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The spectacular scenery, water sports, skiing and backcountry of the Lake Chelan area has appealed to tourists for many years. And over night the Lake Chelan Valley has become Washington's new wine spot!
The Lake Chelan AVA is now the 11th American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially recognized in Washington State. The AVA is encompassed completely within the larger Columbia Valley AVA, but Lake Chelan has a higher elevation and more temperate climate 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.
Now with the Lake Chelan AVA approval area wineries have hopes of seeing an increased consumer awareness surrounding Lake Chelan wines and a broader audience. A group of industry members from the Lake Chelan Valley originally submitted the petition to establish the Lake Chelan AVA with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which has the sole power to certify official AVAs in America. This AVA designation is important for both area winemakers and viticulturists as consumers will be able to associate the quality, flavor, aromas and color of their favorite wines grown in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Come enjoy the fine wines of Lake Chelan! We know that you will be pleasantly surprised.
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