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.
Who knew that when Tempranillo was planted here on the north shore of Lake Chelan in 2006 that it would produce wine of this quality? The gravelly, east-facing vineyard located on the north shore of Lake Chelan tames its tendency to produce excessive vegetation. Summit vineyard is one of the cooler sites in the Lake Chelan AVA, facing east and at 1400’ elevation. Soil here is typical of the north shore consisting of well-drained gravel interspersed with stones and boulders. This vineyard produces wines with great freshness, structure and purity of fruit. As with all of our Lake Chelan vineyards, we irrigate with the glacial, crystal, clear waters of Lake Chelan.
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.
