Lake Chelan, located in Central Washington, is the perfect lake retreat weekend getaway. It’s one of the most popular freshwater lakes in the state and best known for its watersports and fishing. But did you know Lake Chelan is also a huge destination for wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest? It’s part of the Columbia Valley AVA and has over 30 wineries spread between the north and south shore.
This guide will help you plan where to stay, how to get around, the best wineries to visit, and even recommended wines at each stop! Cheers 🍷
Here is my ultimate guide to Wine Tasting in Lake Chelan!
How to Get Around
Make sure you either have a designated sober driver or hire a driver to get around Lake Chelan while wine tasting. Reqwest a Ride is an affordable and safe way to get from winery to winery. They offer a variety of service options to accommodate your party size and amount of wineries you want to visit.
Where to Stay
The River Walk Inn is located right downtown Chelan. They have a cafe on site that serves delicious pastries (world-famous cinnamon rolls), breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and various other breakfast items. With easy access to all boutiques and restaurants, it’s the perfect central location for a weekend getaway.
Tsillan Cellars Winery
Address: 3875 US Hwy 97A Chelan, WA 98816
Open: 12-8pm
Tasting: $15 for 5 pours
Recommended wine: Bocciolo Di Rosa
Tsillan Cellars Winery (pronounced Chelan) is by far one of my favorite wineries in Chelan! I have a full blog post on it here from my first visit in autumn 2016. Since then, I’ve been back many times in various seasons and their grounds are stunning all year round.
Fielding Hills Winery
Address: 565 South Lakeshore Dr Chelan, WA 98816
Open: 11am-5pm
Tasting: $10 4 pours
Recommended wine: Syrah
Fielding Hils Winery is quite spacious inside and outside, I never feel too crowded even on a busy weekend. The decor inside with the circular bar and barrel shelves is gorgeous. With floor-to-ceiling windows, whether you are inside or outside, you’ll have an incredible view of the mountains, lake, and vineyards.
Nefarious Cellars
Address: 495 S Lakeshore Rd Chelan, WA 98816
Open: 11am-5pm
Tasting: $10 for 3 pours
Recommended wine: Viognier
Nefarious Cellars has an incredible patio with unobstructed views of the lake. However, the patio is quite small, so if you don’t get one of the front rows of Adirondack chairs you’ll have people sitting in front of you semi-blocking the views. Their pours are heavy which I love, I hate when it’s barely a sip. Sommeliers are super knowledgeable and the customer service is on point!
Mellisoni Vineyards
Address: 3155 US 97 Alt Chelan, WA 98816
Open: 12-6pm
Tasting: $20 for 6 pours
Recommended wine: 180 Degrees and Bollicine Rose
I was instantly in complete awe of the stunning views at Mellisoni Vineyards but was quickly taken aback (and almost left) at the awful customer service by the owner and hostess. After deciding to stay, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and delicious the wines were. Glenn was incredibly knowledgeable about each wine, going above and beyond to share the history of the wine, the grapes, and even the names of the wine and packaging. He really added to our experience as he was so passionate! I typically opt for red wines but I actually favored the white wines at Mellisoni.
Vin du Luc Winery & Bistro
Address: 105 Hwy 150 Chelan, WA 98816
Open: 12-8pm
Tasting: $10 for 3 pours
Recommended wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vin du Luc Winery is on the north shore and offers STUNNING waterfront views. The tables outside on the grass are all spaced just right to provide a beautiful view for each guest. The thing I love most (after the incredible views) about Vin du Luc Winery is their bistro. They have an expansive menu with poke bowls, salads, pasta, steak, burgers, small plates, and of course cheese boards!
Succession Wines
Address: 78 Swartout Rd Manson, WA 98831
Open: 12-6pm
Tasting: $15 for 5 pours
Recommended wine: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Succession Wines is also located on the North Shore just a bit further north than Vin du Luc Winery. Their wines are not the best on this list nor is their service. I personally enjoy it when the sommelier provides a bit of history about the winery or explains the wines. They don’t do that at this winery but not everyone is looking for that experience. I included them on this list because everyone’s palate is different and they have a beautiful outdoor space. They offer a covered patio and open grass seating with small umbrella-covered tables (much needed in the dry summer) surrounded by the vineyards and views of Lake Chelan.
Looking for more weekend getaways in Washington? Check out my posts below that feature guides for Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Bellingham, Orcas Island, and Anacortes.
