When Julie and Bret Pittsinger opened Karma Vineyards on the beautiful south shore of Lake Chelan in 2007, they had plenty to celebrate. Not only were they launching a business named in honor of their children, Karle and Matthew, they were introducing the first méthode champenoise house to Washington’s eleventh American Viticultural Area, the Lake Chelan AVA.
Two years earlier, they had hired a winemaker who formerly had worked at Moët in France. From him they learned what they needed to know to begin to produce their Sparkling wines in the traditional method by which Champagne is made. Julie and Bret became committed to producing their wines using the authentic French time-honored practices, including aging on lees and secondary bottle fermentation.
Today, Karma Vineyards is lauded for its elegant portfolio of wines now crafted by Winemaker Craig Mitrakul, who joined the winery in 2011. In fact, the 2011 Méthode Champenoise Brut was recently voted the Number 1 Bubbly in the Pacific Northwest by Wine Press Northwest, who said, “Winemaker Craig Mitrakul is crafting some of the Northwest’s most delicious Sparkling wines along the south shore of Lake Chelan.”
Wherever the finest Sparkling wine is produced, good times surely follow. Hosting more than 40 weddings and dozens of events each season, Karma Vineyards is dedicated to hospitality. Guests have so many opportunities to celebrate on its grounds. There is an amphitheater ideal for gatherings, offering a stunning view of Lake Chelan, the acclaimed 18 Brix Restaurant, featuring the inspired cuisine of Executive Chef Brant Davis Jones, and a 3,000-square foot wine cave with an intimate dining room and dance floor.
Actually, Karma Vineyards treats every day like a special event. Tasting room guests are invited to sample the wines at seated tastings, and daily Champagne tours demonstrate how the finest Sparkling wine is produced.
For more information, please visit: goodkarmawines.com
What to Buy
’13 All American Chardonnay – $26.99
Tropical fruit
’11 Brut – $49.99
Apple, pear, rising bread dough, lightly toasted hazelnut
’11 Karma Zen – $49.99
Spicy sweet cherry, ripe blackberries, notes of cedar, toasty vanilla
Special Notes
Champagne tours daily, restaurant on site, weddings and receptions, underground wine cave, pet friendly, kid friendly.
Contact
1681 S Lakeshore Rd.
Chelan, WA 98816
Phone: 509-682-5538
Email: info@goodkarmawines.com
Website: goodkarmawines.com
Tasting Room: Open Mon–Sat 11–5; Sun 11–3
Touring & Tasting
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine.
