Lake Chelan Wineries: Part I

The Lake Chelan Valley is known for many things – our 300 days of sunshine, gorgeous waters, and its ever-growing wine scene. First established in 2009, the Lake Chelan AVA is young, exciting, and bold. The wineries and winemakers of the valley take great care in producing phenomenal wine while creating an environment that everyone can enjoy, from wine connoisseurs to skeptics (team beer, anyone?). With over 30 wineries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are a few highlights of wineries on Lake Chelan’s south shore to get you started on your wine tasting excursion! Cheers!

Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery | 635 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816

Anyone who has found their calling in winemaking – and great winemaking, at that – is more than okay by us! Holly and Kevin Brown have taken their calling and turned it into something beautiful. Head to Siren Song for a taste of the sublime in both their food and wine. Their wines are more than simply wines, they’re stories.

And the food is hard to beat with menu items like baked brie covered in fig and fruit compote or wood-fired pizzas to enjoy on their piazza. Holly, the culinary mastermind, also leads cooking classes so you can take some of the magic home with you. Enjoy it all at Siren Song – the view from the terrace, the carefully crafted wines, and the artisan, European-style foods.

Chelan Estate Winery & Vineyard | 755 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816

Bob and Mary Broderick first planted their experimental vineyard in the ’90s and it acted as a sort of winery guinea pig for the valley. Through much trial and error, they found that the grapes could withstand the cold of winter and the short but hot growing season. They even found success with the temperamental Pinot Noir varietal.

Visit Bob and Mary’s tasting room and let them tell and show you their winemaker’s journey. They’ll point out where they first planted grapes and take you all the way through producing their award-winning wines today. Enjoy sipping their wines out on their patio with a stellar lake view and cascading vineyards.

Tsillan Cellars | 3875 Hwy 97A, Chelan, WA 98816

Retreat to the Italian countryside where the wine flows freely and the food is delectable. Tsillan Cellars will immerse you in the Tuscan experience while offering sweeping views of Lake Chelan and surrounding mountains.

Wander the estate and enjoy waterfalls, gardens, and a grape arbor overlooking the lake. On top of their gorgeous atmosphere and architecture, they offer a wide variety of award-winning estate grown wines for you to savor including a late harvest dessert wine you won’t want to pass up. Tsillan Cellars is stunning in every way and you’re sure to have an experience unlike any other.

Karma Vineyards | 1681 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816

Lovers of bubbly, it’s your time to shine! Karma produces many brilliant wines but where they truly sparkle is in…well, their sparkling wine. One of the few Methode Champenoise producers in Washington state, they’ve brought the French tradition to beautiful Lake Chelan. And trust us, owner Julie Pittsinger has nailed it.

Enjoy a flight of their different sparkling wines and lunch on their gorgeous patio, or plan an unforgettable evening dining in their wine cave. Either way, you’re in a for a treat – a sparkly, delicious treat.

Nefarious Cellars | 495 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816

Located next door to Fielding Hills is another winner. With stunning views and delectable wines, what more could you ask for? Nefarious offers it all. Their tasting room is small, but their wines are big and the tasting room staff is knowledgeable and fun.

Enjoy a glass on their patio overlooking the lake and vineyard, or if you can’t get enough, rent out their lovely guest house and keep the good times rolling all evening long. If you’re a lover of white wines, try the Consequence blend. If reds are more your thing, give the Spinner a go. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Fielding Hills Winery | 565 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816

Simply walking into the Fielding Hills tasting room will transport you to another frame of mind, but tasting their wines will seal the deal. Mike Wade, the winemaker at Fielding Hills, believes that a glass of wine is a journey and a story. He crushed his first vintage in 2000 and has been making first-rate wines ever since. Although they’ve begun introducing whites into their library, Fielding Hills produces almost exclusively red wines, an example of finding your niche and perfecting it. Their love and knowledge of the wine are apparent in every sip and you’ll have a hard time finding a wine you don’t love. Visiting Fielding Hills will leave you feeling sophisticated, smart, and at home with the wine tasting experience.

Tunnel Hill Winery | 37 US-97 ALT, Chelan, WA 98816

When you stand inside their cozy tasting room, you stand inside the rocks of the Knapps Tunnel just up the road, which is where Tunnel Hill Winery gets its name. 

The environment gives you a sense of history and of moving forward, a quality you’ll also find in each and every wine. Both traditional and daring, Tunnel Hill’s wines are expertly and passionately made. Be sure to try their Pinot Noir as it was the very first varietal planted by the winemakers 15 years ago. Enjoy a glass outside and bask in the serene and relaxing garden. You’ll never want to leave.

Mellisoni Vineyards | 3155 US-97 ALT, Chelan, WA 98816

Wine tasting at Mellisoni is far from your conventional wine tasting experience. Leave your pretension at the door and get ready to relax and enjoy. 

Their laid back vibes and welcoming space will make it feel like you’re spending an afternoon with your closest pals, all while learning about and sipping on some amazing wines. One of Mellisoni’s biggest draws is their lawn, offering one of the best views in the valley overlooking the lake. Grab a glass of their 180° rosé, sit back in an Adirondack and take in the sunset or get some friends together for a round of cornhole. It’s all a part of the Mellisoni experience.

We hope you enjoy the wineries that line the beautiful south shore of Lake Chelan as much as we do. For even more wineries and information check out our complete list here. And, as always, happy sipping!