Looking for a delightful destination for a gorgeous getaway? Lake Chelan is a fabulous holiday spot that also happens to have incredible wineries.
Lake Chelan is around 100 kilometres long (around 50 miles) and is a uniquely beautiful area that centres around a glacier-carved lake. This stunning lake gives the Lake Chelan wineries some of the best views in the country, and provides a truly one of a kind winery and tasting room experience. It’s become a very popular tourist destination, so if you’re keen on unique views but aren’t too keen on crowds, it’s best to visit Lake Chelan wineries at the quieter times of the year.
What Makes Lake Chelan Wineries Special?
Lake Chelan became recognized as an AVA in 2009 and has around a whopping 300 acres of planted vineyards. The Lake Chelan wineries and tasting rooms feature everything from massive estates, to intimate tasting rooms. There is truly something for everyone here.
The Chelan area has a surprisingly unique climate and glacial soil. This gifts the best growing environment for grapes, apples, and other fruits. The climate and soil in the Chelan area truly are every winemaker’s dream, easy to grow and even easier to maintain.
If you are into water sports of any kind, relaxing and calming fishing and picnic spots, and even delicious apples, then bring the whole family down to Lake Chelan. Not only does it have a world-class wining and dining experience for the parents, but it’s also got fun in the sun and adventure sports for the kiddies. It’s the biggest natural lake in Washington and the third deepest lake in the United States.
If you are looking for low-key excellent local wine, sunny outdoor adventure and a place where the whole family can have their vacation needs met, then plan a trip to Lake Chelan.
How Many Wineries Are In Chelan?
There are currently over 30 wineries in Lake Chelan.
The Top 3 Most Popular Chelan Wineries
Tsillan Cellars
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- Address: 3875 Hwy 97A, Chelan, WA 98816, United States
- Contact Number: +1 509-682-9463
If you’re looking for a Lake Chelan winery that can offer you delicious food, epic views and delectable wines all at once, then look no further than Tsillan Cellars. This wonderful winery was awarded the title of Washington Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest in 2020, and we know that this isn’t without merit. They are fully committed to creating high quality wines and combining this attraction with a welcoming space and indulgent food that will have you coming back for more.
Tsillan Cellars has a beautiful Tuscan-themed tasting room that promises its guests a top-notch Chelan winery tasting experience. The fine crafted Italian marble and tile, hand-carved woodwork, Italian porcelain, and Rosa Verona inlaid mosaics feel like you’re in Italy but sipping on hand-crafted Chelan wine.
The wines that they are most proud of here are their Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to food too, they have a delicious menu that consists of mains, starters and appetisers too. They serve brunch, lunch, dinner, and desserts, all of which pair wonderfully well with their estate wines.
Keep an eye on their website calendar as they often host live events, live music, seasonal activities and specialised dinners. They are also a popular and celebrated wedding venue. Their bridal party prep room has a stunning Travertine stone finish, Rosa Verona Tumbled marble, and handmade porcelain. They also have a gorgeous Pavilion area which is the perfect location for outdoor and indoor dining, as well as weddings and private events.
Benson Vineyards Estate Winery
- Address: 754 Winesap Ave, Manson, WA 98831, United States
- Contact Number: +1 509-687-0313 (ext. 106)
Another one of the best wineries in Chelan is Benson Vineyards Estate Winery. You will find this magical venue sitting on the sunny north shores of Lake Chelan. They produce an array of award-winning wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. If you are looking for a gorgeous venue with rolling hills of vineyards, stunning nature and a perfect view of the Lake itself then plan a trip to Benson Vineyards Estate Winery on your next trip to Lake Chelan.
They too have a uniquely beautiful Tuscan-inspired tasting room. It is very homey, intimate and has a way of making you feel like you’re sipping award-winning wine from the comfort of your own couch.
Benson Vineyards offers delicious food at their onsite Cafe Myth. Their menu is all about Neapolitan-style pizzas, yummy salads and antipasti.
Lake Chelan Winery
- Address: 3519 WA-150, Chelan, WA 98816, United States
- Contact Number: +1 509-687-9463
Lake Chelan Winery is by far one of the most popular wineries in the region. They are known for their welcoming and attentive staff, classy and high quality wines, their beautiful estate and venue, gorgeous views and rich history. They have a homey and casual wine tasting experience where you can enjoy complimentary samples of their wines ($10 per person for big groups). The tasting room staff will gently guide you through each wine to assist you in widening your senses and increasing your tasting ability, whilst making you feel comfortable and supported.
There is also a delightful “behind the scenes” tour of the winery and estate, should this be of interest to you. You will get to see some more intimate details of their winemaking process, be led through the vineyards by the well-educated staff, see the crush pad, and listen to a lot of information on the fascinating history of wine and winemaking at the Lake Chelan Winery. This tour is complementary, all you have to do is ask to be booked in while you are there.
During the summer months, Lake Chelan Winery hosts delicious and fun barbeques, find out more about these specialised events on their website. They often host various types of fun and exciting events, in keeping with the overall wine industry trends for wineries in 2022.
What Wine is Chelan Known For?
Some of the most popular wines produced in Lake Chelan are Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.
This stunning wine region is one of the few places you can go snorkelling, fishing and swimming all morning, wine tasting and adventuring in the vineyards all afternoon, and find yourself fine dining at night. If you need an injection of fun, adventure, calm, serenity and world-class wines, then you need to pay a visit to Lake Chelan.