Transport yourself to Wine Country-Lake Chelan

The beautiful Lake Chelan Wine region offers so many options for grape varietals, views, and food.  Our recent visit there, the first part of October, greeted us with crisp fall air, blue sky, and breathtaking lake scenery.

When arriving in Chelan, we made our first stop for lunch and wine tasting at Tsilliam Cellars.  Their spectacular and elegant wine selection along with their menu options make this a great way to kick off our weekend.

Mellisoni Vineyards has a breathtaking view to sit and enjoy their lineup of complex varietals, including sparkling, white, rose’ and reds.

Stop and enjoy the patio hillside setting at Nefarious Cellars. The view of the lake, which has such a relaxing vibe for you to enjoy their selection of whites, rose’ and reds.

Hard Row to Hoe is up on the hillside outside of Manson with winery views.   You must hear the story behind their name, visit the gift shop and restroom wallpaper which give you a glimpse of the humor and heart behind their expressive wines.

Wapato point Cellars offered something I haven’t seen in a while-which is gone with the past: a free flight option for wine tasting and a ten-dollar flight option…thank you for keeping tasting fees in check!  The wine was outstanding and complex. The charcuterie board had a great mix of flavors to go with our wine flight.  The relaxed feeling, we got while sitting outside on the lawn made the whole experience one for which we cannot wait to come back.

If you love sparkling, be sure to make Karma Vineyards a stop on your visit.  They have a beautiful well-crafted selection of sparkling, along with some great whites and reds.  The local food menu for our lunch made a perfect way to leave Lake Chelan. Also, check out their wine cave dining option on their website.

We stayed in Manson and loved walking the town to see what is offered for food, wine tasting, and evening entertainment.

Lake Chelan is a must-see destination for a beautiful wine tasting experience and many options to refresh your cellar.

Cheers!

Denise

 

Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Chenin Blanc

I’ve recently enjoyed three wines that reminded me of warm spring days on the back deck with good friends, sipping good wine.

Olalla Winery produced a 2014 Merlot (Kilted Scotsman – Conner Lee Merlot) – this deep rich inky wine is not like any merlot you have ever experienced.   Each sip is lush, full of flavor and complexity. 

I was recently introduced to Caymus Vineyards out of Napa Valley.  Their 2014 and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is so amazing.  Words fail to describe this deep dark wine.  It is so full of fruit and very smooth on the finish.

Because of Denise’s recent research into
Biodynamic wines, I tried an organic 100% French Chenin Blanc varietal from the Anjou, Loire Valley region.  It is full of fruit flavor but low in sugar.  I was able to enjoy several glasses with no side effects.

There are so many wonderful wines out there today and I look forward to tasting and sharing them with all of you.

Cheers,

LaDonna

 

Petite Verdot is a brilliant grape for blending and on its own!

When I opened this 2014 Petite Verdot from Dumas Station I was awestruck how it glided smoothly across the pallet with a deliciously long finish!  Petite Verdot is usually a blending grape, when you find a single varietal, explore its beautiful aroma and flavor.

I paired this bottle with a grass-fed grass-finished Beef Filet and rosemary herb roasted mushrooms for a decadent meal. Do not get stuck in a rut and keep buying the same thing, try something new this week like a Petite Verdot!

Cheers!

Denise

 

Did you stop drinking wine because it made you sick? Hold on, you can possibly have your wine and feel no effects?  Did you ever notice how wine has no ingredient label?  You cannot look at the label and see what additives are in the bottle that you might be having a reaction to.  There are over 70 plus FDA approved additives producers can put in your wine, some natural and some not. 

Luckily, many producers are now making wine that is Biodynamic, using wild yeast and no additives.  Do your research on the Slow Wine movement promoting sustainable wine practices which started with primarily Italian wines and now have expanded into Oregon and California. There are also now many subscription services that promote natural wines, explore these for what they have to offer you.  Please also visit your local natural wine producers, ask questions about their practices and do a tasting.  If have given up wine, explore again by finding a clean, pure, natural wine and go back to enjoying the beauty of a great glass of wine again! 

Cheers!

D