Eight Local Wineries and 29 Lake Chelan AVA Wines Celebrated for Exceptional Quality and Longevity, Securing Multiple “Diamond of the Decade” Honors
June 8, 2026 (Chelan, WA) — The Lake Chelan Wine Valley is proudly celebrating a spectacular performance at the prestigious SEATTLE WINE AWARDS, where local member wineries took home an impressive total of 66 medals. The remarkable sweep underscores the unique terroir of the Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area (AVA) and firmly establishes the region as a premier producer of world-class, age-worthy wines.
In total, 29 distinct Lake Chelan AVA wines were recognized by the esteemed panel of judges, bringing back a haul that includes top-tier Double Gold, Gold, and Silver designations. Highlighting the valley’s incredible aging potential, local producers clinched multiple coveted “Diamond of the Decade” awards—a distinction reserved exclusively for Pacific Northwest wines harvested 10 to 20 years ago that show masterful class, grace, and structural longevity.
The total medal breakdown for the Lake Chelan Wine Valley includes:
- 3 Double Gold ~ Diamond of the Decade medals
- 5 Double Gold medals
- 3 Gold ~ Diamond of the Decade medals
- 38 Gold medals
- 17 Silver medals
Eight prominent active member wineries from the Lake Chelan Wine Valley directly represented the region’s winning momentum at the competition, including Callan Cellars, Chelan Ridge Winery, Karvalé Vineyards, Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch, Rocky Pond Estate Winery, Siren Song Winery, Tsillan Cellars, and Tipsy Canyon Winery.
Standout Wines Leading the Charge
While the entire valley shined under the blind tasting process, four distinct styles illustrated the breadth of Lake Chelan’s viticultural excellence:
- Callan Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon — Gold Medal ~ Diamond of the Decade: Further cementing Callan Cellars’ reputation for producing world-class reds, the winery earned a top-tier Gold medal for its beautifully crafted Cabernet Sauvignon. Celebrated for its bold structure, dark fruit complexities, and exceptional balance, this standout wine showcases remarkable depth, elegance, and varietal precision.
- Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch 2025 “Per Se” Chardonnay – Double Gold: Elevating the valley’s reputation for exceptional white wines, Larc Hill took home top honors for its “Per Se” Chardonnay. The vintage wowed judges with its bright acidity, elegant balance, and beautifully integrated oak, perfectly capturing the high-elevation charm of the estate’s south shore slopes.
- Rocky Pond Estate Winery Estate 2023 Double D Merlot – Double Gold: Leading the charge for the region’s premium red programs, Rocky Pond captured a coveted Double Gold medal. Sourced from their sustainably certified estate vineyards, this wine impressed judges with its intense fruit profile, refined tannins, and distinct minerality driven by the region’s granite-laced soils.
- Tsillan Cellars 2023 Estate Cabernet Franc – Double Gold: Highlighting the Lake Chelan AVA’s red wine capabilities, this exceptional bottle secured a prestigious Double Gold medal. Sourced from the south shore of the lake, where high daytime temperatures promote concentrated flavor and supple tannins, while cool nighttime airflow yields impressive balance and acidity.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the performance of our local wineries at this year’s awards,” said Renea Roberts, Director of the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance. “Taking home 66 medals—especially the prestigious Diamond of the Decade honors—proves what we in the valley have always known: Lake Chelan doesn’t just produce spectacular young wines; our unique lake-effect climate creates complex, structurally sound wines that age beautifully over ten or twenty years. This recognition is a direct reflection of the tireless dedication of our grape growers and winemakers.”
The massive medal count continues to elevate Lake Chelan’s standing within the broader Washington State wine industry, which currently ranks as the second-largest premium wine producer in the country. Wine enthusiasts looking to sample these award-winning varietals can visit the individual tasting rooms across the Lake Chelan Wine Valley or explore local selections online.
To view the full list of official wine competition results, visit the Seattle Wine Awards page.
About the Lake Chelan Wine Valley
Designated as an official AVA in 2009, the Lake Chelan Wine Valley is home to a vibrant community of heritage vineyards and boutique wineries. Shaped by its unique lake-effect climate and mineral-rich soils, the region produces distinct, award-winning varietals and serves as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier wine tourism destinations. For more information, visit Lake Chelan Wine Valley official website.
