If you are like me, you find it increasingly tough to juggle the demands of work, family and life and probably can’t name the last time you enjoyed a weekend away with your friends. I recently decided it was time to just go for it, so I called Zoe and Tonja and we organized a girls trip to go wine tasting. Our destination was Lake Chelan, Washington, and our first stop was Tsillan Cellars Estate Winery (pronounced “Chelan”).
From the moment we pulled up to the sprawling, Tuscan-inspired estate, we knew we were in for a treat. The winery is nestled into the slopes of glacier-fed Lake Chelan (the third deepest lake in the United States). Tsillan Cellars feels like an Italian villa. It is also home to Sorrento’s Ristorante, where we ate lunch after our tour.
We were super lucky to have arrived just as Tsillan Cellars’ owner, Dr. Bob Jankelson, was starting a tour for a bridal party. The ladies graciously agreed to let us join them on their winery tour (thank you!). Bob shared so much with us (including the fact that he spent 40 years teaching at dental schools in Italy,) and his passion for sharing about wine was infectious.
The details both inside and out of this winery are exquisite. You are looking at the patio (with lake views) of the restaurant, Sorrento’s.
All of Tsillan Cellars’ award-winning wines are estate grown and sold directly to customers from the tasting rooms in Lake Chelan and Woodinville. Their wine club has more than 3000 members and offers several selections: The Tuscan, the Tuscan White Wine, Tuscan Red Wine and the VIP Case memberships. You can join in person, via phone or online.
This gorgeous purple 2014 Estate Syrah has won dozens of awards and we loved it. This Washington Syrah was very smooth and rich and I thought that it tasted like berries and chocolate. Yum!
The Bocciolo Di Rossa Estate Rosé, has been a frequent pleasure at my home after trying it at the Tsillan estate. This garnet colored rosé is a blend of five different varietals, with summery notes of cherries, pomegranate and rose blossoms. I have paired this with everything from homemade margarita pizzas to champagne cake.
The eyes don’t lie! Smiles all around as we enjoyed this refreshing, jewel-toned Rosé. This blend contains 1 percent residual sugar, which is perfect if you are like me and enjoy an off-dry Rose. Tsillian also offers a 2017 Porzione di Angeli, a watermelon colored, late harvest dessert wine.
A large tent covers outdoor seating on the Island Patio (it is available for dancing at weddings and events). You can also see in the background that there are plenty of tables with umbrellas to keep guests comfortable on hot days.
I wish that pictures could share the scent of this aromatic barrel room! As wine ages in oak barrels, small amounts evaporate through the wood. Bob explained to us that this is referred to as the “Angel’s Share”. At this winery 88% French Oak is used currently, and the barrel time is typically 22 months.
The vineyard was established in 2000, and the winery opened in 2004. All of the root stock is from Washington State, to avoid disease and to keep temperature shock away. There are 48,750 vines here that are all hand tended! We learned that the planting of the grapes is determined by north/south sun and airflow, which reduces mildew.
Is this “up-lake” view from the front lawn of the estate stunning or what? You can tell that the vines are still young, but later in the season and closer to harvest, they will grow into a lush canopy! The gorgeous North Cascade Mountains in the background definitely add a feeling of serenity, don’t you think?
I love this picture of my beautiful friends Tonja and Zoe. I can feel the happiness and relaxation shining through their smiles!
The 2014 Dry Riesling had aromas of apples and grapefruit, and we tasted nectarines and citrus on the palate. Did you know that Riesling is one of the most food friendly wines? I’d pair this with grilled seafood and maybe a smoked salmon and cheese plate.
Here we are posing in front of the grand Italian marble fireplace. Thank you to tasting room manager Molly for taking this great photo of us!
There is a massive Koi pond at the base of the waterfall. I always find Koi to be so magical and graceful.
This is the ceremony site, which kind of took my breath away! This was the point in the day where both Zoe and Tonja turned to me and said, “you and James need to get married here.” For more information on weddings and special occasion events at Tsillan, contact wedding coordinator Sandy McDonald at (509) 682-9463 or fill out the request form here.
This is the Upper Waterfall Terrazzo, which will be covered in overhead grape vines as the season unfolds. What a romantic and intimate setting!
As we were leaving, Bob was kind enough to pose with me, and thanked us for allowing him to share a bit of “life’s canvas” with us. Truly, the pleasure was ours. His passion for life and love for winemaking was genuine and warm and we had a fantastic experience at Tsillan Cellars. If you are planning a trip to Lake Chelan this summer, you must stop by for a visit. I especially recommend their 2014 Estate Sinistra and the Rosé!
~ Jen
Tsillan Cellars Estate Winery is located at 3875 US Highway 97A, Chelan, WA 98816. They are open daily from 12-8 pm.
RESOURCES:
Tsillan Cellars and Sorrento’s Ristorante on Facebook
Tsillan Cellars Woodinville on Instagram
Tsillan Cellars Chelan on Yelp
Tsillan Cellars Woodinville on Yelp
