The Lake Chelan AVA, established in 2009 as a sub-AVA of the Columbia Valley, is a premier wine-growing region in north-central Washington, centered around the 50.5-mile-long, glacially-carved Lake Chelan. With a unique microclimate influenced by the lake's moderating effects, volcanic soil composition, and elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,000 feet, the AVA provides ideal conditions for growing premium grape varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah. The combination of warm days, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils results in wines known for their bright acidity, rich aromatics, and distinctive fruit-forward character.
