Winemaker Garrett Grubbs propels Tsillan Cellars to unprecedented success

CHELAN — Tsillan Cellars, a pioneering winery in the Lake Chelan region, continues to garner accolades in major wine competitions, solidifying its position as a leading producer in the state's wine industry.

Under the guidance of Head Winemaker Garrett Grubbs, who joined the winery in 2021, Tsillan Cellars has achieved unprecedented success. The winery's recent performance at the 2024 Cascadia Wine Competition resulted in six gold medals, including Best-of-Class awards for its estate-grown Syrah and Viognier.

This success follows a string of impressive showings in other competitions. At the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest in the United States, Tsillan Cellars emerged as the most awarded Washington winery, securing four Double Gold and five Gold medals. The winery also dominated the Seattle Wine Competition, earning 18 Gold and Double Gold medals out of 20 entries.

Grubbs, a Wenatchee Valley native and Washington State University alumnus, has been instrumental in elevating the winery's profile since taking the helm. In 2023, Tsillan Cellars received six Best of Class awards at the West Coast Wine Competition, including a rare 100-point score for its Bellissima Rossa Bordeaux Blend.

The winery's consistent performance has placed it among the top ten all-time Platinum Winners in the Great Northwest Best of the Best Platinum Competition, which includes over 2,000 wineries from the Pacific Northwest.

Industry observers note that these achievements highlight the potential of the Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area (AVA) and its "Golden Mile" vineyards. The winery's success is seen as a significant boost to the region's reputation in the broader Washington wine landscape.

Tsillan Cellars, founded by Dr. Bob Jankelson, continues to operate from its Italian-inspired facility, welcoming thousands of visitors annually to its Lake Chelan location.