I Woke Up in Chelan!

August 15, 2009

Today is Saturday, August 15th and Lake Chelan is doing its sparkling / twinkling thing that is so beautiful. With my early morning cup of Joe, I am processing an extraordinary experience from last night. As contributing writer for the new Tasting Room magazine, I came here to interview Dr. Robert (Bob) Jankelson, the owner and visionary for Tsillan Cellars. Over a fabulous meal and wonderful wines at his re-cast restaurant Sorrentos, Bob shared with me his reflections and visions for the Tsillan Cellars. This Tuscan inspired winery launched in 2004 is an amazing success story. It's no surprise that when you mix amazing views that reminds folks of Lake Como in Italy, wines matched with great food and the ambiance of a Italian villa you get satisfied customers. Of the 7,000 cases produced annually a full 95% get sold right out of the expansive tasting room.

Along the WineTrails of the northwest you meet some true visionaries--people that inspire me and get me up a little earlier to work on my to-do list. Life is short and death is long! Bob's energy is infectious and his vision for Tsillan Cellars incorporates luxurious town homes, spas, select retail with a piazza centerpiece. It's grand. It's got to be tre expensive. But somehow I believe that it will get done driven by Bob's incredible mind and his dare-to-dream ability.