The Wineries of Lake Chelan - CANCELLED
We apologize for the inconvenience, but it was necessary to cancel the April program due to lower-than-expected ticket sales.

Lake Chelan, one of Washington’s most sought after summer destinations, is now the 11th American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially recognized in the state. Encompassed completely within the larger Columbia Valley AVA, Lake Chelan is defined by a higher elevation and more temperate climate than the southern AVAs of the Columbia Valley.

Grapes have been grown in the Chelan Valley since before the turn of the 20th century by a few Native Americans and a group of Italian immigrants. In 1949, the area produced grapes from 154 vineyard acres. Modern wine grape growing began more extensively at the turn of the 21st century, and the first winery was opened by the Kludt family in 2000. Now the area is home to 15 wineries and about 260 acres of planted grapes. The leading varieties being produced in the new AVA include Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

The Lake Chelan AVA is now the 11th American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially recognized in Washington State. The AVA is than the more southern AVAs also contained within the Columbia Valley. The 24,040-acre Lake Chelan AVA includes the southern and eastern portions of land surrounding the lake and shares a northern border with the Columbia Valley AVA. Due to the ice age glaciers that formed Lake Chelan, the soil surrounding it has distinctive properties such as coarse, sandy sediment with notable amounts of quartz and mica, and these result in grapes with discernable textures, minerals, and nutrients. The AVA is also distinguished by a significant “lake effect” that creates mild and favorable temperatures for surrounding areas, resulting in a longer growing season and a reduced risk of frost.

Grapes have been grown in the Chelan Valley since before the turn of the 20th century by a few Native Americans and a group of Italian immigrants. In 1949, the area produced grapes from 154 vineyard acres. The first modern wine grape vineyards were planted in the Lake Chelan Valley in 1998, and the first winery was opened by the Kludt family in 2000. Now the area is home to 15 wineries and about 260 acres of planted grapes. The valley has proved to be a prime location to grow Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The vineyards here are cooler than much of the rest of the Columbia Valley, the bud break is later, and the more moderate temperatures caused by Lake Chelan results in even ripening conditions later in the year. This translates into intense fruit flavors and a high acidity. With wineries accumulating several awards, there is a lot to say about the quality of locally grown grapes and the caliber of winemaking skills represented at the local wineries.

Tsillan Cellars Winery was established in 2000 and opened its doors on May 1, 2004.  It is an Italian country retreat nestled on the gently sloping south shore of Lake Chelan providing breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, and offering guests an exceptional destination experience, unique to the entire country.  Three cascading waterfalls form an amphitheater backdrop for the island stage.  Natural stone bridges, natural slate terrazzo and walks, Tuscan stone columns, a 35 foot bell tower with a 650 lb. cast bronze bell, landscaped rockeries and gardens, and a grape arbor overlook Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. Named after a 19th century explorer who, upon hearing the native word for the lake, charted it as Tsillan or "deep water," Tsillan Cellars, pronounced "Chelan,"  was designed and developed by Dr. Robert Jankelson to provide an unmatched venue to enjoy the Italian art of living enhanced by fine wines.

Producing an annual average of 6,500 to 7,000 cases of wine each year, Tsillan Cellars is the largest producing winery and largest vineyard estate in the Chelan Valley, and thus, is the crown jewel of the young and rapidly growing Lake Chelan wine tourism industry.  A wide variety of premium wine grapes are presently planted on the estate including, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.  If any variety does not meet the standards of our winemaker, it will not be bottled.  Each block of grape vineyard is continually evaluated and those varietals that do not meet their high expectations will be replaced with those varieties proven to be most compatible with the land (terroir) and climate. This meticulous attention to detail has allowed Tsillan Cellars to establish itself as the premier, award-winning winery in the valley; with varietals such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah winning gold medals, and the Estate Pinot Grigio, and Estate Gewurztraminer winning double gold and platinum medals in both regional and national wine competitions.  To date, the winery is 100 percent Estate grown.

The Vin du Lac winery sits on a hilltop rising 200 feet above Lake Chelan, with superb views of the lake, Chelan Butte, and the town of Chelan.  The grounds have been orchard land since the 1920s, and one half of the property remains a working orchard.  Seven acres of vineyard were planted in the spring of 2002. The winery itself is housed in two old orchard sheds that were fully remodeled and updated to serve as modern winery production facilities.  Remnants of the buildings' former character remain, including the hand-laid stone foundation of the barrel room, which bears the inscription "Sept. 1937".
 
The old orchard farmhouse, built in the twenties, has also been updated, and now serves as the winery tasting room.  It has been styled after a French country bistro, and besides a broad selection of wines, inside you will find a unique selection of meats, cheeses, breads, olives, french baguettes, and other delicious items to enjoy with a glass of wine on the adjacent lake-view patio.

Two Tartes Café and Catering came to be after combining the talents of Lori Gilliam and Sue Benyak. They have been in the food service business for over twenty years combined and have run a successful catering company out of West Seattle, Chef du Jour Catering, for the past five years. Lori and Sue both have a love for real food and the idea of feeding people! Whether preparing daily lunch specials and house made soups for the cafe, or planning an event for 200, they take the same care in their food preparation. They use fresh ingredients and as many local products as possible. You will find them at the various farmers markets, hand-selecting produce for salads and soups! Two Tartes Café and Catering is located in historic Georgetown….one of the last few fun & funky places in Seattle. Come stop by and see what's cookin' that day and sample one of their famous cookies!

Tasting Menu
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Tsillan Cellars
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Vin du Lac
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... and more!
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Pork tenderloin on brioche with house-made plum chutney
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Pissaladiere (Provencal pizza) with carmelized onions and nicoise olives
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Sweet potato gnocchi tossed with bacon and brown butter cream sauce

Coffee and chocolates courtesy of the Seattle Wine Society