Exploring Lake Chelan Wineries: Part II
Wherever you are along the shores of Lake Chelan, award-winning wine is at your fingertips. As wine lovers ourselves, we know that scheduling a day of wine tasting can be a little overwhelming. We thought we’d help by highlighting wineries to visit while you spend the day in downtown Chelan (plus one on the river, in case you’re feeling adventurous!).
Rocky Pond Winery | 212 E Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA 98816
Rocky Pond Winery’s vineyard is based on the Columbia River but you don’t want to miss their downtown tasting room. Located conveniently on Woodin Ave., you’re walking distance to some of the best restaurants and shops in town. But Rocky Pond’s biggest draw is their delectable wine and sleek ambiance. Let one of the knowledgeable tasting room associates walk you through tasting notes as you work your way down the wine list. If you’re looking for a fun Thursday evening, grab a glass of rosé and check out their live music! Get there early to snag a seat on the patio where people watching and catching the day’s last rays are at a premium.
One Wines, Inc. | 526 E Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA 98816
One red. One white. One rosé. When your wine is this good, what more do you need? Since Jo and her husband only produce one of each wine every year, they’ve really dialed it in. Their downtown winery is small and humble but the wine speaks for itself. Enjoy tasting their limited but amazing tastings with unusual food pairings that make their wine POP (think strawberry Oreos dipped in white chocolate). Owner Jo will guide you through the tasting with spunk and humor and you’ll leave with an experience you won’t soon forget. Enjoy your glass outside on their cozy lawn in a signature red Adirondack. And as a bonus – if you’re taking a bottle home, Jo is happy to mark your bottle with the name of your choosing in the very first Irish language!
Vin du Lac | 105 WA-150, Chelan, WA 98816
Just a mile and a half out of downtown Chelan is the serene little getaway of Vin du Lac Winery and Bistro. Here, you can indulge in a delicious meal paired with impressive wines under lush, shady trees and overlooking the lake. Much of their produce and herbs are grown in their on-site garden and all their pasta is handcrafted to ensure freshness and quality meals to match their wine. Enjoy a stunning lunch or dinner or simply relax on the lawn and enjoy live music and a glass of some of their top-quality wine. The winemaker at Vin du Lac has maintained a boutique production style despite their immense growth and it pays off. They’re committed to serving you the best wine they can. And trust us when we say – they do.
Rio Vista on the River | 24415 US-97, Chelan, WA 98816
Warm sand between our toes and a glass of a crisp, cool white wine in hand. That’s where we want to be. Planted along the Columbia River about 10 miles from Chelan, Rio Vista serves top-notch wines in a top-notch setting. We recommend their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay! Pack a picnic and take a bottle of your favorite wine down to the water and pass the afternoon wading in the river, playing lawn games (kids and pups both welcome!), and dancing to live music. Did we mention you can also boat or even fly in? Yeah, we’re sold.
There’s no shortage of wineries in the Lake Chelan AVA. Spend your day tasting exceptional wines and exploring our beautiful valley or head out for a day on the river. Wherever you choose to go, we know you won’t regret it. Cheers!