Harvest Reflections and New Releases from Lake Chelan’s North Shore

A Note from the Vineyards

As the vines rest after a long, smoke-free harvest, we’re savoring a cellar full of promise here at Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards on the north shore of Lake Chelan. This fall brought perfect weather, beautiful fruit, and three new wines that capture the spirit of our AVA and the hard work behind our name.

If you haven’t stocked up yet, now’s the time — our small-lot releases don’t linger long. You can always order online or stop by the tasting room for a taste and a story (we’ve got plenty of both).

New Fall Releases

2024 Shameless Hussy Viognier

Flirty and bright — just like its name. Layers of peach, apricot, and tropical fruit burst from the glass, kept crisp and lively through cool stainless fermentation. Chill it down and serve with baked brie or s’mores by the fire.

2022 Burning Desire Estate Cabernet Franc

Our flagship wine and the soul of Glacial Gravels Vineyard. Organically farmed, naturally fermented, and aged 24 months in French oak, it’s packed with ripe cherry, smoky spice, and a hint of earth. This one’s built for slow sipping — or slow aging, if you can resist.
(Pro tip: drive your corkscrew straight through the wax — no need to peel it off.)

2022 Tempranillo

A rare gem in the Lake Chelan AVA. Spicy, layered, and medium-bodied with notes of dark cherry and dried fig. Aged in American oak, it nods to Spain but speaks fluent Chelan. Perfect with roast beef, paella, or veggie lasagna.

From Crush to Cozy

Harvest kicked off with Chardonnay on September 6 and wrapped October 26 with Malbec — 35 tons of fruit across 15 varieties. No smoke, no drama, just bright, clean fruit.

This season also gave us our first Aglianico and Alicante Bouschet — grapes that made us work for it, but boy, did they deliver. As Don says, “There’s a reason it’s called Hard Row to Hoe.”

Huge cluster of Aglianico

Upcoming Events

• Barrel Tasting with Winemaker Julian Shaver – Saturday, November 15
  Get an insider look (and taste) of what’s quietly transforming in the cellar.

• Grapevine Wreath Workshop – Saturday, November 19
  Join Don for a hands-on session using fresh Riesling canes from our vineyard. $35 per adult, kids free.

• Red Hot Case Sale – Black Friday
  30–50% off case deals, cash and carry only. Get here early — the good stuff goes fast.

• Cyber Monday Surprise
  An online-only special for free shipping. Use code CyberMonday

• Leavenworth Christmas Lighting – All December
  Sip our Hot & Spicy Mulled Wine or Land Ho Port while you thaw out and enjoy the glow.

Here’s to a season of clean skies, full barrels, and cozy nights by the lake. Whether you’re savoring a glass of Cabernet Franc or stirring soup with a friend, remember — the best things in life (and wine) are worth working for.

Cheers,
Judy, Don & Julian