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.
Tag Archives: Don Phelps
Hard Row
A visit to Lake Chelan AVA in north-central Washington isn’t complete without a stop at Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards. Our recent trip was no exception. We spent a couple of wonderful hours with owner/founding winemaker Judy Phelps and tasted their current, standout releases. This time, we didn’t see Judy’s husband, co-owner and vineyard manager, Don Phelps, or her managing partner/head winemaker son, Julian Shaver, who were both understandably immersed in Harvest. However, we met hard-working, genial assistant winemaker Clint Hepper, and friendly and knowledgeable hostess, Jasmine Shattuck.
Unexpected Trip
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
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.