake of its
size. The climate of the agricultural and
viticultural lands surrounding the lower
(eastern) end of the lake is strongly
moderated by the thermal effect of the lake
on the air temperatures. The glacier that
formed during the last ice age and traveled
from the Cascade crest to the eastern end of
the modern lake left a defining imprint on
the landforms of the Lake Chelan Valley.
Also, pumice
and ash from eruptions of volcanoes in the
Cascade Range (principally Glacier Peak to
the west of the new viticultural area) formed soils that are ashier and more pumiceous than those in any other
established viticultural area in Washington
State. |
 TIP:
If you are making a plan to visit wine country any time soon, be
sure to get The Priority Wine Pass
first. In just five minutes, you can be saving
on tasting fees and wine purchases at hundreds of
participating wineries throughout Washington, Oregon and
California. Your membership will more than pay for itself as it
brings you an entire year of complimentary or 2-for-1 tastings, along with other
deals from these premium wineries. And
WinesNorthwest users receive
a $20 discount on a $59.99 membership fee. |
Geology and Access
The geographic
boundaries of the Lake Chelan AVA generally
follow the line of site on both sides of the Lake (excluding
higher elevations) and include the City of Chelan
itself. Several features distinguish it from its
neighboring AVAs, including its elevation, soil derived from
the crystalline granite of the Cascade Mountains, location
in the rain shadow of the Northern Cascade Mountains,
distinctive U-shaped topography, and vineyards located around
Lake Chelan that capitalize on the “lake effect” of moderate
air temperatures.
Consistently
ranked as one of the most pristine waters in the United
States, Lake Chelan's 50-mile length acts as a natural
conduit between the rugged mountain peaks up-lake and the
lush, fertile down-lake valley. At 1,486 feet, Lake
Chelan is the third deepest lake in the nation, extending
nearly 400 feet below sea level. It was carved by two
 competing glaciers
-- the Chelan glacier and the continental ice sheet. Their
back-and-forth movement created the broad lower lake and
narrow upper lake, an 80-mile long glacial valley near the
geographical center of Washington State.
The semi-arid rolling hills
surrounding the resort communities at the east end of the
lake give little hint of the spectacular views offered as
you travel up the lake, which for most of its length lies in
a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon. Roads extend less than
halfway to the headwaters of Lake Chelan. Beyond the end of
the road, rugged snowcapped peaks rise over 7,000 feet from
the lakeshore, and dark evergreens cover the mountainsides. Deep valleys rise from the
north side of the lake to massive glaciers in the
heart of the North Cascades.
At the upper end of Lake
Chelan, limited local roads do not connect the communities
of Stehekin and Holden Village to the outside world. This
remoteness and a spectacular setting have inspired Federal
protection for much of the region. Portions of a National
Park, two National Forest Wilderness Areas, and a National
Recreation Area encompass much of the Lake Chelan drainage. Access to the headwaters of Lake Chelan
and the town of Stehekin is by a passenger
ferry or by seaplane.
The Wineries and Vineyards
The late Dr. Walter Clore of Washington State wine industry
fame created a report on this area some time during the
1980s. He was particularly impressed by the land in the
valley's lower
elevations. At that time, scattered concord
plantings and a bit of chardonnay and pinot noir were
the only attempts at viticulture.
More recently, growers have planted vineyards in the area to
Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling,
Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, as well as more Chardonnay
and Pinot Noir. The Valley has been known most
commonly as a prime apple-growing region.
The same apple-growing conditions are key to growing premium
wine grapes... warm days and cool nights, with
temperatures moderated by the waters of Lake Chelan.
While only about
300 acres in the region have been
planted to wine grapes, plans are underway to plant hundreds
more. Many Lake Chelan wineries also purchase
grapes from vineyards in other parts of the Columbia Valley.
There is a lot of excitement about the
quality of locally grown Lake Chelan grapes, but
equally
exciting is the caliber of winemaking skills
represented at these newly established wineries;
wine awards are being accumulated on a regular basis.
The Wineries of the Lake Chelan
area
Many of the wineries in the Lake Chelan appellation (a sub-appellation
of the Columbia Valley AVA) leave their
doors open
year-round. And why not?
Lake Chelan is already a popular destination among
travelers seeking water and winter sports, hiking and skiing,
and for family vacations. Those who love to include winery visits and
tastings in their travels are certain to enjoy the scenic loop of
Lake Chelan wineries around the eastern end of the Lake... all within an easy drive
of the City of Chelan.
Visit Wineries on both shores of the Lake & others
near the town of Chelan
Call ahead
to confirm current tasting room hours.
|
NORTH SHORE &
MANSON AREA
Alta
Cellars
(Fri, Sat,
Sun, 12 - 6 pm)
135 Wapato
Way
Manson, WA 98831
509-679-5353
Amos Rome Vineyards
(Fri, Sat, Sun. Call for
Spring, Summer and Fall hours.)
700 Wapato Lake Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-540-3926
Ancestry
Cellars
(Fri - Mon, 12 - 6 pm)
50 Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98831
509-741-9006
Benson Vineyards
(Daily: Sun - Thurs, 11 - 5;
Fri & Sat, 11 - 6)
754 Winesap Avenue
Manson, WA
509-687-0313
Cairdeas Winery
(Daily: Mon - Sat, 11 - 5; Sun, Noon to 5 pm)
3395 Highway 150
Chelan, WA 98816
509-687-0555
Chelan Ridge Winery
(Daily 12 - 6 Spring, Summer, Fall.
Call for Winter hours - Nov - May)
900 Swartout Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-587-4455
CheVal Cellars
(Open most Sat afternoons - Summer season)
831 Kinsey Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-828-2870
C.R. Sandidge Wines
(Tues - Sun, 12 - 6 Year Round)
145 Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98831
509-682-3704
Cuillin Hills Winery
135 Wapato Way
Manson, WA
206-549-2689
Four Lakes Winery
Tasting Room & Vineyard
(Thurs - Mon: Noon - 6 pm)
4491 Wapato Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-0726
Four Lakes Winery
Downtown Manson Tasting Room
(Thurs - Sun: Noon - 6 pm)
70 Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-0726
Hard Row to Hoe Winery
(Daily
from Noon to 6 pm. Call for winter hours
and extended hours in the summer)
300 Ivan Morse Road
(1/2 mile behind Mill Bay Casino,
off Wapato Lake Road)
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-3000
Lake Chelan
Winery
(Daily
11am - 6pm)
3519 State Road 150
Chelan, WA 98816
509-687-9463Napeequa Vintners
(Thurs - Sat, 12 - 6 pm; Sun, 12 - 5
pm)
300 S Quetilquasoon Road, Ste 3
Manson, WA 98831
509-763-1600
Radiance
Winery
(Fri & Sat: 12 - 6 pm;
Sun: 12 - 5 pm)
546 Klate Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-4142
Radiance
Winery
Manson Tasting Room
(Fri & Sat: 12 - 6 pm;
Sun: 12 - 5 pm)
67 Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98816
509-687-4142
Rio Vista at the Cabin
(Daily 1 - 6 pm)
226 Wapato Way
Manson, WA
509-687-1179
Succession Wines
(Winter Hours: Fri - Sun, 12 - 6
pm)
78 Swartout
Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-888-7611
Tildio Winery
(Open daily summer months: 12 -7;
Winter: Sat & Sun, 12-5;
Closed December 14 - Feb 11)
70 East Wapato Lake Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-8463
Tipsy Canyon Winery
270 Upper Joe Creek Road
Manson, WA 98832
Ventimiglia Cellars
(Thurs - Sat, 12:30 - 6 pm;
Call for other seasonal hours.)
70 Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98816
425-466-2788
Wapato Point Cellars
(Daily 12 - 5pm)
200 Quetilquasoon Road
Manson, WA 98831
509-687-4000
800-946-3480
Winemakers Grill
at Wapato Point
(Dinner served nightly from 5 pm)
WineGirl Wines
The Blending Room
(Summer: Daily, 11 am – 8 pm;
Spring & Fall: Fri - Mon, 11 am – 6
pm;
Winter: Weekends 12 - 5 pm)
222 E Wapato Way
Manson, WA 98831
509-293-9679
|
Click on map for larger version
and the location of the region's wineries.
SOUTH SHORE
Castle Vineyards
& Zip Line
(9 - 7 Summer Hours
Call for Fall & Winter hours)
19840 US 97A
Chelan, WA
509-682-0152
Chelan
Estate
Winery & Vineyards
(Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day
Weekend:
Daily, 11 - 6 pm; Spt - May: Call for days/hours)
755 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-5454
Fielding Hills
(Open Seasonally June - Oct, 11
am - 5 pm.
Call for days & events - 509-888-9463)
565 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816
509-888-WINE (9463)
Mailing Address:
1401 Fielding Hills Drive
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Karma Vineyards & Cave
(Open Memorial Weekend - September:
Tues - Sun, 12 - 8 pm;
All other seasons: Wed - Sun, 12 - 6 pm)
1681 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816
509-669-5753
18 Brix Restaurant
at Karma Vineyards
(Wed & Thurs, 12pm-5pm
Fri & Sat, 12pm-8pm
Sun, 12pm-3pm)
509-682-5538
Mellisoni
Vineyards
(Fri - Sun, 12 - 6 pm)
3155 Alt. US 97
Chelan, WA
509-293-1891
Nefarious Cellars
(Apr 10-30: Sat & Sun,
12-5;
May 1 - Jun 14: Wed - Sun, 12-5;
Jun 15 - Oct 15: Daily, 11-5;
Oct 16 - Halloween: Wed - Sun, 12-5.
Closed Nov - Mar, except Red Wine & Chocolate)
495 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-9505
Siren Song Vineyard Estate
& Winery
(Summer hours: Fri - Sun, 12 - 7
pm)
635 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816
509-888-4657
Tsillan
Cellars
Vineyards, Winery & Restaurant
(Winery Open Daily:
Mid May - Mid Oct: 11 am - 7 pm;
Mid Oct - Mid May: Noon - 5 pm)
(Restaurant open for lunch & dinner:
Serving lunch daily: 12 – 3 pm & dinner 5 – 9 pm)
3875 Hwy. 97A
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-9463
877-682-8463
509-682-5409 - Restaurant
Tunnel Hill
(By appointment)
37 Highway 97A
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-5695
CHELAN AREA
Lake Chelan
Winery
(Daily
11am - 7pm)
3519 Highway 150
Chelan, WA 98816
509-687-9463
One Wines Inc
(Wed - Mon, 1 - 7 pm;
Tues for Private Tastings)
526 E Woodin
Avenue
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-2646
Rio
Vista Wines
(Year Round.
May - Oct: Wed - Sun, 12-6;
Nov - Apr: Fri - Sun, 12-5;
Otherwise by appointment)
24415 Highway 97
10 minutes north of Chelan
Chelan, WA 988016
509-682-9713
Rocky Pond Winery
Chelan Tasting Room
(Tues & Wed - 1 - 6 pm;
Thurs - Sat - 1 - 7 pm; Sun & Mon - Closed)
212 E Woodin Avenue
Chelan, WA 98816
509-888-6335
Vin du lac Winery & Bistro
(Tasting Room open daily:
11am - 6pm - Sun - Fri; 11 - 7 Saturdays;
Bistro open daily: 11 am - 8 pm)
105 Hwy 150
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-2882
866-455-WINE (9463)
|
Local
Tour Guides
Bon Vivant Wine Tours
and Driving Services
(From
Seattle to Woodinville, Bainbridge Island,
Olympic Peninsula, Yakima Valley,
Walla Walla &
Columbia valleys; Red Mountain &
Horse Heaven Hills;
Leavenworth/Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, Columbia Gorge)
Seattle, WA 98199
206-524-8687
info@bonvivanttours.com
Chelan Valley Tours
Chelan, WA
509-682-2386
Lakeside Limo Wine
Tours
(Serving Lake Chelan, Wenatchee
& surrounding areas)
319 Orchard View Drive
Chelan, WA 98816
509-470-0333
Leavenworth Wine
Tours
(Serving Lake Chelan. Wenatchee
Columbia Basin and Leavenworth areas)
509-662-1691
Seattle Wine Tours
(Serving
Seattle,
Woodinville, Leavenworth,
Wenatchee, Chelan, Yakima, Red Mountain,
Tri-Cities or Walla Walla)
321 3rd Avenue S, Suite 204
Seattle, WA
206-444-9463
North Central
Washington
Wine Shops & Wine Bars
Chelan Red Apple Market
Wine Department
310 Manson
Hwy
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-4521
The Chamber Tasting Room
Historic Downtown Wenatchee
(Wine Tasting Hours:
Mon - Wed, 11 am - 5 pm;
Thurs - Sat, 11 am - 6 pm;
Closed Sunday)
1 S Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee, WA
509-662-2116
The
Grape Quincy Wine Cellar
2 "D" Street
Quincy, WA 98848
509-787-5170
|
Lake Chelan Wine Cellar
Inside Stop Light Espresso
& Fruit Market
229 Woodin Avenue
Chelan, WA 98816
509-682-0359
Mission Street
Bistro
& Wine Bar
202 N. Mission Street
Wenatchee, WA
509-665-2406
The Vogue - A Liquid
Lounge
117 E Woodin
Chelan, WA 98816
509-888-5282
The
Wine Bin
208 N. Mission
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509 -663-3007
|
Copyright © 2004 -
December, 2019 Susan R. O'Hara. All rights reserved.
Last revised:
December 10, 2019
|
