10 years ago Lake Chelan was officially designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). This designation is granted by the Federal government, and signifies an area with unique climate, soil and physical features that distinguish it from surrounding areas.

Escape the City

Fun history fact; “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 discernible textures, minerals, and nutrients.” (Source: Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce)

Celebrate with Lake Chelan and head over the pass for a visit to the Lake Chelan Wine Valley this summer.

Catch a Ride to Woodinville

Woodinville Wine Country is hosting a variety events every weekend this summer. From Pop-Up Mimosa Bars to Yoga + Wine events, there is something for everyone.

Starline Luxury Coaches is making it even easier to get to and around Woodinville this summer with their two new shuttle services. Fittingly named “Woodinville Wine Express” and “Woodinville Cellar Hopper” these shuttles offer wine enthusiasts an easy, direct way to get in and around Woodinville.

The Woodinville Wine Express offers visitors transportation to and from Woodinville, with designated pickup and drop-off locations in downtown Seattle, at cruise ship piers 66 and 91, and in other areas. 

The Cellar Hopper offers a “hop-on, hop-off” shuttle service between Woodinville Wine Country’s various districts, tasting rooms, and points of interest. For $20 per person, visitors can utilize the shuttle throughout the day and store their wine purchases on board. The Cellar Hopper will run a continuous loop, with pickup and drop-off locations at 20 wineries. 

Drink Wine & Do Good

A year ago, Tim Gamble and Teresa Spellman Gamble started the family-owned winery collective, Tinte Cellars. At the beginning of this month, they celebrated this milestone by unveiling their first two wines under the Tinte Cellars label: a 2018 Viognier and 2018 Sauvignon Blanc.

“Our new wines honor the long heritage of our quality William Church and Cuillin Hills brands, while creatively taking advantage of the best that Washington viniculture offers us, our winemakers and our customers each harvest,” said co-owner Tim Gamble. He adds, “We invite our growing Tinte Cellars community to celebrate outstanding Washington wines together with us, for many years to come.”

Reflecting their dedication to community, volunteerism, and philanthropy, five percent of all Tinte Cellars retail sales and ten percent of all wine club sales are split equally between four nonprofit organizations: Mary’s Place, ArtsFund, Northwest Harvest, and Child Mind Institute.

In addition to donations from all sales, Tinte Cellars supports the community through a variety of programs and initiatives. More information about Tinte Cellars Giving Programs can be found here.

Do you have a favorite Washington Winery? Tag us on Instagram @SeattleiteMag and let us know!