The day before I arrived in Washington for the Wine Blogger’s Pre-Conference excursion to Lake Chelan Valley’s wine country, I returned from a weeklong visit to Peru. The experience in that South American country was incredible and inspiring, but not the travel. Cancelled or delayed flights, bags arriving later than expected, and the confiscation of our passports for two hours while at the airport in Lima made me wonder if boarding another plane was going to be an example of good karma! You can imagine my trepidation when our bus load of wine bloggers arrived at our destination with the first activity being…a Seaplane ride over the lake! Bowing to peer pressure and let’s be honest, the anticipation of an incredibly gorgeous backdrop, I climbed the steps, sat in the back seat, and simply enjoyed the ride and the views of this clear, glacier fed lake!
Lake Chelan Valley boasts a cool climate as compared to the warmer wine growing regions in Washington. The lake itself is 1.5 miles wide, 50.5 miles long, and at his deepest point 1,486 feet. The surrounding land is comprised of rolling hills, orchards, and vineyards with beautiful homes dotting the shoreline. Grapes grown in the Lake Chelan AVA range from Barbera to Zinfandel with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Primitivo, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris as just a few of the many varieties found. Thanks to young (in the big scope of geology of course) soil with volcanic pumice on top of a glacially aged landscape, the vines struggle and thrive. Hot summer days and cool summer nights, cold winter temperatures, and the quick thaw of spring lead to a glorious harvest – at least my taste buds thought so!
The Seaplane landed (smoothly, safely and timely, I might add!) on the Columbia River and those of us on board hiked up the gently sloping hill to the Rio Vista Winery where we were greeted by owner John Little. The Tasting Room was lovely and provided a relaxing venue where we had the opportunity to sample their portfolio. My favorites at our first experience with wines from Lake Chelan were…
2012 Estate Chardonnay – Not too oaky, this wine had pears, peaches, and a taste of vanilla. $17.00
2012 Viognier – Many of us loved this Viognier with its bit of pear, melon, and almond notes. $18.00
2009 Loony Red – Consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a bit of Syrah, this wine is considered their “peoples’ favorite”. Complex with tastes of plum, coffee, and dark fruits, this wine had a robust finish. $28.00
After the winery visit and checking into our lovely hotel, Campbell’s Resort, located directly on Lake Chelan, this now happy and refreshed posse of wine lovers attended a reception then dinner at Sorrento’s Restaurant featuring Tsillan Cellars wines paired with Italian fare. Oysters Rockefeller, Roasted Roma Tomato and Basil Soup, Chicken Marsala, and Tiramisu were comfortable Italian selections. My favorite wine from the dinner was…
2009 Estate Bellissima Rossa – Paired with the Chicken Marsala, I loved its aromas and tastes of vanilla, caramel, cloves, cherries, and even dark chocolate. Evident tannins and a long finish remind me that this wine has received a plethora of medals including the Washington State Wine Competition Gold Award. $30.00
What did the next morning offer? But of course we had a wake up Brunch and Bubbles tasting at Karma Vineyards along with a winery tour! Hey, we are wine bloggers! Karma is the first Methode Champenoise house in the Lake Chelan AVA and one of a few in the state of Washington. Julie and Bret Pittsinger, owners, are growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,and Petit Meunier on site. During the tour, they proudly explained their vision to produce sparkling wine in the French tradition as well as to help identify the Lake Chelan area as one which is a region for sparkling wine. And winemaker Craig Mitrakul is helping to make that happen! My favorite wine from the visit to Karma and the beautiful brunch?
**2010 Karma Methode Champenoise Brut de Brut – This dry sparkler with notes of crisp apples, nuts, and freshly baked bread was delicious with our croissants, fruit, eggs done every way you can imagine, and more! $50.00
It was limousine time as each of us found our group which travelled to various wineries in the area. My choice was to visit Vin du Lac Winery which has a reputation as a top producer of Cabernet Franc. Larry Lehmbecker, owner/winemaker, took us on a walk through Michaela’s Vineyard and led us to the shaded bistro patio for a appetizers paired with several of his favorite wines. Those I loved the most were…
**2011 Lehm Gewurtztraminer – I wrote about this wine on an earlier post! If you love a delicious Gewurtz you’ll like this! $20.00
**2010 Lehm Pinot Noir – 100% Pinot Noir from Michaela’s Vineyard offers a fantastic balance between fruit and earth. I loved this wine! $45.00
**2009 Barrel Select Cabernet Franc – Wine Spectator gave this choice 91 points and I could taste why. Aromas were fruity and tastes were rich and full. This is a keeper for $40.00
And just like “that” the trip was finished! Everyone gathered as a group, loaded the bus with our bags, happily shared wine stories and tasting notes, then began the trip to Penticton in Canada’s British Columbia for the Wine Bloggers Conference of 2013. Was this a “grape experience” in Lake Chelan AVA? Absolutely! Has my bad travel karma been lifted? Of course! Especially when there is wine involved!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
~Beautiful Lake Chelan at sunset on a warm June evening~
