Where to Find Port-Style Wines in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley

by | Feb 28, 2023 | Wine

People enjoying port-style wine in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley

From the scenic beauty of Lake Chelan to its renowned vineyards, wine lovers will find themselves in an absolute paradise when they explore the wineries throughout the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. 

Home to numerous vineyards and tasting rooms, the area is known for producing some of Washington State’s best port wines. So if you’re looking for a unique experience that pairs well with fine cuisines and port wines, look no further than these amazing wineries in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. 

You’ll find them across the street from our favorite place to stay in downtown Manson, Mountain View Lodge; in the majestic and scenic Manson Hills; and just a short drive away to the South Shore of beautiful Lake Chelan.

But first…

What are Port Wines?

Wine glass of Port wine with wine barrels in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley

Port wine, also known as vinho do Porto, is Portuguese fortified wine that is both red and sweet. Now you may ask yourself, “Does that mean all port wines come from Portugal?” The answer is no!

Port wine refers to the style in which the wine was processed using a fortified method to increase the sweetness and alcohol content. However, true port wines made and processed in Portugal will have a special Port label symbolizing that it was made in Portugal. If it is not fortified and made with grapes grown in Portugal, it will be referred to as a port-style wine.

What Does Port Wine Taste Like?

Woman enjoying the taste and smell of port-style wine in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley

Port wine is the sweetest way to top off any meal. Its velvety richness creates a sublime indulgence and is perfect for pairing with desserts! Port wines bring their own unique flavors of raspberry, chocolate, caramel, blackberry, or cinnamon. 

However, the two most common styles of port wine are ruby port and tawny port. 

Ruby Port has a tendency to contain a flavor profile heavier with berry and chocolate flavor and makes for a bit more of a bitter tasting wine while holding sweet properties. 

Tawny Port – The other common port wine is tawny colored and consists of more of a caramel and nut flavored profile. This makes the tawny port more sweet tasting.

Similar to most wines, the older a tawny port is, the more flavor profiles it will develop. These flavors can range anywhere from graphite, green peppercorn, hazelnut, almond, butterscotch, and even graham cracker.

Port Wines on the Menu

Port style wines available on the menu in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Here’s a list of all the beautiful wineries where you too can experience port-style wines in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley:

Hard Row to Hoe

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards in Lake Chelan

Get ready to experience a delicious treat once you visit Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards! Along with the beautiful location, a fabulous story, and positioned on the Manson hills with excellent views of the mountains and Lake Chelan, Hard Row to Hoe has a must try port-style wine to add to your list and is conveniently located just five minutes driving distance away from The Lodge!

Once you’ve had a moment to take in the beautiful surroundings, ask for a glass of their Land HO! — made with four different varietals of Portuguese grapes grown here in Washington! Bursting with full flavors and a wonderful bouquet, every sip of this exquisite beverage will take your palate on an unforgettable journey. As a  bonus, they also have “port shots” in chocolate cups available for purchase.

Benson Vineyards Estate Winery

Benson Vineyard Estate Winery

During your next visit to the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, stop by Benson Vineyards Estate Winery and get ready to experience a flavorful taste of port-style wine that you won’t soon forget.

With beautiful views surrounding the vineyard, Benson provides a setting like no other and is located 7 minutes driving distance away from The Lodge along a beautifully scenic route along the lake! 

After exploring all the gorgeous winery and estate that Benson Vineyards reside on, order yourself a bottle of their Ruby Port and transform your trip to the Lake Chelan Wine Valley into a truly special experience.

Mellisoni Vineyards

Mellisoni Vineyards

If you’ve been looking for a unique and delicious port-style wine, look no further than Mellisoni Vineyards! Located right on the shoreline of Lake Chelan with excellent views of the hill side and mountains, this gem of a spot is located on the South shore; a short 19 minute drive along the Lake Chelan Wine Valley from The Lodge.

Among many of this winery’s great selection of wines, you’ll find their 2016 Harbor Double Gold. With the perfect balance of sweetness and complexity, this amazing ruby strikes a very happy note for port enthusiasts and also received a Double Gold in 2019 from Washington Wine Awards. For those interested in complex wines with deep flavor notes and stunning aromatics, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Tildio Winery

Tildo Winery

Next up on our list of wineries to visit the next time you’re in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley is Tildio Winery! Located 7 minutes driving distance North of The Lodge along a picturesque route to Tildio Winery, this spot is a great destination to kick your feet up, relax, and experience delicious wines.

Whether you prefer semi-sweet or full-bodied flavors, Tildio’s selection has something for everyone — including their Tildio NV Estate Port. This delicious fortified wine was made with their Estate Syrah and Tempranillo grapes, making every sip exemplary. Its extreme concentrated flavors and deep black color make for a powerful ruby style wine as it flaunts delicious brambly dried fruit and spice.

Be sure to stop by for the amazing views and flavors!

CR Sandidge Wines

CR Sandidge Wines

Are you looking for a unique wine-tasting experience, with just the right blend of quality and taste? Then look no further — CR Sandidge in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley offers you an unforgettable option! PLUS, this amazing winery is located a short four minute walk from The Lodge through beautiful Downtown Manson!

Among their selection of wines, you’ll find a must-try port-style wine, their #21 Devil’s Smoke Stack Port. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor due to its opulent flavors and aromas of raisined black cherry, plum, and blackberry. These fruit-driven components match perfectly with caramel, a bit of black pepper, sweet vanilla bean, and mocha coffee barrel notes. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and keeps giving long after passing over your palate.

Winegirl Wines

Winegirl wines in Lake Chelan

Looking for a great winery that’s both near the beautiful crystal blue water of the lake and carries a magnificent tasting ruby port? Look no further than Winegirl Wines. Speaking of not looking further, this winery is located right across the street from The Lodge, so you won’t have to go very far at all!

Here you’ll find an excellent selection of wines, along with their 2018 Tinta Roriz Ruby Port. Experience this timeless ruby wine with its balancing taste of copious raspberry and purple plum flavors, crème brûlée, and smoky vanilla notes.

Lake Chelan Winery

Lake Chelan Winery

Are you ready for a winery with a stunning atmosphere, gorgeous views of the lake, and an excellent port-style wine? Head over to the Lake Chelan Winery and leave all your cares behind! Just a short four minutes drive East along the Lake Chelan shoreline from The Lodge, this location is filled with elegance and exciting things to experience.

When you arrive, pull up a seat and ask to try their NV Port LCW. Not only is it a delightful way to sweeten up your mealtime but also a great way to explore the different flavors in every sip, such as prunes, raisins, dried figs, and cinnamon.

No matter what occasion or event you might be celebrating, this exquisite port will make a luxurious addition to all social gatherings and bring out a subtle yet bold flavor profile that will please every palette!

Cairdeas Winery

Cairdes Winery in Lake Chelan

No vacation to Lake Chelan is complete without a unique and unforgettable experience at Cairdeas Winery! Located four minutes driving distance East from The Lodge in a picturesque spot on the hills of Manson, this stunning winery offers spectacular views and a delicious port-style wine that will satisfy your taste for sweets.

Once you’ve made yourself comfortable, order their NV Petite Sirah Port – Red Dessert Wine and get ready to fall in love! This wine blends Petite Sirah from multiple vintages, fortified with neutral grape spirits to create a lightly sweet and rich dessert wine that pairs excellently with gourmet s’mores, flourless chocolate cake, or marionberry cheesecake.

The fruit to make this wine was hand-picked, destemmed, and fortified with neutral grape spirits just before fermentation. Aged over multiple vintages in neutral French oak barrels and blended prior to bottling.

Rio Vista Wines

Rio Vista Wines

If you’re looking for a unique way to cap off the evening, Rio Vista Wines has got you covered! Their port-style wine offers a decadent and sweet finish that is sure to please each and every taste bud. We haven’t even mentioned the best part yet. Rio Vista Wines at the Cabin is located right across the street from The Lodge!

So grab a few bottles, invite some friends over, sit back, and enjoy an exquisite tasting event as you experience the rich flavors Rio Vista Wines can provide.

Stay at The Lodge

Mountain View Lodge card at front desk

There’s so much to look forward to during your next port-style stay in Lake Chelan. Now that you know about all the amazing things to do when you visit, all that’s left is to reserve your stay with us at The Lodge!

We love hosting new and returning travelers and making their stay in Lake Chelan a truly magical experience.

Be sure to look at the deals and specials we currently have going on, and check us out on Facebook and Instagram. We’re always posting about all the amazing things happening around Lake Chelan all year long!