Last week, we took an unexpected trip with good friends to taste wines in central WA. First, we visited the tasting rooms of Boudreaux Cellars, Obelisco and Hard Row to Hoe in Leavenworth. Next, we decided to continue the adventure in Chelan Valley, where we tasted more of Hard Row’s lineup at their vineyard. We also stopped at Succession Winery, another favorite. Over three days, we experienced outstanding wine including sparklers, refreshing whites, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Read on for details. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Don Phelps
Amphora Cabernet Franc
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Hard Row to Hoe offers a new Amphora Cabernet Franc that is light, fresh and beautiful. This organically-grown Cab Franc is produced under the winery’s new Whole Picture label, which features wine made exclusively from their estate vineyard. Overall, the new packaging is a departure from the titillating brothel story that has been integral to the winery. Most importantly, it shows the growth of winemaking by co-owner Judy Phelps, and vineyard practices by her husband and co-owner, Don Phelps. Hard Row to Hoe has been one of our favorite Washington wineries for years. Certainly, this beautiful 2019 Amphora Cabernet Franc underlines why.
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Amazing Wine from Hard Row to Hoe
Hard Row to Hoe has been one of our favorite Washington wineries for years. If you ever get a chance to visit their tasting room in Lake Chelan Valley, take it! We first visited in 2016, and were delighted to go back this past summer.
First of all, the name of the winery itself has two meanings — one obviously related to vineyard management; the other is racy! For the full story, see our 2016 post. Above all, Hard Row to Hoe makes really good wine.
During our recent visit, co-owner and winemaker Judy Phelps poured many of her winning wines, whose names reflect those racy stories.
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