There are so many reasons to visit the Lake Chelan Wine Valley — unrivaled recreation, sweeping mountain vistas, laid-back vibes, and of course, world-class wines. 

If Lake Chelan is on your list for the upcoming season, but you’re not sure where to go, we’re taking the guesswork out of your trip with this local’s guide to the valley. Whether you’re after live music, gourmet bites, or breathtaking views, there’s something to suit every palate.

People enjoying a beautiful charcuterie board, pizza and wine in Lake Chelan Wine Valley.
Picture Credit: Saskia Potter

The Foodie’s Tour

Food and wine are one of life’s most natural pairings. If a gourmet experience is what you are after, consider these options to elevate your tasting experience.

Siren Song Winery and Restaurant

Located on Lake Chelan’s south shore, Siren Song Wines is a trifecta of entertainment, wine tasting, and dining. They are especially renowned for their wood-fired pizzas and Italian fare, a perfect complement to their expansive wine list.

Vin Du Lac Winery

Vin du Lac Winery is the go-to spot for seasonal features. When possible, their menu sources ingredients from their very own garden. Pair that with fantastic Lake Chelan wine and a gorgeous view — now you have the perfect spot to round out a culinary tour.

Chelan Ridge Winery

Under new ownership since 2020, Chelan Ridge Winery now offers wood-fired pizza and side salads to elevate your tasting experience.

Wapato Point Cellars

A long-time staple of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, Wapato Point Cellars is known for its upscale steak and pasta dishes in a friendly and unpretentious environment.

A group of people sitting around a fire pit laughing and drinking wine.

The Shop and Sip Tour

Plan a shopping day in downtown Chelan or Manson and pop into a few wineries along the way. Chelan’s charming historic core is home to several boutique shops and restaurants, plus Rocky Pond Winery and One Wines. In downtown Manson, you’ll find a slew of options, including Ancestry Cellars, Radiance Winery, Skagit Cellars, Vibe Cellars, WineGirl Wines, and Rio Vista at the Cabin, plus more. Or stop into the number of wineries that include boutique gift shops selling art and goodies from local vendors, such as Tildio Winery.

Two men playing guitar at a winery in Lake Chelan.

The Music Lover’s Tour

Live entertainment abounds across the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. Many wineries feature seasonal concert series, with others showcasing local artists every weekend, all year long. Throughout winter and spring, try Tipsy Canyon Winery every Thursday for their seasonal concert series, 4-6pm. Additionally, several wineries, including Succession Wines, Callan Cellars, Sigillo Cellars, Alta Cellars, and Mellisoni Vineyards host a variety of musical artists each weekend. Find a comprehensive list of live music opportunities here.

A group of women drinking wine in the grass next to a vineyard.

The Vineyard Tour

Interested in learning more about the grape growing and/or wine-making process? Add these stops to your list for some educational flair during your next trip. Vineyard and facility tours are especially popular during the spring when the vines awaken from their winter slumber. 

Many of the area wineries offer tours, however it is recommended to call ahead to inquire about tour times and reservations. Here are a few spots with estate vines that offer either seasonal or year-round tours by appointment.

Lake Chelan Winery boasts a charming farm shop, Lake Chelan BBQ, and wines made from some of the very first grapes planted in the area.

Tsillan Cellars is nestled within 40 acres of vines and is notable for its cascading waterfalls, expansive terrazzos, and dramatic Italian architecture, including Sorrento’s Ristorante.

Benson Vineyards has long been known for its jaw-dropping view, expansive outdoor area, and estate wines. It can now add Cafe Myth, the sister-restaurant to the long revered Local Myth Pizza, to its growing list of attractions.Amos Rome sits on 13+ acres of estate vines and features a “founders block” planted in 1998, the first year that commercial grapes were planted in the Lake Chelan Valley in modern times.

A group of women enjoying wine on a sunny day in Lake Chelan.

The “Out of the Box” Tour

Looking to add a unique or lesser known varietal to your cellar, or get a different vantage of the scenery? These wineries and tasting rooms are offering a little something different.

Cairdeas Winery

Cairdeas pulls all of its inspiration from the Rhône valley of France and is the only winery in the valley offering exclusively Rhône varietals.

Karma Vineyards

Karma has become synonymous with sparkling wine for good reason. With a library of bubbly options and even a dedicated sparkling flight, this is the spot for the bubbly lovers!

Fielding Hills

Fielding Hills started its Concentric Wine Project in 2017 as an outlet for creative expression in the cellar. That has resulted in several years of prestigious and small-quantity wines featuring unique varietals and wine-making techniques.

Rio Vista at the River

Great wine and a relaxed atmosphere are the rewards for your drive to Rio Vista at the River. Located just 15 minutes outside downtown Chelan, Rio Vista is the only tasting room situated on the Columbia River, allowing patrons the unique option to boat in.

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards

Hard Row to Hoe’s estate vineyard was the first LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe-certified vineyard in North Central Washington and is farmed utilizing organic processes.

A vineyard over-looking Lake Chelan.
Photo Taken by: Richard Duval

New to the Scene

In search of something new and notable? Pop by these spots and join us in welcoming them to the neighborhood.

Silver Bell Winery officially opened its doors in 2021. Located on the north shore of Lake Chelan, Silver Bell has already become an exciting destination with a breathtaking view of the lake and vibrant wines.

Vibe Cellars is owned by twins Erik and Michael, who have infused their love for great wine, groovy tunes, and a relaxed atmosphere into their downtown Manson tasting room. Choose a record to spin from their vinyl library or relax on their patio, offering a great view of the lake.

Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch features 11 acres of sprawling vines and a gorgeous view of the mountains from Lake Chelan’s south shore.

From culinary conquests to live music to one-of-a-kind sips, there are endless opportunities to make your trip to the Lake Chelan Wine Valley unforgettable. Book a spring trip and discover firsthand why Lake Chelan is Washington’s paradise.Don’t forget to check out the monthly calendar of events for bonus activities and specials at the wineries and surrounding restaurants. There’s always something fun going on in the valley!

adventure // AVA // AVA // Beverage // Experience // Food // Lake Chelan // Lake Chelan // Lake Chelan // pnw // Read // read // Restaurants // Washington Wine // Wine // wine tour //

Comments

Join the Conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.