June Hoedown: Rosé Season, Vineyard Battles & Summer on the Horizon
Summer has arrived in Lake Chelan, and with it comes patio season, grilling season, and a new collection of wines heading to our club members.
This shipment brings together three very different personalities: a fresh and lively rosé made for warm afternoons, an elegant Grenache that rewards contemplation, and an estate Malbec that proves Lake Chelan can produce reds with both power and polish. Alongside the wines, we're sharing a story from the vineyard trenches, where Don has been locked in an ongoing battle with one of our smallest but most determined adversaries.
And because no summer gathering is complete without something sizzling on the grill, Julian is serving up a recipe worthy of our newest Estate Malbec.
What's in Your Shipment?
2025 Shameless Hussy Rosé
Lake Chelan AVA
She's back, and this vintage arrives with a little extra swagger.
Crafted from Gamay Noir and Malbec grown in the Lake Chelan AVA, Shameless Hussy was whole-cluster pressed and fermented cold in stainless steel to preserve its bright aromatics and refreshing character.
The nose bursts with tropical notes of guava and papaya, while the palate settles into familiar favorites of strawberry and watermelon. A peppery finish keeps everything lively, balanced, and just a little flirtatious.
This is the bottle you'll want chilled and within easy reach all summer long.
Perfect with: fish tacos, watermelon salad, prosciutto and melon, spicy takeout, or a sunny patio with absolutely no agenda.
2022 Grenache
Yakima Valley AVA | Heron Bluff Vineyard
This Grenache comes from Heron Bluff Vineyard, just west of Red Mountain, where fractured basalt and volcanic soils contribute depth and complexity to the fruit.
Made with 20% whole clusters and aged for 18 months in Hungarian oak, the wine is elegant yet expressive. Wild strawberry, dark plum, orange citrus, clove, and a touch of weathered leather create a wine that is light on its feet but rich in personality.
Grenache has a way of disappearing from the bottle faster than expected, and this one is no exception.
Perfect with: roasted chicken, grilled pork, lamb kofta, ratatouille, charcuterie, olives, and long conversations around the table.
2022 Estate Malbec
Glacial Gravels Vineyard | Lake Chelan AVA
Picked late in the season for full ripeness, this estate-grown Malbec showcases both the power and refinement possible in the Lake Chelan AVA.
Fermented with native yeast in small open-top fermenters and aged for 22 months in French oak, the wine delivers layers of violet, blackberry, sweet tobacco, dark fruit, and savory spice.
The gravelly, boulder-strewn soils of Glacial Gravels Vineyard naturally limit vigor and concentrate flavors, while Lake Chelan's cooling influence allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly.
The result is a wine that is deep, floral, structured, and remarkably polished.
Perfect with: charred ribeye, picanha, grilled mushrooms, smoky barbecue, and anything that benefits from a little fire.
Poverty Hill Vineyard: Of Gophers and Grapevines
When we purchased eight acres across from Blueberry Hills Restaurant five years ago, the plan seemed straightforward enough: design another vineyard, plant the vines, and watch them grow.
The neighboring orchard was called Poverty Hill, and we thought the name would fit our new vineyard nicely.
As it turns out, the name was more prophetic than we realized.
After carefully designing the vineyard blocks, selecting varieties, installing irrigation, and planting thousands of young vines, things seemed to be progressing normally. Some losses are expected whenever young vines are transplanted.
But then something strange started happening.
Healthy vines would suddenly die.
When we pulled several vines from the ground, we discovered the culprit: gophers. They had chewed through the trunks below ground level, leaving what must have looked to them like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
The damage was significant. Nearly 1,900 Caladoc vines were reduced to just 470 survivors. Pinot Noir suffered similar losses.
Since our vineyards are organically farmed, our options for control are limited. After extensive research, we found an organically approved solution that dramatically reduced the population. Before replanting, however, we decided to add one more layer of protection.
Every new vine now receives its own wire mesh cylinder buried beneath the soil. The goal is simple: give the vine enough time to establish a strong root system before the gophers discover it.
Will it work?
We certainly hope so.
Poverty Hill may have earned its name the hard way, but we're still planting, still learning, and still betting on those little vines.
From Julian's Grill
Grilled Picanha with Piri Piri
Pair with: 2022 Estate Malbec
A Malbec this plush and aromatic deserves fire, fat, and a little drama.
Inspired by South America's love affair with grilled beef, Julian's pairing recommendation for this release is picanha—a richly marbled cut crowned with a generous fat cap that's practically made for the grill.
The bright piri piri sauce adds chile, herbs, vinegar, and sweet pepper, cutting through the richness of the beef while highlighting the savory spice notes in the wine.
Julian offers one piece of advice:
"Don't rush the rest. Give the steak time to settle before slicing. Pour the Malbec while you wait."
(Write us for full recipe or wine club members check in the June newsletter)
Summer Events at Hard Row
Summer is shaping up to be one of our busiest and most exciting yet.
Hard Row Turns 20
Saturday, July 4 | 6–8 pm
Celebrate two decades of Hard Row to Hoe with live music from the Kevin Jones Band. Picnic dinners encouraged. Dancing likely.
Taste of Whiskey
Select Mondays: June 29, July 13 & August 10
An evening of whiskey, live music, and summer evenings on the lawn.
Bach Fest at Hard Row
July 15 | 7:30 pm
Cabaret! Music from favorite musicals and more.
Wine Club Pop-Up Party
August 23 | Bellevue
Join us at the Newport Yacht Club for an afternoon with fellow club members from the west side.
We look forward to seeing you this summer—whether in the vineyard, the tasting room, or gathered around a table with good wine and good company.