Leased lots are more common around the lake than you think. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares why you should consider purchasing these properties.
Common on Many Lakes: Larger lakes were built by power companies, and in order to maintain control of the surrounding land, they prefer to lease lots instead of selling them.
Buy House, Transfer Lease: When buying a home on these lots, the lease will get transferred to the new owners of the property.
Reconsider Time of Homeownership: There’s no need to fear the time length of a lease. If you want to stay longer than your allotted time, you can always renew it. If you’d like to leave sooner than expected, the lease will be transferred to your buyers.
Can Still Finance a Home: Local lenders who are familiar with this structure will have no issue helping you finance.
Buying on a leased lot is a great option for buyers. Remember, you aren’t restricted to the timeframe of the lease because of renewal and transfer options!
The Poughkeepsie and Hudson River Clubs were prominent ice-yachting organizations.
The ice boat has become smaller, sleeker, and faster over the years.
Ice sailing continues to grow in popularity, especially in North America and Canada.
Previously on Lake Homes Lifestyles, we discussed all the ins and outs of ice sailing. But did you know this modern winter sport has some fascinating historical roots? In fact, some archeologists believe that ice boats originate from the Scandinavian region as far back as 2000 B.C. However, little evidence exists to support this claim. More concretely, the ice sailing we know today dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries on the Gulf of Riga and in the canals of the Netherlands. The Dutch were the grandfathers of ice boating, attaching a plank and runners to a traditional sailboat to navigate their country’s frozen canals. However, ice sailing’s history does not end there, as it has become more prominent in North America over the past two centuries. Read on to learn the exciting history of this invigorating winter sport.
Ice sailing’s growing popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries led to the formation of boating clubs in the 19th century. The Poughkeepsie Ice Yacht Club in New York was the first club to organize, forming in 1865. Then, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club grew from the Poughkeepsie Club and was organized in 1870. The wealthy in the Hudson River area attached quickly to the fast-paced fun of ice yachting, commissioning architects to construct faster and more attractive ice vessels. One of these wealthy families was the Roosevelts. In fact, former U.S. president Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent many wintry days of his Harvard years on the ice boat HAWK—now preserved at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.
In Europe, other ice boating clubs were organized, such as a Swedish Club founded in 1901. And in 1928, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Austria, and Germany joined to create the European Ice Yachting Union.
The Evolution of the Ice Boat
Photo Courtesy of Lake Minnetonka MagazinePhoto Courtesy of Northern Express
Regarding structural design, today’s ice boats do not dramatically differ from their historical counterparts. Nonetheless, they have become more sophisticated and enhanced their functionality and velocity. Ice boats in the 19th century were large vessels, reaching 69 feet in length. Wealthy boat owners would sail in these vessels with up to seven crew members. However, even at this unnecessarily large size, 19th-century ice boats reached speeds of up to 107 miles per hour—not drastically far behind the current record of 143 miles per hour.
But then, in the early 1900s, smaller ice boats, called scooters, began to make a splash. These were constructed without a rudder and could navigate ice and shallow water. Next, in 1930, front-steering boats replaced the traditional stern-steerer vessels. Finally, in 1970, ice boats began to mirror today’s vessels, trading wood for fiberglass and laminate materials.
After World War II, ice boating became less prevalent in European countries. However, the winter sport remained popular in the United States and Canada. Ice yachting clubs today stretch from the Northeast to the Midwest and Ontario. Plus, DN (Detroit News) North America hosts many national and international tournaments throughout the year. You can find this year’s schedule here.
Now that you know a little bit more about the history of ice sailing, you may want to try the sport yourself. If so, you can learn all ice boating basics in our Intro to Ice Sailing.
Have you been wondering if buying a lake home is the best financial move for you? Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives 4 reasons why lake properties are a good investment.
Discretionary Asset: People in this market don’t feel pressure to make rash decisions around a home, making lake real estate more stable than others.
Little Impact from Mortgage Rates: The majority of transactions are cash and those who choose to finance through other means almost never have issues. Because of these reasons, mortgage rates don’t play a major role in their decision-making process.
Foreclosures are Rare: When you’re in competition with cheaper, foreclosed homes, it’s harder to sell your home for what it’s actually worth. In the lake market, this issue rarely happens to this demographic.
Somewhat Economy Independent: Even in economic uncertainty, lake homes tend to hold their value, making them a great placeholder for your money.
Nothing is completely risk-free, but purchasing a lake home is one of the safer ways to invest your money!
An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail.
Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour.
There are two methods of boating: sailing downwind or going upwind.
There are several upcoming ice boating competitions in the U.S. for 2023.
Imagine feeling the breeze rush against your face as you glide across the ice at invigorating speeds. Welcome to the world of ice sailing, also known as ice boating or ice yachting—a fast-paced, thrilling winter lake sport enjoyed worldwide. In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—feature lively ice sailing clubs and exciting annual competitions. Perhaps you’ve wanted to visit one of these wintry havens and try the sport for yourself. If so, check out our intro to ice sailing before you go!
An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail. The hull must support one or two crew members and have floating capabilities in case it slips into the water. Historically, ice boats have utilized a wooden hull, but today’s vessels incorporate fiberglass or laminate.
The runner plank rests at the stern of the boat and is made of wood, laminate, or metal. Generally spanning 6.5 feet long, the runner plank lies perpendicular to the boat’s main axis. Additionally, three skates—also called runners—attach to the principal runner plank. Two of these smaller runners connect to each end of the main runner and function like large ice skates. In addition, the steering runner joins the bow and features a parking brake, preventing the wind from moving the boat. The steering runner is especially useful in keeping the boat in place before the race begins.
Lastly, the sail—crafted with canvas or synthetic fabrics—powers the boat’s speed. The sail functions as the vessel’s “engine” and can span 35–1,000 square feet according to the boat’s size.
If you live in a lake area with plenty of ice and snow, the ice sailing opportunities are endless. Plus, you don’t have to worry about air pollution when you engage in this pastime. Since ice sailing is wind-powered, it is an extremely green sport.
Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour, therefore, it’s essential to take some necessary precautions. If you’re new to the sport, IceBoat.org recommends purchasing an inexpensive DN-class boat, which is fairly easy to navigate and transport. They also advise racing with an ice yacht club for a couple of seasons. Then, after you become acclimated to the sport, you can upgrade your vessel and start boating solo.
When it comes to navigating, an ice boater must skillfully direct the vessel, capturing enough wind to generate velocity and power. The sail propels the boat at different speeds using two methods: sailing downwind or boating upwind. When an ice boat sails downwind, it is pushed along by the breeze and cannot exceed the wind’s velocity. However, when sailing upwind, the ice boat uses a zigzagging technique, gaining traction from the force of its own motion to augment the velocity of the wind.
Throughout the year, various ice sailing clubs around the world host large tournaments. In the United States, you will mostly find these gatherings in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, or Minnesota. Check out a few of the upcoming U.S. tournaments here.
With our intro to ice sailing, now you know what to do and where to go. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ice boat and hop on the lake!
In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—feature lively ice sailing clubs and exciting annual competitions.
There are five ice castle locations in the United States:
Midway, Utah
Lake George, New York
New Brighten, Minnesota
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
North Woodstock, New Hampshire
What started as a fun neighborhood event has evolved into a national phenomenon. Ice Castles, founded by Brent Christensen, now features five locations across the United States and attracts thousands of visitors annually. These colossal wintry attractions feature intricate sculptures, dazzling lights, fun family activities, and more. Plus, many of them are situated near lakes, making for the perfect winter lake vacation!
The best time to visit is during late January, the peak of winter. And it’s best to go on a weekday so it won’t be too crowded. Make sure to dress warm, wear winter boots, bring a good camera, buy tickets early, and avoid bringing strollers or pets. And most importantly, make sure to soak in the sights because you don’t want to miss an inch of these five frozen masterpieces!
Travel to Utah and witness a fairy tale with your own eyes. Utah’s Ice Castle rests on an acre of land at the Solider Hollow Nordic Center in Midway and showcases 25 million pounds of ice. Showcasing cozy caves, intricate tunnels, a winter reindeer room, sleigh rides, and frozen waterfalls, this attraction is the perfect seasonal getaway. The ice castle typically opens in January, and you can purchase tickets on the website about a week before the opening date.
Ticket Prices:
Monday-Thursday: Adult tickets are $18, and child (4–11) tickets are $12.
Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $23, and child (4–11) tickets are $16.
New York’s Ice Castle is back for its second year at Lake George, so get ready for winter fun multiplied by two! In addition to the iconic ice slides, tunnels, and caverns, this year’s display will include a snow igloo village, a mystical light walk, and the polar pub—an ice bar featuring seasonal alcoholic beverages. The attraction will open around mid-late January, and tickets became available online on November 28. Free parking is available along Elizabeth Little Boulevard, and there is also $10 parking near the castle.
Ticket Prices:
Monday-Thursday: Adult tickets are $22, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.
Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.
Located in historic New Brighton, Minnesota’s Ice Castle will return for its 8th year. Construction began in November, so the castle will open to the public in early-mid January. The attraction will feature numerous ice slides, crawl tunnels, iconic sculptures, and frosty caverns. Plus, unlike other locations, it also will have a lantern passage—a winding hallway adorned with thousands of lights. And this year’s attraction will feature an ice bar for the first time. Tickets will be available online on January 4 at 6 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Adult tickets are $15, and child (4–11) tickets are $11.
Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $22, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.
For the fifth year in a row, Wisconsin’s Ice Castle will return to Lake Geneva and be located in the Geneva National Resort & Club on Lake Como for the fourth year. Construction began in November, so the castle will open around mid-late January and remain open for four weeks. The attraction showcases the tunnels, slides, and archways you will find at other locations but also includes an illumination grove—a magical forest of glowing trees between the castle and concessions. Additionally, this year Wisconsin’s Ice Castle will offer horse-drawn sleigh rides featuring “whimsical winter characters.” You can purchase tickets online.
Ticket Prices:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Adult tickets are $25, and child (4–11) tickets are $17.
Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.
New Hampshire’s Ice Castle undoubtedly features the most activities out of all five locations. Here, you will find the iconic ice slides, cozy caverns, and tricky crawl tunnels that first made Ice Castles famous. However, in addition to enjoying these activities, guests can walk through a mystical forest, go snow tubing, relax at the polar pub, enjoy a sleigh ride, and explore the winter fairy forest. So, if you want diverse options during your ice castle excursion, this is the location for you. The attraction will open in mid-January, and tickets are available online.
Ticket Prices:
Tuesday–Thursday: Adult tickets are $20, and child (4–11) tickets are $15.
Friday-Sunday: Adult tickets are $29, and child (4–11) tickets are $22.
You and your family will have an unforgettable winter season by taking a trip to one (or all) of these ice castles. And if, during your trip, you fall in love with a nearby lake, check out the many listings at Lake Homes!
With the new year comes the promise of hope, growth, and prosperity, it’s exciting to celebrate with your loved ones as the clock ticks toward midnight. Whether you’re looking for a laidback evening or an elegant cocktail hour, we’re here to give you the best tips for hosting your New Year’s Eve party. Featuring the picturesque backdrop of the lake, your celebration is sure to be remembered for years to come!
When you’re hosting a New Year’s party with a background as stunning as the lake, you want to think classy and chic. Although this holiday centers around time, your decor should emanate timelessness. To accomplish this ambiance, incorporate a few key items:
Silver and gold: These two colors rule New Year’s Eve decor. Opt for silver and gold plates, cups, centerpieces, balloons, and more. Plus, you can repurpose suitable Christmas decor. If you like leaving your tree up well into January, remove the red ornaments and integrate silver and gold embellishments.
Bar Cart: Your lake home may already have an at-home bar. But if not—or if you’re looking for an extra wow factor—purchase a bar cart. Make sure to select a cart with wheels so that you can move around the room to serve your guests their beverages.
Doorway Decor: Make an impression on your guests right when they enter your lake home. By adding a New Year’s banner or balloons to your entryway, you can enhance the festive spirit of the night.
Fire Pit and Blankets: A New Year’s Eve party at your lake home is not complete without watching fireworks over the lake. Make sure to have a fire crackling and plenty of warm blankets if you venture outside with your guests. Sparklers can also be a fun activity for the party’s outside portion.
When you think of New Year’s Eve, you probably imagine fireworks, friends, and of course, drinks to toast the new year. In addition to Champagne, Chocolate Martinis, French 75s, Old-Fashioneds, Cranberry Mimosas, and Moscow Mules pair well with a New Year’s theme. Additionally, you can use unique ice molds to create circular, star, diamond, or large square cubes. If you want to add some extra flavor to these cubes, you can freeze fresh fruit and herbs inside.
You might also want to have a few mocktails available. Vice President of Market Operations at Bellhop, Nick Valentino, suggests “offering non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and those who don’t drink” to make everyone feel included. Additionally, at events like this, it isn’t uncommon for a few guests to spill their beverage or crack the glassware entirely. To remedy this, we suggest using Govino’s shatterproof wine glasses. Whether you choose to offer these as a party favor or reuse them for celebrations yet to come, you won’t have to clean up the shattered glass at the end of the evening.
And while everyone is sipping away at your delicious cocktails and mocktails, don’t forget to set out some delectable snacks and hors d’oeuvres. Although some may wish to prepare a formal dinner, many New Year’s Eve hosts prefer concocting an assortment of snacks. Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres grant an air of elegant convenience to your party—especially if your guests are moving between the indoor scene and the lakeside fire pit.
We also recommend preparing a mixture of sweet and savory snacks. Taste of Home‘s list of 40 New Year’s Eve appetizers features Swiss Sweet Potato Puffs, Mini Fruitcakes, Toasted Ravioli, Holiday Meringues, Mini Cheeseballs, and more. These snacks are rich and filling but also easy to grab and take to the patio of your lake home.
You may also consider combining these snacks to craft a classy charcuterie board for your festive New Year’s evening. To add a special touch, you can even use fruit, cheese, crackers, and other items to spell out the coming year!
At Lake Homes Lifestyles, we believe that any celebration can be amplified by the lake lifestyle. With these tips, you can host a New Year’s Eve party that your guests will remember fondly in the years to come.
Winter may seem like an unusual time to purchase a lake home, but now is a great time to determine if a home is right for your year-round. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, offers 4 reasons why you should continue your lake home search through the off-season.
Understand Seasonal Water: Water levels tend to vary depending on the season. Getting a good idea of how the winter water will prevent surprises.
Understand Community: You’ll get a good idea of what local life is like outside of the overactive summer crowd.
Possible Price Advantages: While winter won’t have an outstanding effect on overall market pricing, the lowered frenzy in demand may help you get a better deal.
Availability of Best Agents: Summer is the busiest time for lake real estate specialists. The off-season allows those lake experts to dedicate more time to your dream home journey.
Summer is the ideal season to buy a lake property, but waiting until winter has its advantages. Don’t let the chilly weather stop you from finding your dream home!
One of the most appealing aspects of this lakeside cabin nestled within New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region is its 1950s camp-style charm. Originally constructed as a summer cottage, the dwelling was desperate for some long-overdue TLC and a modern update to allow the current owners, who live in New York City, to enjoy all four seasons on the lake. So when they enlisted architect Katie Cassidy Sutherland of kcs ARCHITECTS, their primary goal was to preserve nearly every facet of the original cabin, particularly the rustic ceiling beams, the knotty pine wallboards, and the surrounding mature trees—even those that partially obstructed the breathtaking water view.
“Snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular winter lake pastimes on New Hampshire lakes,” says Katie, “and this is certainly a place where winter and summer alike can be enjoyed. So first, we created a coat of continuous insulation around the building walls and roof to take the chill off. We then put new wood board siding—vertical Alaskan yellow cedar sheathing paired with red asphalt roof shingles—characteristic of New Hampshire camps, but with more contemporary details and much larger windows,” she adds.
This allowed the inside to maintain the same cottage feel with exposed framing and wood boards, also distinctive of summer lake cottages in New Hampshire. In addition, all windows were replaced with insulated glass casements, which are much more airtight than the existing original single-glazed double-hung windows.
“A large two-story opening was created to open up views to the lake from the main living space and primary bedroom above,” Katie continues. “The house was built in the 50s as a summer camp and now retains that rustic New Hampshire vibe with a stronger visual connection to the trees and lake.”
Sign Language
The cabin’s original signature mark—a colorful hex sign—lends a unique artistic embellishment to the lake-facing façade. Since the original had deteriorated, the owners commissioned Claypoole Hexsigns in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania, to recreate it. The symbol means “good luck in all four seasons of the year.”
“To enhance up the exterior, we detailed wood plank doors outside some of the glass doors to serve as storm doors in the colder winter months,” says Katie. “They are installed with old-school hook and eye hardware to keep them held open in the summer months.”
Effortless Entry
Sunlight streams through the living room’s main seating area via a wall of windows and a pair of glassed doors flanking either side. Matching Heywood Wakefield chairs from Strictly Hey-Wake in Hagerstown, Maryland—near the wife’s childhood home—immediately capture the 50s vibe that flows throughout the entire home. “We intentionally kept all the details very minimal, says Katie, “to celebrate the 1950s modernism.”
View Finder
“Our design concept was to open the house up more to the lake in front of it and create more living space with a primary view to the shore,” Katie explains. “We added a lot of larger insulated glass openings and doors to better connect the experience to its beautiful setting. In the living room, fixed bottom windows are combined with tilt-and-turn top windows,” she sums.
Modern Hues, Cabin Charm
“We wanted to push the modern details, colors, and patterns inside,” Katie explains. “The clients were heavily involved with furniture and fabric selection as well as the overall vision. We wanted to have a couple of different colors to create playful movement, so we designed teal concrete counters to pick up on the summer hues outside. Splashes of sunny yellow and a mix of natural wood and white cabinet doors complement the 50s look,” she notes.
Katie designed a small addition on the cabin’s south side to include a dining area featuring sliding doors that open to the lake. She incorporated a steel support beam to allow the kitchen to flow directly into the new dining room. She also removed the drop ceiling to expose the original structural wood beams and installed Juno track lights that are cleverly tucked between them. A delightfully distressed picnic table, where the family enjoys games and puzzles, was reclaimed from the original owners.
“The family drives in from the city to enjoy their home primarily in the summers and during school holidays throughout the year,” says Katie. “They are avid hikers, campers, and kayakers, and I must say, they are culinary geniuses as well. I relish every dinner invitation,” she laughs. “The kitchen is well used and a perfect spot to bring friends together near and far.”
Happy Meals
The newly created dining area continues the kitchen’s whimsical midcentury-modern vibe with cheery yellow cushioned banquettes that wrap the room and provide plenty of seating space for guests. Splashes of teal from the countertops are echoed in the overhead pendant light and table lamp. The wife, a talented photographer and avid Gillian Welch fan, purchased the colorful silkscreen prints above the banquette.
Suite Dreams
On the second level, which was once an attic-like storage space, Katie designed an open and airy private suite for the homeowners with a beautiful birch plywood floor and sweeping views of the lake. To retain the room’s quirky camp-cabin feel, she left the pine wall boards that don’t quite reach the ceiling intact. A Haiku fan light from Big Ass Fans accentuates the soaring ceiling height and provides cool ventilation in the summer.
Sleek Simplicity
The couple’s bathroom, located behind their bedroom, features a skylight that Katie added to brighten the space. Kohler Purist fixtures complement a custom maple vanity with a white concrete top. Rain Gloss glass Roku wall tile by Walter Zanger strikes a visually satisfying contrast against the textured Original Style Moonbeam penny-round ceramic floor tile.
A plank door is a replica of one of the cabin’s original doors. “I love the juxtaposition of the modern frameless glass shower and glass tiles with the rustic repurposed 1950s-style plank door,” Katie says. “It is one of my favorite detail moments in the interior.”
Bunk Bliss
The existing bunk rooms on either end of the home were lovingly restored for the owners’ daughter and son. They both retain the original bunk beds and natural pine boards. Katie installed larger windows so the kids could experience magical views of the lake.
Easy Access
On top of the dining addition, Katie designed a new deck on the cabin’s south side accessible from the couple’s private suite. “I love that they can go directly from the lake right up to their bathroom,” she says. “Since our renovation, the family spends summers and winter holidays here. The homeowners were thoughtful and meticulous about creating a four-season retreat with modern sensibilities and vibrant midcentury-modern style,” she adds. “Working with such creative clients—a photographer and her husband, an attorney who plays the cello beautifully—really made for an inspiring and enjoyable design collaboration.”
The Puget Sound AVA (American Viticultural Area) yields only one percent of all grapes grown in Washington, so what’s the draw of visiting wineries near this unique body of water? As the only grape-growing region in western Washington, the Puget Sound AVA features a milder climate than its eastern counterparts. Consequently, it is the ideal location to grow Pinot Noir, Riesling, and lesser-known white grapes, such as Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe. However, not all wineries in the area use grapes grown in the Puget Sound AVA, with some preferring grapes from eastern Washington regions that produce deeper reds. Journey with us as we visit various Puget Sound wineries and taste the robust flavor of Washington wines!
If green, local, and sustainable appeal to you, Bainbridge Vineyards is a must-visit. Certified organic in 2014, Bainbridge Vineyards craft their wines solely from grapes grown in their vineyards. They prize a hands-on approach to winemaking, using draft horses and human-powered fieldwork. They also host internship programs to educate and train future farmers. If you get a chance to peruse the enchanting Bainbridge Vineyards, make sure to try the Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine, and Raspberry Dessert Wine.
Lopez Island Vineyards may be a small winery, but its reputation is hard to beat. Nestled on the northwest end of Lopez Island, only 55 miles from Lake Whatcom, this family-run vineyard has formulated praiseworthy whites for over 30 years. You don’t want to skip their tasting room: a wood and stone chalet resembling a Medieval mead hall overlooking charming gardens and vast vineyards. Once inside—after you take a moment to soak in these remarkable views—be sure to order the Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine.
The barn-style tasting room, surrounding forest, and the beloved vineyard dogs make Spoiled Dog Winery the ideal outdoor oasis. Spoiled Dog differs from other Puget Sound wineries that use estate-grown grapes, as it specializes in Pinot Noir. The owner, Karen, has a law and engineering background. So she loves to merge her brain’s left and right sides into a creative montage to produce stellar Pinot Noirs in a challenging climate. In addition to the Pinot Noir, the Pomo di Moro pear wine, the Deception Red Blend, and the lavender-infused Verjus are must-tries!
Wineries Using Grapes from Eastern Washington AVAs
Now one of the most renowned wineries in Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s initial goal was to debunk the theory that quality wine only originates from Italy or California. Only 13 miles from Lake Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle boasts the fullness of Washington flavors. Accordingly, it features two avant-garde wineries, one for whites in the Puget Sound AVA and one for reds in the eastern Canoe Ridge Estate. If you find yourself at Chateau Ste. Michelle, spend time exploring the outdoor gardens, marveling at the architecture, and sipping the unbeatable Riesling varieties.
With an urban location, winery dogs, casual ambiance, and throwback hip-hop music, Structure Cellars is not your typical winery. When the owners, Brian and Brandee, opened Structure Cellars, they said: “Seattle [has] found the tasting room it didn’t know it was missing.” Customers commend Brian and Brandee for their involvement, friendly attitudes, and ability to make anyone feel like family. If you get a chance to visit, you can’t go wrong with the Red Hills Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot.
Showcasing a chic three-story tasting room, DeLille Cellars was one of the first wineries in Washington to achieve Robert Parker’s five-star excellence rating. In 1994, DeLille Cellars purchased the rights to Harrison Hill Vineyard, obtaining some of Washington’s oldest and most coveted vines. Located 12 miles from Lake Sammamish, DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to specialize in both red and white Bordeaux-style blends. Their founders’ philosophy is that “all good blends transcend the sum of their individual parts.” So a visit to DeLille Cellars is not complete without trying their Bordeaux-style blends!
While the Puget Sound region is known for its white wines, the local wineries produce a myriad of flavors, solidifying Chateau Ste. Michelle’s theory: Washington can indeed compete with the wine giants of the world.
