What are the best Lake Chelan wines to drink now?
Never had these wines? Wonder where they come from?
Visiting Lake Chelan is a whole package! Unlike most American wine regions, it offers more than excellent wine. You got a picturesque lake with blue Caribbean-like water, miles of wilderness to hike, parasail over a 50-mile long lake, camp under the starry skies, or watch the sunset on the shore with a bottle of local wine.
Where is this paradise? Lake Chelan is an emerging wine region located in the eastern part of Washington state. While we heard about this region, we could hardly taste any wines until we visited Lake Chelan because most wineries are boutique and sell wines through their tasting rooms, wine clubs, and online.
If you are like us and enjoy the unique small production wines that 99.9% of people will never try in their lifetime, read on to learn the best Lake Chelan wines to drink now!
The kicker is that it’s a professional non-sponsored recommendation list because we were not paid by any wineries to promote them or their wines, and we purchased wine for our cellar.
Best Lake Chelan Wines to Drink Now. 2022 Wine Swinging Report
Tildio Winery
Before starting Tildio Winery***, Katy Perry (owner and winemaker) had a chance to work with masters of the craft at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Geyser Peak Winery, and Chateau Ste Michelle, and it reflected in the quality of the entire flight.
Tasting Flight:
- 2020 Estate Chardonnay
- 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2021 Estate Rosé – 100% Estate Syrah
- 2020 Hermit – Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache and Syrah 2019 Estate Tempranillo
Recommendations:
2019 Tempranillo – having tasted 2014 vintage before, we had great expectations from this first-ever-planted Tempranillo in the Chelan Lake area, and it delivered.
2021 Sauvignon Blanc – this New Zealand style Sauv was as delicious as unexpected.
Nefarious Cellars
The husband and wife winemaking team continues to impress us with its wines. Probably, a friendly internal rivalry has something to do with it: she makes whites, he makes reds. Both have a cult-like following for a particular wine. It reminds us a bit of our team: we also play different roles to fill.
Tasting flight:
- 2021 Consequence – a white blend of primarily Sauvignon Blanc with the addition of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling
- 2021 Estate Viognier
- 2020 RX3 – Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre
- 2020 Estate Syrah
- 2020 Spinner – Bordeaux-inspired combination of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec with the unusual addition of Syrah
Recommendations:
Our last trip fave was 2016 Malbec This time around, things changed.
2021 Consequence – the uncommon combination of grape varietals with almost Prosecco-like peachy flavors
2020 Syrah – the estate-sourced wine with a rich plum pie and dark chocolate shavings aromas and flavors.
Guess what the Nefarious cult-like following wines are?
Vibe Cellars
We were excited to meet Erik Cooper (owner and winemaker) again. The Vibe Cellars is a new addition to the Lake Chelan area. We met Eric for the first time on our last trip when he worked for Nefarious as wholesale manager and made just a few barrels of wine on the side, breaking into an industry.
Tasting Flight:
- 2021 Albariño
- 2021 Sun Chaser – white blend
- 2019 Syrah
- 2020 Gemelli – Washingtonian Super-Tuscan blend of 75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2020 Malbec
- 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommendations:
We got a good Vibe from the entire flight.
2021 Sun Chaser is an unusual blend of 80% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Grigio, and 1% Viognier. We liked its peach and nectarine flavors and lemony apple candy aftertaste.
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon made with grapes from River Ridge Vineyard of Horse Heaven Hills AVA was the best Cabernet Sauvignon on the trip. It was precisely what we expect from high-quality Washington Cab: ripe black currant and balanced dark chocolate flavors with a cassis finish.
Succession
Despite being a relative newcomer, Succession Winery has already earned a reputation in the area. On our last trip to Lake Chelan, 2018 L & R white wine earned the top spot, and we were eager to try other contenders.
Tasting Flight:
- 2021 Chenin Blanc
- 2021 Our Evolution
- 2021 Viognier
- 2019 Oscar 100% Merlot
- 2019 Cabernet Franc
Recommendation:
Overall, we liked Succession’s white wines over red.
2021 Chenin Blanc was among the top three Chenins we tried on this trip to Lake Chelan, thanks to its peach custard and fresh nectarine aromas and flavors.
2021 Our Evolution is hardly a traditional, almost off-dry white blend of 64% Semillon, 24% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Viognier. We called it “Bordeaux meets the Loire” because the limestone aromas of Semillon were complemented by a grassy Sauvignon Blanc and ripe orange note of Viognier.
Alta Cellars
We were surprised to learn that Alta was another project started by Brock, Succession’s owner, and winemaker. He acquired the winery in 2021 and kept a label because he adapted some of the winemaking philosophy of the previous owner. We had a chance to taste wines made before and after the acquisition.
Tasting Flight
- 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2021 Albariño
- 2021 Syrah Rosé
- 2020 Navigator – red blend
- 2020 Syrah
- 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – library wine
Recommendations:
2021 Albariño, made by Brock, was our favorite Alboriño of all we tried this time. It was a well-rounded wine with a lime-lemon profile, white blossoms, and yellow plum aromas.
2020 Navigator is a Bordeaux-like blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec made by a previous winemaker that impressed us with its ripe black currant, raspberry, and licorice flavors.
Hard Row to Hoe
As it turned out, Lake Chelan has a tabloid-worthy story in its past. This story, however provocative, inspired the owners to pick the winery’s name.
Hard Row to Hoe winery is an excellent example of owners taking winemaking seriously yet not taking themselves too seriously and having fun talking about the wine. Just the way we do it at Wine Swinging.
Tasting List:
- 2020 Reserve Chardonnay
- 2021 Nauti Buoy – white blend
- 2019 Pinot Noir
- 2018 Cabernet Franc – Lake Chelan AVA
Recommendations:
- 2021 Nauti Buoy – Follows in the footsteps of favored last time, 2017 Nauti Buoy which we found to be a perfect pairing with sushi. Its tropical and lemon candy-like character complements the umami taste of tuna and soy sauce and withstands the heat of wasabi.
Tsillan Cellars
Tsillan Cellars is one of the Lake Chelan wine industry pioneers and one of the most recommended wineries to visit, thanks to its Italian-themed tasting room and restaurant.
We were pleasantly surprised by how they improved the quality of wines since our last visit.
Tasting List:
- 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2020 Nudo Chardonnay
- 2021 Bocciolo di Rosa – Syrah Rosé
- 2019 Estate Piccolo Rosso – red blend
- 2019 Sinistra
Recommendations:
2019 Sinistra – The Bordeaux-inspired blend of 54% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and 4% Petite Verdot did speak “French” with its black currant, black cherry flavors, albeit with a sensible Washingtonian dark chocolate accent.
Sigillo Cellars
Sigillo Cellars is a newcomer to Lake Chelan and has already earned a reputation for the quality of its wines. It was recommended by another winery, which is always a good sign.
Tasting List:
- 2021 Chardonnay
- 2021 Riesling
- 2021 Roussanne
- 2020 Oaked Chardonnay
- 2019 Malbec
- 2019 GSM – blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah
- 2019 Carménère
- 2019 Tempranillo
Recommendations:
2019 Carménère reminded us of the high-quality Chilean Carménère with its aromas of ripe dark fruit, roasted green bell peppers, and cassis flavors.
Siren Song
Every time we visit Siren Song, it makes us feel like we are at Lake Cuomo in Northern Italy, thanks to the Italian villa-style tasting room and breathtaking view of Lake Chelan from the winery’s terrace.
Besides ambiance, another great thing about Siren Song tasting is that they let you pick your own flight from the available wines.
Tasting List:
- 2020 The Muse – Sparkling
- 2021 Belle Tavel – Grenash Rosé
- 2017 Zelda – Zinfandel
- 2017 Jolie – red Bordeaux blend
- 2017 Raving Beauty – Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2017 Beijo – Syrah and Merlot blend
- 2017 La Contessa Francesca – Syrah
Recommendations:
2020 The Muse – Traditional method Brut was our favorite of the flight. The Muse has all the hallmark features we expect from quality Méthode Champenoise bubbles – refreshing acidity with flavors of apple and lemon and light mineral notes. It’s an excellent choice when it’s 92°F, and you drink it on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Amos Rome Vineyards
Amos Rome Vineyards opened its tasting room in a challenging 2020 just in time when locked-down city-dwelling Washingtonians escaped to the less restrictive parts of the state.
We were very impressed with the quality of wines made by Travis Clark, owner, and winemaker, a relative newcomer to the industry.
Tasting List:
- 2021 Estate Riesling
- 2021 Chenin Blanc
- 2021 Estate Malbec Rosé
- Bighorn Red Blend – non-vintage
- 2020 Quail Run Tempranillo
- 2019 The Machine – a red blend
Recommendations:
2021 Estate Malbec Rosé – bright, refreshing, and fruity with cherry, lemon, and apricot flavors.
2019 The Machine – This Bordeaux-inspired blend of 72% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc charmed us with its black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry aromas and flavors.
Rocky Pond Winery
We were curious to check on the progress of the Rocky Pond Winery.*** Last time, our favorite was the 2017 Gewurztraminer***; overall, we liked white wines over reds. Can red wines turn the table this time around?
Tasting List:
- 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2021 Glacial Treasure – the unusual blend of Riesling, Marsanne, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc
- 2021 Stratastone Rosé – Provence-inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre
- 2020 Grenache
- 2019 11 Dams – Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blend
- 2019 Malbec
- 2019 Double D Syrah
- 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommendations:
Whites did good, but the reds were on top in 2022.
2019 Double D Syrah had a balanced profile driven by black plum and dark chocolate flavors.
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon came from the same Double D vineyard and had a full-bodied Cab profile of black currant, cherry, blackberry, and black tea.
Karma Vineyards
Karma Vineyards build its reputation on producing high-quality Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, and we always look forward to visiting their tasting room. Ron Miller, tasting room manager, showed us the cellars and shared insights on their winemaking.
Tasting List:
- 2017 Blanc de Blanc – 100% Chardonnay
- 2017 Brut
- 2017 Estate Pink
- 2016 Brut Rosé
Recommendations:
It was hard to pick a favorite because they are different. We like all Karma bubbles. Still, if we had to pick one it would be 2016 Brut Rosé – for its creamy texture, balanced acidity, and raspberry and red apple flavors.
Cairdeas
Cairdeas (pronounced Cardis) winery draws its inspiration from the wines of the Rhone Valley of France. They gravitate towards southern Franc varietals and produce primarily blends.
Tasting List
- 2021 Nellie Mae – white blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Roussane
- 2019 Counoise
- 2019 Caisleán an Pápa – a Washington version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape – infamous French red blend primarily based on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
- 2019 Trí – a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache – take on Southern Rhone blend called GSM
Recommendations:
2019 Counoise – This fruity red is made from Counoised grape, typically used as a blending variety in Rhone; it reminded us of Austrian Zweigelt with its Morello cherry flavors and Italian Schiava with its light-hearted nature. Perfect picnic wine. It would make a great addition to our Beach and Pool Wine Guide.
Fielding Hills
While Fielding Hills winery is located on the shores of Lake Chelan, they make wines from the estate vineyards on Wahluke Slope AVA – an excellent source for full-bodied red wines.
Tasting Flight:
- 2018 Tribute – Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend with little Syrah
- 2017 Syrah
- 2018 Estate Malbec – with 7% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – with addition of 6% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec
Recommendations:
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon – we liked it for its ripe black currant and velvety dark chocolate flavors.
It replaced the 2015 Cabernet Franc we recommended last time.
Aftertaste
As in any newer region, the consistent wine quality reflects the winemaker’s craftsmanship. It’s also the most significant challenge because Lake Chelan AVA is still searching for its identity – the best grape varietals to grow and wine styles to make. Did we like all the wines we tasted? No.
Some wineries have more consistent quality wines, and we could’ve recommended the entire flight they offered. Others have room to grow. Wonder what wineries did a better job? Here’s a hint. Have you noticed that we recommended more than one wine from some wineries?
We’ve noticed that some wineries improved the quality and others impressed us less than before. That is expected because wine is a live thing, and the same grapes from the same vineyard will result in different wines from vintage to vintage; sometimes, change can be drastic.
As professionals, we pay attention to subtleties in wine that untrained palates may not recognize. We wonder what you think when you taste these wines.
Please share your impressions in the comments below, and subscribe with your email to be the first to know when we publish our new wine-swinging adventures.
