09/13/07 Lake Chelan Pt. 4

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Last week I spent a few days in an area we normally think of as apple country. However, things are changing and this area is looking a bit like wine country. Today we continue our series about this burgeoning wine country. As I tasted my way through the Lake Chelan winery valley, I couldn't help but wonder what the wines will be like in a few years once the vineyards are a bit more mature and the winemakers become more familiar with the fruit they have to work with. Several varieties are showing great promise - in the whites - to me Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris were the tops. Many wineries made Viognier but they were all over the map in style and quality. I could not get a feel for what lake Chelan Viognier was all about, so I reserve any forecasting there. As far as reds, no doubt we will experience future Sangiovese and Sangiovese blends that are highly sought after. To me the red wines containing Syrah and Malbec were also impressive. It was a wonderful experience although as I drove home I felt a bit melancholy. On the one hand I was happy for everyone I had the pleasure of meeting around Lake Chelan but at the same time I know it is being discovered and that will eventually take away a bit of the charm I experienced. Oh well lucky me  I plan to go back in a few weeks and I am bringing friends so I guess I am partly to blame! Join me tomorrow as we conclude this series about the Lake Chelan wine region and I will give you a list of some of my new favorite wines in my new favorite wine country and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.