FIRST LOOK/road trip
Roadtr ip by Viki Eierdam
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nchored by the largest lake in Washington state, Lake Chelan is a water lover’s escape ground and the encompassing terrain fulfills every outdoor adventure from bird watching to hiking to mountain biking and hang gliding. After a flurry of activity, Chelan invites visitors to slow down and tip toe through the vineyards and orchards, and fuel up with cuisine as casual as a true Americana café open since 1957 or as formal as fine Italian-style dining by candlelight.
The Fruit Loop Known for their apple-producing soil, some orchards are ushering their legacy into a new era. One such spot is Rootwood Cider Co. Fifth generation apple orchard owners, Emily, Katie and Anna— along with their industrious husbands—opened a hard cider taproom in downtown Manson in 2015 just in time for the family’s 100th apple harvest. Husband-and-wife team, Charlie and Lacey Lybecker, are the foundation of Cairdeas Winery. Their high energy, contagious passion and gifted storytelling 26
spokanecda.com / JANUARY 2018
CHELAN
are second only to the on point Old World characteristics of their Rhône-inspired wines. Aside from partnering with carefully selected Washington vineyards, Cairdeas manages an estate vineyard devoted to Clairette Blanche and Syrah. At Siren Song Vineyard you won’t find any belly-up-to-the-bar moments. Kevin and Holly Brown fell in love with European hospitality and exude that for every guest. It is a true wine and culinary experience for visitors with seated tastings that take advantage of romancing lake views, house-made food pairings and their travel-inspired wines in mind. A bubbles invasion is happening all over the Northwest and Chelan is no exception with a handful of producers offering noteworthy sparkling. One such spot is Rocky Pond Winery. Their bright and lively Domaine Chevalle sparkling wine is the result of their Clos Chevalle Vineyard located along the southern slope of Lake Chelan. With a $45 rosé, Mellisoni Vineyards has a hard time keeping this one in stock. Not to worry; their portfolio is teeming with award-winning bottles that exude a sense of place and stylistic maturity. In warmer months, guests are encouraged to soak up the 7,000-square-foot infinity-edge lawn with breathtaking views of Lake Chelan. The Italian grandeur of Tsillan (the original spelling of Chelan) Cellars is the vision of founder, Dr. Bob Jankelson. At 80 years old, his continued dream is to create a small Italian village experience complete with an artisan chocolate shop and flower vendor. Currently, 80,000 pounds of Italian marble stone grace the impressive grounds and, to showcase the award-winning wine portfolio, guests can also dine at Sorrento’s Ristorante—named an OpenTable Top 100 Scenic Restaurant in America in 2014.
Fueling Up
Chef Aaron Tekulve loves to pair his Surrell pop-up dinners with the winemaking stylings of Charlie Lybecker at Cairdeas Winery. Fall could showcase foraged mushrooms, winter could