LAKE CHELAN AVA
Clear, glacial waters irrigate our vines
Lake Chelan is an inland fjord measuring 55 miles long and is part of the North
Cascade mountain range in north central Washington State. It is one of
Washington's newest AVAs, receiving federal approval in 2009.
Glacial Gravels estate vineyard
is situated on the north shore of Lake Chelan at 1350'elevation. It produces
wines of quality and complexity, owing partly to its southwest aspect and slope
which allow for efficient air drainage. It is a windy site leading to natural
reduced vigor that encourages robust aromatics and supple tannins. The soils
consist of well-drained gravel interspersed with large stones and small
boulders providing a perfect environment for growing wine grapes. This
vineyard is farmed organically and is the first Low Input Viticulture and
Enology, or LIVE, and Salmon Safe-certified vineyard in North Central
Washington.
The reisling vines were planted in 2005 on 8' x 5' spacing utilizing cane pruming.
Geology:
Its geology differs from the rest of the state in that it was
not influenced by the Missoula Floods that happened 20-10,000 years ago.
At the time of the floods, Lake Chelan was glaciated and protected from the
floods, thus the soils here consist of sandy gravels with an abundance of
granite bedrock, mica and quartz of glacial origin. The soil here is also
influenced by pumice from nearby volcanic eruptions 12,000 or so years ago,
providing an ashy component, unlike other parts of the state.
Lake Effect:
Another distinct element of the Lake Chelan AVA is the 'lake
effect'. Lake Chelan acts as a big heat sink that keep the temperatures a
little warmer in the winter and therefore protected from some of the killing
frosts that can occur in other growing areas and extending the growing season.
Cool nights and warm days allow the let the grapes hang for a longer time,
without becoming overripe.
Climate:
Our desert-like climate (only 10 inches of rain per year) allows
us to regulate the amount of water the vineyards receive through managed drip
irrigation. Irrigation water coming from the clear, clean glacial waters of the
lake originating in the North Cascades mountains.
Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe:
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards is committed to the environment and to
protect the water quality of the Lake Chelan watershed. We are the first
vineyard in north central Washington to receive
Salmon-Safe and
LIVE (Low
Input Viticulture and Enology) certification.
