It is not unusual in remote mining areas to find a story about a local brothel, and Lake Chelan had its stories also.
Edgemont Lodge was built about 1924 a few miles up lake from Lucerne at Lightning Creek in an area called Point Lovely.
During the late 1930’s construction was winding down at Grand Coulee Dam and a few of the Coulee Dam professional ladies moved to Edgemont Lodge to “serve” the miners from the newly operational Howe Sound Mine.
One story has it that a long-time Manson resident ran a rowboat taxi service from Lucerne to Point Lovely in support of the thriving enterprise.
Need we explain more?
From earth to glass, sustainably crafted wines with a spirited past….
At Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards, we promise more than exceptional wine, we deliver an experience at the tasting room like no other. Our commitment to crafting extraordinary wines mirrors the bold spirit of the colorful history of Lake Chelan.
Every bottle is a journey, an exploration of the terroir and history that defines our beloved region. From the lush vineyards to the depths of the lake, each sip unravels tales of passion, resilience, and the unmistakable essence of Lake Chelan.
Join us on an adventure where exceptional wine and notorious stories intertwine, creating an experience that will bring you back to the sunny shores of Lake Chelan with each sip.
Meet Don, Julian and Judy
Judy Phelps
Owner/Founding Winemaker
Judy Phelps founded the winery in 2005 with a vision of showcasing the Lake Chelan AVA through estate-grown wines that express the distinctive terroir of the Lake Chelan AVA. What began as a 500-case inaugural vintage has grown into one of the region's most respected wineries, recognized for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sense of place.
A scientist by training, Judy studied winemaking at the University of California, Davis, earned a Master of Science in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Connecticut, and spent her corporate career in research and development at Pfizer before pursuing her passion for wine. Her scientific background continues to influence the winery's thoughtful, experimental approach to viticulture and winemaking.
Today, son Julian Shaver serves as co-owner, Head Winemaker and Managing Partner, leading the winery’s operations while Judy continues too guide through long-term vision. She has also served as President of the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Beyond wine, Judy is the founder of Chelan Coffee Roasters and its flagship brand, Dam Good Coffee.
After more than two decades, Judy's greatest pride isn't simply the awards or the wines, it's helping establish the Lake Chelan AVA as a serious wine-growing region while building a family business that will continue for generations.
Don Phelps
Owner/Vineyard Manager
Don Phelps has believed from the beginning that exceptional wines are grown in the vineyard. Since co-founding Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards in 2005, he has dedicated himself to farming with a deep respect for the land and the Lake Chelan watershed. Under his leadership, Hard Row to Hoe became the first vineyard in north-central Washington to earn Sustainable and Salmon-Safe certification and today is proud to be the first certified organic vineyard in the Lake Chelan AVA.
With a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University specializing in water resources, Don combines science with hands-on farming. A firm believer that "the best fertilizer is the farmer's footprints," you'll find him in the vineyard nearly every day, tending the vines and constantly seeking ways to improve both fruit quality and environmental stewardship.
Don has served as President of the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. His greatest satisfaction comes from seeing each vintage reflect the care, stewardship, and attention to detail that have defined Hard Row to Hoe from the very beginning.
Julian Shaver
Managing Partner, Head Winemaker
Julian’s passion for winemaking is evident from the excellent results you find in the bottle. He is the key to why our wines are so delicious.
Julian studied Computer Science at the University of Washington, but decided in his senior year that the field was not for him. He landed a job as a cellar hand with Chris Gorman in Woodinville, and has gone on to work harvests with Molly Dooker Wines in Australia and Waiheke Island Wines in New Zealand.
He brings his skills and talent to Hard Row to Hoe, where he became managing partner in January 2024 and manages the operations of the winery and tasting rooms.
His attention to detail and excellence with all things in the cellar are characteristics that constantly contribute to the quality of the wine.
Julian is an avid fly fisherman and likes to cook, especially barbecued and smoked meats.
Clint Hepper
Winemaker
Clint obtained a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University. He interned with Hard Row in the vineyard while attending school, and shortly after graduating got hired on as part of our cellar team. He has gone on to do vintages with Matua Wines in New Zealand and Lange Estate Winery in Oregon. Clint was promoted to Winemaker at Hard Row in 2021.
Clint is very driven at getting things done and takes pride in hard work. He is the reason why the winery operates so smoothly and why the customer experience at Hard Row is so extraordinary! He enjoys the outdoors in his free time, especially hiking, snowboarding and spending time with his family.
Clint is passionate about the Chelan Valley AVA. He sees it as a unique wine-growing region and is committed to making exceptional wines from Lake Chelan, as is evidence by the quality you find in the bottle.
Dan Fagan
Leavenworth Tasting Room Manager
Dan was born and has lived in Washington State his entire life. He grew up in a restaurant and worked in them until 1999 when he bought his own, “The Pizza Place”, in North Bend. He got into the Wine business in 2009 thanks to his mother in law, Debi. He has also worked at Fine Wine & Cigars in Redmond until 2011, then moved to the Wenatchee Valley
Dan has worked in tasting rooms since 2012 in Leavenworth and the surrounding area. He likes to hike, bike, fish, travel, garden, and loves wine
He has been with his soul mate, Harmony, since 2006 and live with their 2 dogs Leroy (15 years young), and Ozzy (7 years)
