Wine producers in the Lake Chelan AVA (American Viticultural Area) excel at growing an impressive array of red and white grape varietals. As white wines soar in popularity globally in 2025, Washington State’s white wine market is also forecast to see strong growth in the next several years. Tsillan Cellars, the largest producing winery and largest estate vineyard in the Chelan Valley, sits on the forefront of this latest consumer trend with a prolific offering of spectacular white wine releases that nicely compliment their large selection of reds.
There’s an undeniable enchanting quality about the wines coming out of this appellation that speak highly of the local terroir, influenced strongly by ancient glacial soils and a climate unique for its lake effect on the vines. Tsillan Cellars is among the most decorated, award-winning wineries in this AVA. In fact, they have been one of the leading proponents of this grape growing region since the winery was founded by Dr. Robert Jankelson a quarter-century ago.
The delightful releases reviewed below are available at two tasting room locations: At the winery’s main facility, flagship tasting room and restaurant at 3875 Hwy 97A, Chelan WA. And the satellite tasting room at 13550 NE Village Square Drive, Unit 1070, Woodinville WA. Learn more at tsillancellars.com.
Below are four releases we recently reviewed:
Tsillan Cellars 2024 Estate Pinot Grigio Lake Chelan AVA
93 pts.
This sleek Italian varietal marries plump peach, D’Anjou pear, apricot and apple tart with expressive minerality and stone details that thread through the snappy lemon citrus, tangerine zest and white flowers. Aged six months in stainless steel. $34
Tsillan Cellars 2024 Estate Sempre Amore Lake Chelan AVA
93 pts.
Green apple, floral and spice notes waft from the glass, progressing to lush pear, apricot, lemon oil and honeysuckle flavors on the sleek frame. Well-cut acidity adds definition, with refined ground ginger and mineral accents that punctuate the full-flavored finish in a graceful style. A proprietary estate white blend of Pinot Grigio and Riesling. $34
Tsillan Cellars 2024 Estate Riesling Lake Chelan AVA
92 pts.
Floral honeysuckle, lime blossom and green melon aromatics introduce this vibrant, dry Alsatian-styled white. Bright, well-cut and mouthwatering flavors of green apple and lemon burst onto the palate, framed by a lightly chalky finish streaked with lovely limestone minerality. $30
Tsillan Cellars 2024 McNary Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
93 pts.
Deeply aromatic, this single-vineyard white from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA teases with scented layers of honeyed pear, pineapple, grapefruit and grassy notes. The palate is richly textured, saturated with lovely lemon, lime blossom and peach. Just the right amount of acidity keeps this balanced and long, ending with steely minerality. $34