Our WHY ?

We chose the Chelan AVA for its natural beauty and the believe it has the potential to produce outstanding wines. We are the most northern AVA in Washington separated from the mammoth Columbia Valley geographically and by climate and soils. Our valley differs from the massive Columbia Valley’s basalt-based geology by having unique volcanic and granite-based soils deposited by glaciers and volcanic eruptions tens of thousands of years ago. Lake Chelan is the 3rd deepest lake in the US acts as a heat sink that moderates our temperatures throughout the year.

Finding the Chelan Valley represents our search for that special place; the end of the road, off the beaten track – the unpaved primitive road. Grape growing here is not for the faint of heart, but if you, like us, believe great wines are made in the vineyard then the Lake Chelan AVA has that potential. The best grapes are grown at the extremes of where they can ripen and the vines must struggle - poor soil, rocks, and deficit irrigation stress our vines. Growing grapes in these conditions is a delicate balance. However, there is something magical that happens when the exact amount of sun, soil and terroir leads to the perfect harmony - the moment of viticultural Zen.

Viticulturally speaking, the Chelan AVA is the place we believe we can grow grapes with a perfect balance of ripeness, acidity, and complex flavors. In the cellar, we keep our interventions low with the hope this unique terroir will shine through. Our passion is to share that bottle with you.

So, come share our journey. Share the joy, share the experience and share the pain when a harvest goes bad but most importantly, share the hope that the perfect season is just around the corner.

You will always be welcome at Primitive Road. Come join us in a glass.

Slàinte,

Robb and Lyndsey