One of Lake Chelan’s founding wineries, Tsillan Cellars is an Italian country style winery, full-service restaurant and event venue established in 2000 by visionary Dr. Robert Jankelson. The tasting room is a must-see destination that’s hard to miss on the south side of the lake on Hwy 97A about three miles from the resort town of Chelan. Mediterranean charm oozes from the natural stone bridges, slate terrazzo and walkways, Tuscan stone columns, a 35-foot bell tower with a 650-pound cast bronze bell, landscaped rockeries and gardens, and a grape arbor that overlooks Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. Winemaker Shane Collins does a nice job crafting their lineup of red, white and sparkling wines, and this estate-grown Gewürztraminer is a crowd pleaser.
Nose: Aromas of honeysuckle, lychee, ruby red grapefruit and ginger root.
Taste: Off-dry and zesty with a slightly creamy texture exhibiting delicious flavors of orange peel, apricot and grapefruit granita with lingering spice notes on the finish.
Recommended pairings: Heavily spiced chicken, grilled pork or beef, or spicy Asian cuisine.
Editor’s Choice
Alcohol: 12.9%
Website: www.tsillancellars.com