CHELAN, Wash.—(May 12, 2008)—In 2000, Tsillan Cellars’ owner, Dr. Bob Jankelson, planted his first vineyard in Lake Chelan, Wash. Despite skepticism, he had a vision that world-class estate wines could be made from grapes grown in that region.
Now, seven years later, his nearly 40 acres of vineyards are producing award-winning white wines – most notably the 2006 Estate Riesling, which is currently the highest-rated estate wine by Wine Spectator to ever originate from the Chelan Valley, and the multiple gold medal-winning 2007 Estate Pinot Grigio.
“The slopes now planted to Tsillan Cellars vineyards were for many years world-class apple orchards, for the same reason that we’re now able to grow world-class grapes,” explains Dr. Jankelson. “It’s the weather – the Chelan Valley has a unique combination of volcanic soil, pure irrigation water from Lake Chelan, hot summer days, cool nights and gentle slopes with unique airflow patterns.”
“In addition, the proximity of the vineyards to Lake Chelan and a micro climate unique to the south shore of Lake Chelan provides protection from killing winter freezes and spring frosts,” says Dr. Jankelson. “It really is the balanced climate to grow world-class grapes.”
The Chelan Valley, which now boasts 14 wineries, has applied for AVA designation and is expecting to be recognized in 2008 as the state’s tenth American Viticulture Area (AVA).
Recent accolades for Tsillan Cellars wines include:
2006 Estate Riesling
• Wine Spectator - 91 points
• 2007 Tri-Cities Wine Festival - Best of Show, Best of Varietal, Gold Medal
• 2008 San Francisco Chronicle - Gold Medal
2007 Estate Pinot Grigio
• 2008 Jerry D. Mead NWIWC (California) - Best of Varietal, Best of Class, Double Gold
• 2008 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition - Gold Medal
• 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition - Gold Medal
Tsillan Cellars (pronounced “Chelan”) is located at 3875 Highway 97A, Chelan, Wash., in the Columbia Valley AVA and is named after the native word for the lake, meaning “deep water.” Established in 2000, the winery is focused on becoming Washington State’s premier estate white wine maker under the direction of Winemaker Kathy Williams. Releasing its first vintage in 2003, it is the largest producing winery and vineyard estate in the Chelan Valley, producing 7,000 cases. The 135-acre estate is planted with Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; call the winery for off-season hours. The Wine Bistro is open during the summer season beginning May 23, serving lunch daily from 12 – 5 p.m. and dinner daily from 5 – 9 p.m. For more information, call (509) 682-9463 or visit www.tsillancellarswines.com.
