Tips For A Perfect Day of Wine Tasting in the Lake Chelan Valley

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Uncategorized

Did you know the Lake Chelan Valley is home to over 40 wineries and tasting rooms?! 

About half of those are located in Manson alone, with several walkable from your room at Mountain View Lodge!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned swirl-sniffer, a little planning goes a long way to make your wine tasting day memorable. 

Here are our top tips to help maximize your wine time while staying safe:

1. Map Out Wineries Ahead of Time

Vineyards in chelan

Tempting as it may be to “wing it,” a little strategy can save you from zigzagging across the valley. 

Pick 3 or 4 wineries within close proximity to each other—this means less time in the car and more time with a glass in hand.

If you’re looking for variety, we recommend picking one winery on Lake Chelan’s South Shore and then heading back toward Mountain View Lodge. You’ll find some great options along the way and on the North Shore of Lake Chelan in Manson!

Not sure where to start? Pop by our front desk! 

Our team has plenty of local favorites they’d love to share, and we also have a comprehensive booklet from the Lake Chelan Wine Valley to make planning that much easier.

2. Stay Hydrated (Seriously!)

Glass of water

Water is always a good idea while wine tasting, especially in the heat of a Lake Chelan summer.

While you’re busy enjoying crisp Chardonnays and bold Syrahs, don’t forget to keep the water flowing, too. A good rule of thumb: one glass of water for every glass of wine. Your future self will thank you!

3. Schedule Lunch Between Tastings

Burger from Campbells

Photo credit: Campbell’s Resort Pub & Veranda

Wine tasting on an empty stomach? Not ideal. Break up your day with a tasty lunch and give your palate a well-deserved reset.

Here are a few lunch spots we recommend:

4. Have a Designated Driver

Taste of the Valley tour

Photo credit: Taste of the Valley

This might be the most important tip of the day. Lake Chelan wine is delicious, which makes it easy to forget just how much you’ve tasted!

Make sure someone in your crew is on driving duty, or consider booking a local wine tour shuttle. Safety first!

5. Kick Back & Enjoy Lake Chelan’s Award-Winning Wines!

Friends cheersing at a winery

After a day of vineyard-hopping, there’s no better way to wrap it up than right here at Mountain View Lodge. 

Bring back a couple of your favorite bottles and unwind on our covered patio. Fire up the barbecue, enjoy the mountain views, and toast to the perfect day in Washington wine country!

Book Your Wine Escape to Mountain View Lodge

MVLR in the spring

Mountain View Lodge is located in the heart of downtown Manson, near wineries, boutiques, and the lake, and just a short drive from historic Chelan. It’s the perfect home base for enjoying a day of wining and dining in Washington’s paradise!Book online or give us a call today to book your stay in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. We look forward to hosting you!