Lake Chelan AVA

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 AVA. 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.

The Lake Chelan 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 many accolades, there is a lot to say about the quality of locally grown grapes and the caliber of winemaking skills represented at the local wineries.