A vine filled day with sparkling wines at Karma Vineyards in Lake Chelan, Washington State is a must. In fact on day two of our #WBC13 pre-conference visit to Lake Chelan Wine Valley we began our day at Karma Vineyards. Yes, we were in for a very special threat. We soon discovered that Karma uses the traditional méthode champenoise to produce their sparkling wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Karma Vineyards is one of the few Méthode Champenoise producers in Washington State. This Lake Chelan winery is located in the north central part of Washington State. The Lake Chelan AVA is a sub-appellation of the Columbia Valley AVA. What defines Lake Chelan AVA is its location at an higher elevation, unique soils and the overall effect of the lake on the growing season. Wines Northwest describes this area as the newest and amongst the most scenic of Washington State's wine growing regions. Karma Vineyards certainly fits this profile.
Upon arrival at Karma Vineyards our group was served welcoming drinks. This was followed by a tour of the wine cellar.
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Welcoming drinks at Karma Vineyards © Spaswinefood
After the refreshing welcoming drinks we were met by Julie and Bret Pittsinger, owners and Craig Mitrakul, winemaker. Next it was onto the cellar where we were given an overview of the winery's history. Our hosts also explained the use of méthode champenoise to make their wines.
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Julie Pittsinger, owner and Craig Mitrakul, winemaker © Spaswinefood
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After the wine cellar tour it was time for brunch. Karma Vineyards is absolutely a beautiful setting for brunch. The dining area looks onto the vineyards.
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| Welcome to Karma Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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Vineyard view from the dining area © Spaswinefood
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Brunch time at Karma Winery, Lake Chelan © Spaswinefood
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During a wonderful brunch at
Karma Vineyards we sampled more of Karma's wines. One of the wines was Karma Vineyards Brut, Columbia Valley 2010.
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Karma Vineyards Methode Champenoise Brut, Columbia Valley 2011 © Spaswinefood
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| An amazing brunch at Karma Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Do Good #1 © Spaswinefood |
During brunch we were also introduced to wines from other wineries, such as
Cairdeas Winery and
Hard Row to Hoe.
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Cairdeas Winery, Lake Chelan © Spaswinefood
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Hard Row to Hoe, Lake Chelan © Spaswinefood
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Hard Row to Hoe The Coquette, Columbia Valley 2011 © Spaswinefood
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Without doubt we sampled some great sparkling wines over brunch.
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| Karma Vineyards Sparkling Wines © Spaswinefood |
I particularly liked the slogan on the water glasses.
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| Do Good #2 © Spaswinefood |
Karma Vineyards is an amazing setting for brunch.
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| Fish pond at Karma Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
After brunch is was onto the vineyard at the top of the hill. We took the Karma trolley to the vineyards at the top.
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| Karma Trolley © Spaswinefood |
The vineyard views from the top are absolutely awesome.
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The vineyard at the top © Spaswinefood
Julie Pittsinger, owner © Spaswinefood
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Julie Pittsinger, owner © Spaswinefood
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Patio at the top of the vineyard © Spaswinefood
When visiting a winery Spaswinefood always enjoys spending time with the winemaker.
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Craig Mitrakul, winemaker © Spaswinefood
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Spaswinefood chilling with Winehooch at Karma Vineyards © Spaswinefood
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You can check the latest reviews of Karma Winery at gogobot, Tripadvisor and Yelp.
Winery Tours
After brunch at Karma Winery our tour options included visiting a number of wineries. I chose Karma and visited their new production facility.
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| Limos waiting to take wine bloggers to wineries © Spaswinefood |
It is without doubt that our visit to Karma Vineyards was definitely an highlight of the Wine Bloggers Conference #WBC13 pre-conference tour to Lake Chelan Wine Valley. The first grapes were planted in the area 1891. However, it was not until Lake Chelan became a popular tourist destination that today's modern wine industry began. Today Karma Vineyards is one of the over 50 wineries in the area. During our tour we were introduced to the best of wine happenings in Lake Chelan. Amongst my discoveries in Lake Chelan Wine Country I would put Karma Vineyards at the top of the list. If your plans include a visit to Lake Chelan put Karma Vineyards on your list. You will be glad you did. You will discover some amazing wines and great vineyard views. I look forward to writing more about my travels in Lake Chelan Wine Valley and elsewhere in Washington State at Spaswinefood,.
Lake Chelan Wine Country, Washington State
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