Which Chelan wineries are worth the visit?

by Alicia Butler, June 22, 2023

Move over Sonoma and Napa: Chelan wineries are where all the up-and-coming tastings are happening in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington State has a long history of wine making that dates back to the early 1800s! And one of the most prolific places to enjoy a tasting (and maybe even buy a bottle or two) is the Greater Lake Chelan Area, including the town of Manson and the city of Wenatchee. 

Check out my list of the best wineries in Chelan and how to travel between each.

This post may contain affiliate links, so if you buy something after clicking on a link, I might (fingers crossed!) just get a little commission. Good news: I only recommend products that I love! Which means you can feel good about all of my recs.

Best Chelan Wineries: Full List

Chelan is home to over two dozen wineries! You’ll find larger wineries with tasting rooms and onsite restaurants (similar to the ones you’d find in Sonoma or Napa Valley), and you’ll also find smaller boutique wineries. 

If your desired winery isn’t on my “best of” list below, you may want to call ahead to make sure you don’t need a reservation for a tasting (or even to make sure they offer tastings at all!).

Of course, you can always check out each winery’s website to check its policies, fees, etc.

Here is a full list of the best wineries in Chelan:

Andante

Amos Rome Winery

Ancestry Cellars

Benson Winery

Cairdeas Winery

Callan Cellars

Chelan Ridge Winery

Corral Creek Cellars

C.R. Sandidge Wines

Even Keel Roadhouse

Fielding Hills Winery

Four Lakes Winery

Hard Row to Hoe

KARMA Vineyards & Cave

Lake Chelan Winery

Mellisoni Vineyards

Nefarious Cellars

One Wines

Radiance Winery

Rio Vista Wines

Rio Vista Wines

Rocky Pond Winery Tasting Room

Sigillo Cellars

Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery

Siren Song Wines Vineyard

Succession Wines

Tildio Winery

Tipsy Canyon Winery

Tsillan Cellars

Tunnel Hill Winery

Vin Du Lac Winery and Bistro

Wapato Point Cellars

Winegirl Wines

About Lake Chelan AVA: A History of Wine in Eastern Washington

Washington State’s wine history dates back to 1825 when the first grapes were planted at Fort Vancouver. The north bank of the Columbia River was a fertile site for grapes. 

In 1925, the Washington Wine Producers Association was founded, and by 1937, there were 42 wineries in Washington. 

The oldest winery in the state of Washington is actually in Woodinville. In 1954, the National Wine Company (founded in 1934) and the Pomerelle Wine Company merged to eventually create Chateau Ste. Michelle. 

Today, there are more than 1,000 wineries in Washington State that grow 80 different varieties. 

Getting to Chelan Wineries

Chelan wineries are technically located both in Chelan proper as well as the neighboring town of Manson.

This lakeside town has become such a popular vacation destination, it makes sense that some of the tourist traffic should spill over into equally gorgeous Manson. 

Manson is a little quieter than Chelan and has a slightly less touristy vibe. 

Sure, you’ll see plenty of tourists here, but you may see more locals here than you would in Manson’s big sister town. 

Take a Tour

Want to visit several different wineries and learn a little about the history but don’t want to drive? You’re not alone.

While most Chelan visitors drive here from Seattle or Spokane, many take the bus and stay downtown, where you don’t need a car to get around. If you fall into that category, it’s possible you just don’t have the wheels to get to the wineries.

A tour is one way to see several wineries in one day, without worrying about getting lost or driving after you’ve enjoyed a ‘lil too much vino.

Drive/Rent a Car

One of the easiest ways to visit the best wineries in Chelan is by car — if you have a designated driver, that is!

When I visited, my best friend (who’d just had a baby) drove, as she was only planning on drinking one or two glasses of wine at the most.

Driving or renting a car is a decent way to get around, though it is easy to get lost here. Cell service also isn’t great in the area, so you may not be able to rely on Google Maps to get you to your favorite winery.

Rent a Limo

There are a few limo drivers in the Chelan area that specialize in winery tours. 

Some offer wine tour packages, while others simply charge by the hour. There is even one limo company that offers a limo bus that seats up to 14 passengers.

Most of these companies offer complimentary pickup and drop-off in the Greater Chelan Area. 

Lakeside Limousine

Lakeside Limousine offers two wine tour packages, including a four-hour tour for $75 per person and a six-hour tour for $95 per person.

The packages are for transportation only and do not include tasting fees at wineries. 

Lakeside Limousine will take you to four wineries of your choosing (if you buy the silver package) and stop for two hours for lunch (if you choose the gold package).

Chelan Wine Tours

Chelan Wine Tours offers the same tour options as Lakeside Limousine (four hours for $70 per person with a minimum of four people and six hours for $95 per person).

The biggest difference between the two? Chelan Wine Tours has a limo bus that seats up to 14 passengers. 

Hats Off Limousine

Hats Off Limousine offers wine tours of Chelan, Leavenworth, Wenatchee/Quincy, and the surrounding areas. 

Like Chelan Wine Tours and Lakeside Limousine, Hats Off charges for a four-hour wine tour:

$75 per person (6 or more people)

$70 per person (15 or more people)

$99 per hour (less than 6 people)

For a four-hour tasting and two-hour dinner, operators charge:

$95 per person (6 or more people)

$90 per person (15 or more people)

$99 per hour (less than 6 people)

Chelan Wine Tasting Stops

There are so many Chelan wineries to choose from that it can be a little overwhelming to start choosing wineries on a whim. 

I recommend visiting some of the largest (and best wineries in Chelan first) and then visiting one of the smaller vineyards once you’ve gotten an overview of the background of Washington wine country.

Tsillan Cellars

Tsillan Cellars is — hands down — my favorite Chelan winery. And it’s the perfect first winery to visit of the day.

What I love about Tsillan Cellars is that it’s basically a triple threat. At this winery, you’ll find:

• Several tasting options
• Tasty snacks to pair with your vino
• Instagramable views from the outdoor tasting room

There’s also an extensive market inside, where you’ll find all the tasty snacks you enjoyed — and of course, plenty of wines to buy, too. 

Hard Row to Hoe

Hard Row to Hoe is a boutique winery with a much smaller tasting room than Tsillian. Yet, what this tasting room lacks in sheer size, it makes up for in heart. 

This winery’s tasting room is located in — none other — than an old brothel, and everything (from the wallpaper to the artwork) is themed around sex work. Though, I should note the style is more turn-of-the-century boudoir than it is 50 Shades.

There is a smaller selection of wines to choose from here, and there’s little food. Though, you can curate a small cheese plate from locally-made items in the small fridge. You can also buy bonbons and other dessert items here, too. 

In the spring and autumn, I recommend sitting outside; in the summer, it’s just too dang hot. You’ll want to hide away in the air conditioning indoors. 

Benson Winery

Benson Winery is another larger Chelan winery that offers a solid tasting selection, as well as some snacks to accompany your vinos. 

While the grounds aren’t as extensive as Tsillan Cellars’, snagging a spot on the terrace will ensure you have a magical view of the vineyards and valley. 

Benson Winery was the last winery on our tour, and we were happy to relax outdoors here, thanks to the breeze that cooled off the heat of the late-afternoon sun.

Best Wineries in Chelan

Of course, you don’t need to do a tasting or a tour to enjoy the best wineries in Chelan. 

Some of the best wineries in Chelan sell their vintages in stores across the U.S. (and of course, in markets and grocery stores in the Chelan, Manson, and Wenatchee areas). 

Find out the four-one-one on the types of wines and vintages each winery specializes in — and get a little history on each in the section below. 

Tsillan Cellars Chelan

Tsillan Cellars (also known by locals as Chelan Cellars) is — hands-down — the best winery in Chelan. 

Tsillan Cellars History

Established in 2000, Tsillan Cellars isn’t the oldest winery in Chelan, but it’s probably the most beautiful. The grounds were modeled after Italian wineries and feature waterfalls, an amphitheater, stone bridges, Tuscan stone columns, and a bell tower.

The name is pronounced Chelan, the native word for lake. 

Tsillan Cellars produces 6,500 to 7,000 cases of wine each year and is the largest estate vineyard in Chelan Valley. 

Tsillan Cellars Wines/Vintages

Tsillan Cellars produces the following vintages:

• Reds: Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot 
• Heavy Reds: Malbec, Nebbiolo, Barbera 
• Red Blends: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Grenache 
• Whites: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer

Hard Row to Hoe Winery Chelan

Hard Row to Hoe is certainly one of the most creative wineries in the Chelan area. If you love trying inventive wines that aren’t trying to be something they’re not (read: pretentious), you’ll appreciate the solid selection of specialty vintages here at HRH. 

Hard Row to Hoe Winery History

Hard Row to Hoe was established back in 2005. Owned and operated by Judy and Don Phelps, this winery proudly states that it’s constantly reinventing itself — a theme I for one truly appreciate. 

It considers itself an experimental winery and rejects all chemical use in its farming practices. 

If you’re planning a trip to Leavenworth, you’ll be happy to know that Hard Row to Hoe also has a tasting room in Leavenworth, too. 

Hard Row to Hoe Wines/Vintages

Hard Row to Hoe specializes in what they call “perennial favorites” such as Cabernet Francs, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, and Chardonnays.

This winery also has what it calls its “Shamelessly Hussy” line that includes a red blend, rose, Voignier, and its wildly popular “Nauti Boi”. Overall, there are usually around two dozen wines available for purchase on its site or at local stores at any given time. 

Benson Winery Chelan

Benson Winery is one of the largest vineyards in the Chelan area. 

All grapes are grown on the north shore of Lake Chelan, and production is overseen by owners Paul and Kathy Benson. Everything happens right at the facility in Chelan, from the growing of the grapes to the pressing and fermentation process. 

The winery only produces 5,000 cases a year. 

Benson Winery History

Benson Winery celebrated its first harvest in 2004 and opened its tasting room in 2005. 

Benson Wines/Vintages

Benson specializes in 12 wines, including seven reds and four whites. 

KARMA Winery Chelan

Another one of the most popular wineries in Chelan is KARMA Vineyards. This winery is located on the south shore of Lake Chelan and is home to a vineyard that spans 14 acres.

If you’re into sparkling wines, KARMA is the winery to visit. 

There’s also an onsite restaurant, 18 Brix, so you may want to schedule a lunch or dinner stop at this winery. 

KARMA Winery History

The idea for KARMA was conceived on Thanksgiving of 2002, when owners Julie and Bret decided to move their family to Chelan after a particularly memorable holiday in nearby Manson. 

On Black Friday of the same year, the owners called their broker to tour local vineyards, hoping to relocate as soon as possible. 

KARMA Wines/Vintages

KARMA Wines specializes in the following: Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Chelan Wineries With Food

If you’re anything like me, you’re gonna want some food to go with your wine. But not all Chelan wineries serve food. 

Some wineries sell DIY charcuterie, and you’ll find coolers filled with cheese, meats, fruit, and other snacks at these locations. Others serve charcuterie plates, and a few offer full-service restaurants.

At most wineries, you’ll find plenty of snacks. But I recommend checking each winery’s website beforehand to see if it serves food. 

You don’t want to get stuck drinking all that wine without any snacks to soak it all up. 

Chelan Breweries

The Chelan area is also home to several breweries. 

A few of the most popular breweries include:

• Stormy Mountain Brewing and Local Public House
• Lake Chelan Brewery
• Steelhead Cider
• Even Keel Roadhouse
• Chelan Craft Cider

Most of the breweries have food and some even offer cocktails and wine, too. Of course, you don’t need to visit a brewery to enjoy Chelan-brewed beverages. Many of the local bars and restaurants also serve local beers.

Some of my favorite Chelan bars include Layla’s Bar and Kitchen, Buddy’s Place (in Manson), and County Line Eat & Drink on Woodin. 

Other Things to Do in Chelan

Chelan is a resort town, meaning you’ll find plenty of relaxation activities — and most of these activities revolve around the lake. 

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is easily the biggest attraction in the resort area. At the lake, you’ll find swimming, boating, and jet skiing.

This lake is stunningly beautiful. Riding up the lake in a boat to Stehekin offers some of the most beautiful sights. The experience reminded me of boating on Lake Como. 

Lake Chelan is 1,486 feet deep, so it stays pretty chilly year round. But it gets so hot in Central and Eastern Washington in the summer, you won’t mind taking a plunge in it to cool off. 

Chelan Restaurants

There are so many Chelan restaurants that you probably won’t be able to try all of them on your trip. But there are a few that stand out — and nearly all Chelan restaurants cater to the resort/vacation crowd. 

There are also plenty of gift shops to explore in Downtown Chelan. 

Stehekin

Stehekin is the northernmost town on Lake Chelan, and it’s only accessible by boat. 

There is a ferry that runs between Chelan and Stehekin called the Lady of the Lake. The boat ride takes four hours to travel between the two towns. 

In Stehekin, there is a lodge, a restaurant, general store, and post office. The main recreational activity is hiking — specifically to Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot-tall waterfall. You can also go horseback riding, fishing, biking, or kayaking here. 

Chelan to Leavenworth Road Trip

If you’ve been following my site, you know I love a good road trip — especially one that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. 

And I love a good seasonal road trip. 

While driving the Kancamagus Highway in the fall is truly iconic, a Chelan to Leavenworth road trip is best done in the summer. (Yes, Leavenworth in the fall is a gorg site, but let’s be honest: pressed between the choice of New England and the Pacific Northwest in Autumn, I’m gonna choose New England every time, baby). 

If you have time, or if you’re planning on heading to Seattle or other points west anyway, take the trip from Lake Chelan to Leavenworth. How far is Chelan from Leavenworth, you ask? It’s less than two hours away and totally worth the trip.