Tsillan Cellars is among the first two wineries opened in Lake Chelan region of Washington state. Lake Chelan Vineyards is considered the first in this region, and Tsillan Cellars found an innovative wave to incorporate Chelan in its name.
The name derives from the traditional Wenatchi name Tsi-Laan (pronounced sha-lan), meaning "deep water." Hence, Lake Chelan.
The winery located on the gently sloping shores of Lake Chelan - the largest lake in the state and fifth-largest in the USA. As we looked around, we couldn't shake resemblance to Italy's Lake Como landscape.
Apparently, the owners thought of Italy as well when they acquired the property because the tasting room, along with a restaurant built like an Italian villa. Everything here breathes and speaks Italy, including wine.
Tsillan Cellars Tasting Room
As you enter the tasting room through hand-carved wooden doors, you're greeted by the architectural splendor Italy is famous for. No cut corners here. From Italian porcelain floors with inlaid mosaics to travertine walls and Rosa Verona Marble pillars, from handmade Listellis and hand-painted tile murals, you are surrounded by authentic Tuscan materials and design from the bar to the restroom.
The glass doors from the tasting room lead to an inner yard with meticulously maintained garden and pond with waterfall and bridge. You can enjoy the wine while sitting at one of the tables in the garden.
Sorrento's
If all of that is not enough, there's also an Italian Ristorante called Sorrento's on the property. It's adjunct to the tasting room and overlooking the lake on one side and inner yard on the other. Obviously, the menu filled with Italian classics, and we had dinner there while wineswinging in the Lake Chelan area. The wine list is exclusive to the wide selection of Tsillan's wines. If we were to improve one thing, for the balance, we would expand the wine list beyond Tsillan's own.
Tsillan Cellars Wines
As we mentioned before, everything has Italian roots, including wines. Tsillan offers white, rosé, red, and dessert wines. You can find some Italian classics like Pinot Grigio and Barbera as well as international varietals like Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and several blends.
Our favorite from the tasting menu was 2018 Bociollo di Rosa - Rosé made of seven grapes.
In short, Tsillan Cellars worth a visit because it offers more than wine. It provides the whole experience of Lake Chelan through the "Italian glasses" with all its panache. And who doesn't like Italian glasses?