Naughty history and fantastic wines make “Hard Row to Hoe” Vineyards a must see in Chelan/Leavenworth!
If you are looking for a unique, memorable, and “naughty” wine tasting experience in Lake Chelan or Leavenworth WA, you should visit Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards. This family-owned and operated winery is located on the north shore of the lake/downtown Leavenworth and offers exuberant wines from organically farmed and certified sustainable grapes. The winery has a fascinating history and a cheeky name that reflects the local lore of the area. I recently spent some time with David and his fun and spicy tasting room crew at the Leavenworth location and left with not only some exceptional wine, but a fun history lesson and lots of fun (if not inappropriate) conversation and laughs!
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards was established in 2004 by Don and Judy Phelps, who had a vision of creating high-quality wines from the distinctive terroir of Lake Chelan. They named their winery after a “historical event” that took place in the 1930s, when a brothel (Edgemont Lodge) was established and operating across the lake from the Howe Sound mining camp. One of the local Manson residents started a rowboat taxi service that would bring the miners from camp over to see the ladies, and then row them back to work the next day. A “hard row, to hoe” (s)…. If you will….
The winery embraces this playful and provocative theme in its branding, labels, and tasting room decor. You will find humorous names like Shameless Hussy, S&M, and Burning Desire on their bottles, and vintage posters and props that evoke the era of the brothel. The tasting room is cozy and inviting, sultry and romantic, and probably not a place to host little johnny’s 8-year-old birthday party… But if you do, shoot me an invite!
But don't let the fun and flirty atmosphere fool you. Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards is serious about making great wines that highlight the diversity and complexity of Lake Chelan's microclimate. The winery produces a range of reds, whites, rosés, sparklings, and dessert wines that appeal to different palates and occasions. Some of their signature wines include:
- Primitivo: A full-bodied red wine made from an ancient clone of Zinfandel, with aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice.
- Pinot Noir: A delicate and elegant red wine made from Dijon clones grown on the estate vineyard, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earth.
- Gewürztraminer: A fragrant and spicy white wine made from grapes grown on the Nefarious Cellars vineyard, with notes of lychee, rose, and ginger.
- Riesling: A crisp and refreshing white wine made from grapes grown on the Clos CheValle vineyard, with hints of apple, peach, and lime.
- Good in Bed: A sparkling rosé wine made from Pinot Noir grapes, with a lively mousse and a fruity finish.
For a full listing of their wines, check out: Current Wines - Hard Row to Hoe
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family outing (yes kids are welcome), or a fun adventure with friends, Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards is a destination you don't want to miss. You can book your visit online or call (509) 687-3000 to make a reservation. The tasting rooms are open daily from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays), and offer wine flights, cheese plates, and live music on weekends. You can also join their wine club to enjoy discounts, free tastings, and exclusive events. Read more about the wines, history, and offerings at: Hard Row to Hoe® Vineyards
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards is more than just a winery. It is a place where you can experience the history, culture, and beauty of Lake Chelan/Leavenworth while sipping on some amazing wines. See for yourself why this winery is named in the Top 22 Tasting Rooms in Washington as you will have a hard row to hoe to find a better wine tasting experience! (see what I did there??) ;)
