Lake Chelan
The valley with its magnificent lake and rolling hills
is located about three hours east and a little north of Seattle (112
miles )and three hours west of Spokane in the heart of Washington
State. The vineyards are located around Lake Chelan, capitalizing
on the warming effects of the lake.
The first commercial wine grape vineyards in Lake Chelan AVA were planted in 1998, and the first bonded winery opened
in 2000. As of 2008 there are 14 bonded wineries, growing over 150 acres of wine grapes. In addition to the estate winery
vineyards there are nearly 15 Lake Chelan grape growers with 110 acres in additional wine grape production.
The vineyards are planted with are Riesling, Chardonnay,
Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet
Franc and Pinot Noir. In addition, there are more than 15 other varieties
in plantings of less than 2 acres each of Bordeaux, Rhone, Italian
and Spanish varieties including Tempranillo, Grenache, Barbera, Nebiolo,
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne and Marsainne.
Apr. 28, 2009 - The federal government approved the
Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area, making the region in north-central
Washington the state's 11th appellation.
Lake Chelan Wineries