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Tsillan Cellars Winery
LAKE CHELAN
Named for 55-mile-long Lake Chelan, which it overlooks, Tsillan Cellars Winery
and Vineyards—pronounced "Chelan"—is the brainchild of Dr. Bob Jankelson,
who saw the potential for vinifera grapes when the apple industry faltered in
the late 1990s. Dr. Jankelson researched the growing history of the region and
soon confirmed his hunch that grapes would thrive on the south shore of Lake
Chelan. So, he purchased 40 prime orchard acres in 2000 and began planting
vinifera varieties in 2001. An additional 90 acres was purchased in 2003. He
named the vineyard and winery Tsillan Cellars as a nod to the history of the
region—"tsillan" is a Native American word for deep water and was the word
that described the area in the original survey dating back to 1826.
With reverence for local heritage, Dr. Jankelson was also inspired by Italian
culture and architecture from his career teaching around the globe. That
inspiration is evident in Tsillan Cellars Winery and Sorrento's Ristorante.
Stunning Italian-style bell towers, a clock tower, columns, and 80,000 pounds
of Italian marble and stone greet visitors as they drive up the vineyard-
lined entrance. Sorrento's Ristorante, clad in glass, opens to the outdoors
with spectacular al fresco dining in the warm summer months that seems to
reinforce the feeling that you've been transported to Tuscany. Spectacular
waterfalls, gardens, and terrazzos invite guests to enjoy Tsillan Cellars estate
wines surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Chelan.
Since the initial plantings in 2001 of Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer,
Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec, the vineyard has expanded to also include
FACING PAGE: The Upper Terrazzo features a koi pond which
overlooks the entire winery.
Photograph courtesy of Tsillan Cellars Winery
ABOVE: Enter the tasting room and make your way to the
Italian marble countertop to enjoy a wine tasting.
Photograph by Bella Fritz Photography
