Chelan, WA — Tsillan Cellars, a destination Italian-inspired winery and restaurant known for their excellence in winemaking, was awarded a 100-point score for its Bellissima Rossa Bordeaux red blend at the prestigious 2023 West Coast Wine Competition. The judges described the 100 Point Bellissima Rossa as a “Superb wine. Rich, ripe red fruit. Supple notes of chocolate and leather. Perfect viscosity, long elegant clean finish. It’s that good!” This follows on the heels of their 2020 Washington Winery of the Year award and a recent sweep of awards at the North Central Washington Wine Awards, where they were awarded Best Red Wine, Best White Wine and Best of Show.
In addition to the perfect score, Tsillan Cellars earned five other Best of Class awards at the 2023 juried competition. The Lake Chelan AVA estate-grown 2021 Sangiovese and Estate Cabernet Franc were awarded Best of Class and 96 points in the West Coast Competition. In addition, two estate grown white wines, the 2022 Viognier and 2022 Gewurztraminer plus a white blend, Dolce Donna, were judged Best of Class.
Born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley, Garrett Grubbs is quickly rising to the elite Washington winemaker circle during his three-year tenure as Tsillan Cellars’ Head Winemaker. When asked about recent successes, Tsillan Cellars owner, Dr. Bob Jankelson, responded, “Garrett’s winemaking creativity and skill is an extension of a commitment to excellence at every level of the Tsillan Cellars operation.”
The latest string of Tsillan Cellars Best of Show and Best of Class awards in recent northwest and national wine competitions was best summarized by wine critic Rick Steigmeyer after the outstanding Tsillan Cellars performance in the North Central Washington Wine Awards: “Each year, it seems the wines and the Italian-themed resort attract more awards, stunning reviews and a stampede of visitors for a vision done right.”
Tsillan Cellars is nestled on the picturesque south shore of Lake Chelan and operates a second tasting room and event space in Woodinville, WA.