The Lake Chelan Valley has made a name for itself as one of the best wine producers in the country. Testaments to this are more than 30 wineries and around 250 acres of award-winning vines found in the area. Wine makers in the valley have turned winemaking into an art form and they have been doing so for the past 20 years.
In 2009, the valley was named an official American Viticulture Area (AVA) because of its rich soil, climate, and other distinct physical features that make it stand out from the rest. Lake Chelan is only the 11th AVA site officially recognized in the state. The quality of wine made in the AVA is unmatched and is entirely unique to the area.
Each winery in Lake Chelan produces rich wines reflecting the personality of the winemakers and their grapes. Every winery and vineyard has its own vision and aspires to produce only the best bottles.
As the years go by, more winemakers come to the Lake Chelan community to take advantage of what this AVA certification has to offer. The expanding list of wineries found in the area contribute to the unique and exciting wine culture that can’t be found anywhere else. The magnificent view of the shoreline surrounding Lake Chelan’s wineries makes the whole experience even more memorable.
Come and tour the different wineries and spend the day learning about the process of winemaking. Explore the three winery touring areas such as North Shore or the Manson area, South Shore, and Downtown Chelan.
Spend a quiet evening filled with wine tastings while appreciating spectacular views at grand and lavish tasting grounds or small intimate places near the hills. Take a pick from among the leading types of wine being produced in Lake Chelan AVA like Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grit, Riesling, and Malbec.
What sets Lake Chelan wine apart?
The Lake Chelan region’s glacial soil made by the glaciers that created the lake is what gives that distinct quality to wines made here. The soil’s combination of nutrients, textures, and other components make for a rich base especially for growing wine grapes.
The valley’s “lake effect” also provides mild, not freezing, temperatures. This results in the lesser possibility of frost, as well as an extended growing season.
All these factors come into play to produce the delicious grapes and apples harvested every season. The numerous wine and cider makers throughout the Lake Chelan Valley can certainly vouch for that, as well as many oenophiles (wine connoisseurs) who have purchased Chelan, WA real estate to be near their greatest passion.
History of wine in Lake Chelan
The Native Americans were among the first to discover the potential held by Lake Chelan for growing grapes. Italian immigrants followed through on what these native tribes started. However, it was only in 1998 when native orchardists Bob Christopher and Steve Kludt took orchard acreages and planted wine grapes, thus opening the first production vineyard in the area. Since then, everyone from veteran winemakers to aspiring vinyardists have ventured to the area, making what Lake Chelan is today.
Find out more about Lake Chelan real estate options in the area. Get in touch with Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties today by calling 509-682-7777 or sending an email to info(at)cbchelan(dotted)com.