Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report Note: Site has moved to www.northwestwinereport.com

Washington added a new AVA today, its second in 2009, as the Lake Chelan AVA received approval. The boundaries of the AVA, which include the city of Chelan, more or less follow the lines of the land surrounding the lake. The new AVA is wholly contained within the larger Columbia Valley AVA.

Lake Chelan - the third deepest lake in the nation at 1,486 feet - has a cooling effect upon the surrounding area that contributes to the area's distinctive growing characteristics. At present there are only 260 acres of grapes planted, predominantly to Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. With 24,040 acres in the AVA, more planting is sure to follow. Many wineries in the AVA also source fruit from other Washington AVAs.

Wineries in the Lake Chelan area include:

Benson Vineyards
Chelan Estate Vineyards & Winery
Chelan Ridge Winery
Chelangr'La Winery
CR Sandidge Wines
Four Lakes Winery
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
Karma Vineyards
Lake Chelan Winery
Nefarious Cellars
Rio Vista Wines
Tildio Winery
Tsillan Cellars Winery
Tunnel Hill Winery
Ventimiglia Cellars
Vin du lac Winery
Wapato Point Cellars Winery

Check out the AVA's website here.

Next up, Naches Heights AVA.