Every time we travel to Manson, in WA’s Lake Chelan AVA, we always visit Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards for excellent wines and notorious stories. It is a must-stop, because of the wines and because of the friendly and knowledgeable co-owners, Judy and Don Phelps, and Julian Shaver. During our trip last month, we were delighted that Judy joined us. And we toasted the winery’s 20th anniversary. She and our tasting room hostess Becca kindly poured us five impressive wines. Their website proclaims “Exceptional Wines and Notorious Stories from Lake Chelan.” That is exactly right. Read on for details.
Category Archives: Barbera
Mellisoni
Sometimes, when we find a new-to-us winery that has it all, we talk about it for days. That’s what happened when we visited Mellisoni Vineyards in Chelan in central Washington state. Mellisoni is a winery with almost two dozen wines, wonderful people, and a very large lawn with gorgeous views of Lake Chelan. Our stop there was an unplanned and unexpected highlight of our recent road trip. Rob and Donna Mellison, who are co-owners and co-winemakers, shared their stories with us. My notes describe them as, “Entertaining, warm, friendly, enthusiastic, and passionate.” Both of them are such incredible storytellers that we stayed there for three hours, drinking their excellent wine, eating and laughing.
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The Funks
It’s all about the Funks! Specifically, we are talking about Saviah Cellars’ incredible co-owner/winemaker Rich Funk; his talented son and viticulturist Jared Funk; captivating Funk Vineyard (and Stones Speak Vineyard) and some of the best funky wines from the Rocks District. But it’s important to note that Saviah Cellars also features a stellar lineup of wines from other vineyards. In short, the Funks are some of our favorite people in the Washington wine industry. And we have more Saviah Cellars wines in our cellar than any other brand. Read on for details of our recent trip to see the Funks, who also gave us a tour of some of their vineyards, and poured some of their impressive wines. Continue reading
Lorimar
Lorimar Vineyards and Winery opened in Temecula 10 years ago, featuring a large portfolio of fruit-forward wines, Tuscan-style architecture and breathtaking views of Mount Palomar and the Santa Ana Mountains. The winery describes itself as “a fusion of wine, art, music and food.” Certainly, guests can enjoy live music while sipping wine and nibbling on appetizers, and local art is displayed throughout the tasting room. We found a distinctive personality there, and yes, their wines sing!