Washington’s Playground – Chelan
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, North Central Washington – also known as ‘Washington’s Playground,’ is home to 4 distinct year-round destinations.
One of our favorites is Lake Chelan, located just 160 miles east of Seattle and 150 miles west of Spokane, making it the perfect little weekend getaway, especially for couples with an affinity for wine.
Chelan Wineries & Tasting Rooms
Lake Chelan Wine Valley is described as being ‘naturally intoxicating’ – from the lake effect to the 30+ wineries and tasting rooms, it definitely lives up to its newfound legacy as a destination for both wine enthusiasts and artisan foodies alike.
What impresses me even more is how the community formed a collective after the apple market collapse about 20 years ago. They knew the topography of the lake offered something special to winemaking…and they were right. The success of the area is astounding, especially to those of us who have been visiting Chelan for as long as we can remember.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage syrah, fireside tastings or perfectly paired charcuterie, the Chelan Wineries offer a little something for everyone, each with their own varietal library and estate aesthetic. Sharing a quick reference below for ease in planning!
South Shore
- Karma Vineyards
- Chelan Estate Winery & Vineyard
- Siren Song Vineyard Estate & Winery
- Fielding Hills Winery
- Nefarious Cellars
- Tunnel Hill Winery
- Tsillan Cellars
- Mellisoni Vineyards
Downtown Chelan
- One Wines, Inc.
- Rocky Pond Winery
- Vin du Lac Winery
North Shore
- Benson Vineyards
- Lake Chelan Winery
- Cairdeas Winery
- Succession Wines
- Radiance Winery
Upper North Shore
- Hard Row To Hoe Vineyards
- Tildio Winery
- Tipsy Canyon
- Four Lakes Scenic Tasting Room
Downtown Manson
- Wapato Point Cellars
- Napeequa Vintners
- Rio Vista Wines at the Cabin
- WineGirl Wines
- Alta Cellars
- C.R. Sandidge Wines
- Ancestry Cellars
- Radiance Winery Downtown Manson
- Four Lakes Downtown Tasting Room
- Ventimiglia Cellars
Columbia River
- Rio Vista Wines on the River
Most of the Chelan wineries offer more than a quick tasting – including dining, lite bites, tours, indoor/outdoor games and event hosting. There’s also a handful that are either kid and/or dog friendly!
Chelan Restaurants
As the Chelan grape scene expands, the cuisine culture has shifted right alongside, integrating legacy spots with re-imagined menus – so whether you’re craving the classic burger and fries or a sautéed apple crepe, you’re sure to find a sweet or savory spot of your liking.
Local Favorites
- A Shot of Gratitude
- Andante
- Apple Cup Cafe
- Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery
- BC MacDonalds
- Bear Foods Creperie
- Bistro Vin Du Lac
- Bistro at Benson Vineyards
- Blueberry Hills Farms
- La Brisa Restaurant
- Even Keel Roadhouse
- The Fox & Quail Cafe
- Froyo Earth
- Siren Song Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Tin Lilly
- North Shore Cafe
- The Winemaker’s Grill at Wapato Point Cellars
- Campbell’s Pub & Veranda
- Local Myth Pizza
- The Vogue
Chelan Activities – Winter Season
- Skiing, Boarding, Tubing – Echo Valley Ski Area
- Cosmic Bowling – Chelan Lanes
- Live Comedy – Rotten Apple Presents at Campbell’s Resort
- Shopping – Downtown Chelan
- Aerial Yoga, Heated Yoga, Spa Yoga – YogaChelan
Chelan Lodging
One of the most recognized places in Chelan is Campbell’s Resort – the perfect location, with unparalleled views and every amenity you could ask for.
Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan has been Washington state’s favorite family getaway resort since 1901. 170 lakeside guest rooms and 1800’ of private beach adorn the resort’s eight acre site situated on Chelan’s historic downtown waterfront. Ideal for families, romantic escapes, or as a superb meeting site, Campbell’s features award winning dining, a day spa, state of the art conference space and beautiful lakeside wedding venues. Walk to downtown shops, parks and trails or drive the short distance to Lake Chelan’s wineries and golf courses. Voted the #1 Resort in the Northwest by Evening Magazine in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
If you haven’t been to Chelan in awhile, I urge you to plan a weekend and rediscover all that is Washington’s Playground. This post is geared towards a winter visit – stay tuned for a spring recap in a few months!
WAIT!
Did you know saving this post to Pinterest supports the Chelan local economy, my blog AND helps your friends plan cool stuff? Just click the image below and PIN! Super easy and we are so grateful!
XoXo Portia
*Photos by Jaden Smiley
Thank you to Washington’s Playground for coordinating this trip and for the gracious host partners!