Hard Row to Hoe

Lake Chelan’s first sustainable and Salmon-Safe Vineyard

The challenges and dedication that goes in to organic farming give literal meaning to a Hard Row to Hoe.

Dedication to organic excellence means every grape is a hard-won triumph. Founders’ Don and Judy Phelps have got a “land-first” philosophy, where farming organically and sustainably is at the core of their hearts. Their first vineyard on Ivan Morse Road is the first of its kind in North Central Washington, boasting both the Sustainable and Salmon Safe certifications.

Lake Chelan AVA Estate Vineyards

Tending Vines the Hard Way for Wines the Right Way: Organic, Authentic, Unforgettable.
The north shore of Lake Chelan is an extraordinary stretch of vineyards and orchards set against the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and majestic lake vistas nestled within the cherished resort community of Manson. Everywhere you look is a jaw-droppingly beautiful view! Manson is known for its world class apple and cherry producers and now also for award-winning wines.

There are 20 acres of grapes planted in three estate vineyards located on the north shore of the lake in Manson: Glacial Gravels, Gary’s and Poverty Hill.

Unlocking the secrets of the vineyard is our team’s motivation. We venture into the uncharted territory of this fairly new wine-growing region, where the grape varieties develop their own stories. We carefully pick small batches from these individual vineyards to see how our terroir unfolds in the wine.

Glacial Gravels Vineyard

Ivan Morse Road, Manson, North Shore of Lake Chelan.

Glacial Gravels Vineyard is a 25-acre paradise on the north shore of Lake Chelan.

Once an apple orchard, the property was transformed in 2004 when six acres of apple trees were cleared away from a southwest-facing hillside to create the first vineyard block.

The soil here is a mineral-rich glacial till of sand, gravel, and rocks mingling to nurture vines that yield pure and fresh wines. Adding to that, the harvest window is relatively late, often stretching all the way to Halloween! Longer “hang times” mean more intensity and flavor in the grapes, thanks to the cool nights and high elevation.

The vines planted here include Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Gewürztraminer, and Malbec, all thriving in the southwest sun and efficient air drainage.

The struggle is real for our vines, the nutrient-poor gravel soils keep the yields low, the wind adds intensity with thicker grape skins, natural vigor is reduced because of the porous soil but gives the wine that extra intensity. This is where we like to say “the harder the row, the finer the wine!”

In 2016, two acres of gobelet-style, head-trained Phelps-clone Syrah were added and in 2019, a half-acre terraced block of gobelet-style, head-trained Grenache joined the party. They fit right in, promising even more excitement!

This vineyard and Gary’s are farmed organically and sustainably. Sustainable farming means we do not use round up or other synthetic chemicals and instead employ methods to limit pollution to Lake Chelan and that preserve land quality for future generations of farmers that will come after us. For instance we use organic composted cow manure to amend the soil, increase biodiversity and soil health.

Complementary Vineyards

South shore of Lake Chelan, the Columbia Valley, and beyond

Vineyards on the south shore of Lake Chelan and from other local sources continue to add value to the overall wine program as the estate vineyards mature and come to full fruition.

Barbera grapes are sourced from Veranda Beach in Oroville near the Canadian border, from a vineyard located outside of any recognized AVA. Heart of the Hill at Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain produces the grapes we use for Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, and we source Primitivo from Doebler Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope at the base of Saddle Mountain, a very unique vineyard site.

Our GSM blend comes from several sources: Syrah from Carousel Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, Grenache from Eric Hoppe also in the Yakima Valley, and Mourvèdre from Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain.