The History of Tsillan Cellars

Tsillan Cellars Winery was established in 2000 and opened its doors on May 1, 2004 with the introduction of world-class wines to the Chelan Valley Region. It is an Italian country retreat nestled on the gently sloping south shore of Lake Chelan providing breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, and offering guests an exceptional destination experience, unique to the entire country. Three cascading waterfalls form an amphitheater backdrop for the island stage. Natural stone bridges, natural slate terrazzo and walks, Tuscan stone columns, a 35 foot bell tower with a 650 lb. cast bronze bell, landscaped rockeries and gardens, and a grape arbor overlook Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains.

Named after a 19th century explorer who, upon hearing the native word for the lake, charted it as Tsillan or “deep water,” Tsillan Cellars, pronounced “Chelan,” was designed and developed by Dr. Robert Jankelson to provide an unmatched venue to enjoy the Italian art of living enhanced by fine wines.

Producing an annual average of 8,500 to 9,000 cases of wine each year, Tsillan Cellars is the largest producing winery and largest estate vineyard in the Chelan Valley, and thus, is the crown jewel of the young and rapidly growing Lake Chelan wine tourism industry. The 135 acre estate is cultivated with attention to the finest viticulture techniques with an eye to producing award winning wines. A wide variety of premium wine grapes are presently planted on the estate including, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Grenache, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. If any variety does not meet the standards of our winemaker, it will not be bottled. Each block of grape vineyard is continually evaluated and those varietals that do not meet their high expectations will be replaced with those varieties proven to be most compatible with the land (terroir) and climate.

This meticulous attention to detail has allowed Tsillan Cellars to establish itself as the premiere, award-winning winery in the valley. Our varietals such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah winning gold medals, and the Estate Pinot Grigio, and Estate Gewurztraminer have won double gold and platinum medals in both regional and national wine competitions. All of our wines are estate grown.

In addition to wine production, Tsillan Cellars hosts a wide array of live music and events during the prime summer to fall tourism season. The winery, waterfalls and the Lake Chelan landscape create an incomparable backdrop and natural amphitheater for our select world-class entertainers during our Music Under the Vines summer series. Future plans for Tsillan Cellars include an authentic Italian marketplace, herb garden, wedding gardens, Tuscan wine spa and Italian-style resort villas.

Chelan Tasting Room

Local artisans blended over 40,000 pounds of Italian marble and tile with rich hand carved woodwork to create an elegant Italian masterpiece. The floors are Italian porcelain with Rosa Verona inlaid mosaics. Walls and pillars are Travertine stone with tumbled Rosa Verona Marble, handmade Listellis and custom cabernet colored tiles. Hand painted tile murals surrounded with hand crafted bronze framing provide further touches of Italy.

As you walk through rich hand carved wooden doors, your eyes will drift to the ceiling. Magnificent open beam trusses made from enormous timbers reclaimed from the old train trestle that used to cross the Great Salt Lake reveal seldom seen old world craftsmanship. Each 8,700-pound truss was meticulously designed and constructed on site and accented with heavy custom ironwork.

The gracefully curved Rosa Verona marble bar invites both wine aficionados and wine novices to savor Tsillan Cellars wines. The stone arched wine racks behind the tasting bar are an appropriate highlight and gently cradled Tsillan Cellars wines.

Even the restrooms are a “must see” at Tsillan Cellars. They are filled with bronze murals, custom lion head arches, Rosa Verona marble with Travertine stone and custom Listellis blended into a warm Tuscan design.

The elegant bridal party preparation room is located adjacent to the stone bridge leading to the wedding island. It is beautifully finished in Travertine stone, Rosa Verona Tumbled Marble and handmade Crackle Porcelain finished in soft white and cream colors. Large bronzed dressing mirrors assure the finest pre-wedding preparation.