A Wine Tasting Itinerary at Washington's Lake Chelan
Four hours east of Seattle lies the popular vacation destination of Lake Chelan. Surrounded on both sides with beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms, Lake Chelan is a can't-miss Washington wine region.
If it's been a few years since you've visited Lake Chelan, you'll be amazed at the transformation. The hills around this popular lake in central Washington, once planted primarily with orchards, have largely been replanted with vineyards. Over two dozen wineries now surround Lake Chelan, making a wide variety of wine from Gewürztraminer to Pinot Noir. With few exceptions, the tasting rooms all boast impressive views of their estate vineyards and the 50-mile lake below. This is absolutely a wine destination worth making the trip for.
4 Hours From Seattle
Lake Chelan is located 4 hours east of Seattle, easily accessible via Snoqualmie or Stevens pass.
Driving Directions
Two Dozen Wineries in Chelan
There are an impressive 27 tasting rooms around Lake Chelan! We've selected five of the best on this wine tasting itinerary.
Featured Chelan Wineries
Dozens of Vacation Rentals
There is no shortage of AirBNBs, VRBOs and hotels around Chelan.
Lodging Resources
Featured Lake Chelan Wineries
Our recommended Lake Chelan Wineries
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Cairdeas Winery
Directions & Hours| Website| Visit Us
*Reservation Only* -
Four Lakes Winery
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One Wines
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Succession Wines
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Tipsy Canyon Winery
Cairdeas Winery
Charlie and Lacey Lybecker pull their inspiration from the Rhône Valley of France and make wine in that style using Washington fruit. Cairdeas (car-diss), a nod to their heritage, is Irish Gaelic for friendship, goodwill or alliance.
The word Cairdeas holds a special meaning to the Lybeckers based on Charlie’s Irish heritage, Lacey’s goodwill (that is how we met), the alliance we have made with each other, and those in our industry, and the friendships we have made along the way.
Visit Charlie, Lacey, and their awesome crew to experience their unique varietals and gorgeous lake views. Tastings Available by Reservation Only.
Wines Produced: Rhône Inspired Wines, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Petite Sirah, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne
"Our favorite winery in Chelan. Make sure to stop by. You won't be sorry!" SS, Google Review
"Wish there were 6 stars. Can’t say enough about their wines, tasting experience, set and setting. Even in Covid times it’s great." AJ, Google Review
Four Lakes Winery
Don and his son, Karl, established Four Lakes Chelan Winery in 2001. In 2004 they bought sixty-three acres in Manson, WA where the tasting room now resides, plus ten acres on Howard Flats which is six miles east of the tasting room.
Now, Four Lakes Chelan Winery has found a niche with its big bold red wines and light crisp white wines and Karl has been generating recognition for his successful winemaking work. The father, son team began making Grappa and Brandy in the fall of 2010 too.
Wines Produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Red blends, Riesling, Viognier, Chardonnay, White blends
"Beautiful location and awesome wines!." TP - Google Review
One Wines Inc
Owners of One Wines, Jo and Greg Cowell, decided to take a simpler approach to wine. Instead of creating multiple reds and whites, they make 3 great wines per year: One Red Wine, One White Wine, and One Rose' Wine.
To highlight this, they've created a logo with a bottle containing lines that spell out "ONE" in Ogham. Ogham is an origin of ancient writing discovered in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and the Isle of Man from between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. This really spoke to Jo because of her Irish and Scottish heritage.
The story of the logo is just one more element of the boutique touches that define One Wines. Producing only 800 cases a year, these are wines you have to taste.
Wines Produced: Albarino, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
"What a gem of a spot. Great little find among all the vineyards and tasting rooms in Chelan. The owner Jo was so nice and accommodating. She gave us some pro-tips for around town and had a pretty cool pup too! She opened and poured some GREAT bottles for us to try. Def adding to the list of places to come back to the next time we are in Chelan. Can’t recommend this place enough, you won’t be disappointed!" - JL, Google Review
Succession Wines
In 2014, owners Brock and Erica Lindsay experienced two major life events: they welcomed their first child into this world, and not two weeks later, they lost their home to a wildfire. In the aftermath of the fire, the two had a chance to recalibrate to what matters most in life--- being close to family and pursuing their dreams. The couple pivoted to a new vision--- start a family-run Washington winery. Brock traded in his occupation of engineer for winemaker, and in short time they opened Succession Wines on the north shore of Lake Chelan. This charming tasting room has a great patio and some really excellent wines--- they regularly sell out of each vintage and have built an impressive following in just over five years of operation!
Wines Produced: Red blend, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, White Blend, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
"What's not to love? This is hands down our favorite winery in Chelan/Manson. The owner, Brock, is incredibly friendly and always goes out of his way to greet us personally. We're impressed by both the reds and the whites here and have yet to try a wine we didn't rave about. The atmosphere is clean, modern and welcoming with all the comforts you could need for a relaxing afternoon with the most incredible view." -BR, Google Review
Tipsy Canyon Winery
Tipsy Canyon Winery is a family-owned boutique winery located in the Lake Chelan Valley. Owners Mark and Tami Garvin offer guests delicious wines and a genuine Lake Chelan experience. After 30 plus years in the fast-paced corporate world, Mark and Tami were looking for a change. Knowing that they would retire in the Chelan area, they were intrigued with the idea working in the wine industry. What started as a hobby blossomed over the next 10 years. The Garvin's purchased the winery property, began planting vines, and most recently, built a new spacious tasting room to welcome their guests. The views of the Cascade Foothills and nearby lakes, make a relaxing backdrop to enjoy a flight of Tipsy Canyon wines.
Wines Produced: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Red Blends, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé, White Blends
"We have visited Tipsy Canyon twice in the past year. Wonderfully spacious tasting room with excellent views over Roses Lake to the southern horizon... These folks are honest and hard working, and have a passion for wine-making." -MR, Google Review
Travel Resources For Your Trip To Lake Chelan
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