Are you tired of French, Italian, or Californian wine? Do you want to try something different that select few ever will? Do you like discovering wines before they get 90+ points and become super expensive? Then Top Lake Chelan Wines 2019 list is for you.
In the summer of 2019, we went wineswinging to Lake Chelan region for the first time. We had a fantastic time both on and off the wine trail. When you travel to Lake Chelan region, you get it all - delicious wines, breathtaking views, and a chance to reconnect with nature along the shores of bluewater Lake Chelan. Whether you decide to go there like we did or buy a few bottles online, Top Lake Chelan Wines 2019 can serve as a guide.
Not too long ago, Lake Chelan was known only for two things: family vacation by the lake and tree orchards growing cherries, apples, and peaches. As we discussed in the post about the trip there, things changed over twenty years ago.
Now, it boasts its own wine AVA (Agricultural Viticultural Area) and has over 30 wineries. Designation as AVA is the recognition of unique climate and soil properties that allow the region to produce distinct wines like no other place in the US.
Of course, we had to go there!
There's a Method to the Wineswinging
We knew it would be challenging to visit all the wineries in one swoop, and we had to narrow the list. We asked for recommendations from our friends in the wine industry and did our own research. In the end, we were able to visit a dozen wineries in three days. So while it's an extensive wine list, by all means, it's not exhaustive.
Here it comes! Here it comes! The 2019 Wine Breakdown!
At the very start of winemaking in the region, most people thought that was it was suitable only for cooler climate varietals due to its location and climate. Thanks to rule-breakers and status-quo challengers, now they grow close to two dozen grape varietals, including what was believed impossible Tempranillo, Malbec, and Syrah. Some winemakers compare this region to the Southern Rhone of France and approach winemaking from this perspective.
Lake Chelan is still in its infancy as a wine region. Winemakers are yet to determine grapes best suited for the area and what its signature grape is going to be. One common thread we noticed is that best producers leverage the expertise of their neighbors and use grapes outside of AVA to balance their wine portfolio.
We also sensed a distinct mineral note in the wines produced from the grapes grown in Lake Chelan. It helped us understand why it was designated as AVA and what so special about it. That's why our Top Lake Chelan Wines 2019 list consists of wines made with local grapes only.
The wines are not listed in any particular order, and we didn't rank them. If wine is on our list, it's locally grown and made and passed our professional sensory evaluation. Our recommendations are as objective as possible, and we were not paid to recommend any particular wines.
Top Lake Chelan Wines 2019
White
2017 Gewurztraminer by Rocky Pond Winery
2014 Matisse Estate Chardonnay by Siren Song Estate & Winery
2018 Chardonnay by Succession Wines
2018 L & R Sauvignon Blanc by Succession Wines
2017 Nauti Buoy White Blend by Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
2018 Estate Sauvignon Blanc by Tildio Winery
Red
2017 Syrah by Nefarious Cellars
2016 Malbec by Nefarious Cellars
2017 Syrah by Succession Wines
2016 Burning Desire Estate Cabernet Frank by Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
2016 S&M Syrah/Malbec blend by Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
2014 Estate Tempranillo by Tildio Winery
2014 Estate Syrah by Tildio Winery
Sparkling
2013 Brut the Brut
2014 Pink is a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier
2014 Blanc de Noir is Pinot Noir with a little of Pinot Meunier
All of them made by Karma Vineyards that rules the region with its sparkling wines made following Méthode Champenoise. It was both surprising and exciting to discover such a high level of craftsmanship in this still-young wine region.
