Exploring Lake Chelan Wineries: Part III
The north shore of Lake Chelan is riddled with wineries and they’re all so good. As we continue to explore the valley’s many wineries, we wanted to showcase the ones you’ll find on your way to Manson. Each one has a unique element to offer, so naturally, we recommend visiting them all!
Benson Vineyards Estate Winery | 754 Winesap Ave, Manson, WA 98831
Benson Vineyards is one of the few estate wineries in the valley, meaning all their grapes are grown on site. When you visit their tasting room, you’ll overlook acres of rolling vineyards and feel transported to a Mediterranean-inspired getaway. The grounds are just as impressive as the wine but don’t take our word for it! Head up yourself and enjoy a glass or two of their Rhythm red blend on their patio that overlooks beautiful Lake Chelan. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon (bonus points if there’s live music!). If you’re feeling hungry, try lunch at their new bistro! Stocked with a full bar, delicious food selections, and killer views, you’ll never want to leave.
Succession Wines | 78 Swartout Rd, Manson, WA 98831
Succession Wines was born out of a fresh perspective on life after Brock and Erica Lindsay’s home burned down in the 2014 Carlton Complex fires. To say they made the best out of the situation is an understatement. In search of a more balanced life and paired with a deep passion for wine, they began Succession Wines and never looked back. Now they produce a stunning array of hand-crafted wines like the L&R, a Sauvignon Blanc named after their two daughters.
Enjoy a rotating tasting flight inside or buy a bottle to share on the patio with friends and take in the lake views. There’s live music every Sunday afternoon in the summers and we think it pairs perfectly with their 2018 rose! Pack a picnic and settle in for an ideal Sunday afternoon in Lake Chelan.
Lake Chelan Winery | 3519 WA-150, Chelan, WA 98816
A cheese shop, outdoor BBQ, and fantastic wine? You really can’t go wrong at the family-owned Lake Chelan Winery, one of the pioneers of the Lake Chelan wine valley. Enjoy gorgeous views and an all-around fun atmosphere when you visit. Apart from their amazing wines, their tasting room includes an impressive gift shop and Chelan’s premier cheese shop. We know, it’s dangerous. Have a complimentary wine tasting inside with one of their fun wine specialists, or order a bottle of your favorite wine and a BBQ dinner in the vineyard with the whole family. You can’t go wrong with your choice of wine here, but Merlot + BBQ ribs are a match made in heaven.
Cairdeas Winery | 31 Winesap Ave, Manson, WA 98831
Charlie and Lacey Lybecker chose Cairdeas, the ancient Gaelic word for “friendship”, as their winery’s name to honor Charlie’s Irish heritage. While they pay homage to the Irish, they’ve found their calling in bringing wines inspired by the Rhône Valley of France to the Lake Chelan Valley. With varietals like Cinsault, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, the wines of Cairdeas are truly unique to the area. Thanks to Charlie’s creativity, their blends are different and daring. We love the Nellie Mae and Diffraction! And between Charlie, Lacey, their two sons (dubbed the “whinemakers”), and winery dog, Tannin, you’ll feel right at home as you sip your way through France.
Radiance Winery | 546 Klate Rd, Manson, WA 98831
Tucked in the hills behind Manson, Radiance is a lovely little getaway. Grab your tasting and play some shuffleboard in the cozy interior of the restored barn or post up in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn, sink your toes into the grass, and forget about all your worries. The Crowder family has taken great care to make great wine with time-honored techniques and deep respect for the process. As a result, the wines they produce are truly radiant. Capitalizing on the “lake effect,” Radiance Winery takes advantage of the many days of sunshine and the moderating effect of the cool waters to grow their grapes to perfection. We recommend giving their Cabernet Franc or if you’re more of a white wine connoisseur, the Hanalei.
Chelan Ridge Winery | 900 Swartout Rd, Manson, WA 98831
If you’re looking for superb views and superb wines, head up to Chelan Ridge and let the Munneke family take care of you. Chelan Ridge is another estate winery where the care and passion for the wine really shine through. You’ll be floored by the quality of their wine and the enthusiasm of Henry and Lynn who share the winemaking duties. Enjoy a glass of one of their classically-crafted wines on the balcony overlooking the valley and learn about the wine from the winemakers themselves. On chillier days, cozy up next to the fireplace with a hearty glass of red! We think all their wines are remarkable but we highly recommend the White Merlot or Ridge Rendezvous for something unique to Chelan Ridge and the Munneke’s. Kids and pets are both welcome, making this an ideal wine tasting destination.
We hope you enjoy these stops as you wind alongside the lake on the Manson highway. If you’re keeping track, grab a wine map from the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and cross off the ones you’ve hit! And as the Italians say, “Saluti!”