Welcome to Washington State's newest AVA! AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. This designation sets the Lake Chelan Area apart as a unique wine growing area.

An exciting agricultural industry has been “growing” in the Lake Chelan Valley! Though wine grapes were grown in the Valley nearly 100 years ago, in the past few years there has been a renewed interest in commercially producing Lake Chelan Valley wines. We are now counted amoung Washington State's and the world's unique wine growing regions!

The first commercial wine grape vineyards in Lake Chelan AVA were planted in 1998, and the first bonded winery opened in 2000. As of 2008 there are 14 bonded wineries, growing over 150 acres of wine grapes. In addition to the estate winery vineyards there are nearly 15 Lake Chelan grape growers with 110 acres in additional wine grape production.

• Lake Chelan Wine Valley Association

The most widely planted varieties in the Lake Chelan AVA are Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris,Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. In addition, there are more than 15 other varieties in plantings of less than 2 acres each of Bordeaux, Rhone, Italian and Spanish varieties including Tempranillo, Grenache, Barbera, Nebiolo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne and Marsainne.

With over 200 acres of wine grapes and more than a dozen wineries, the Lake Chelan Valley is the ultimate wine-lovers vacation destination. Some of the varieties that flourish in the Valley include Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Riesling.

The Lake Chelan Valley’s young and lively wine scene is attracting attention from winemakers, grape growers and wine enthusiasts from throughout the region. Enjoy the romance of wine tasting while basking in the sun and beauty of the Lake Chelan Valley.