Lost River Winery

A river is "lost” when its runoff dwindles and it seemingly disappears. In fact, however, the river is still active and running strong below the pebbles and bedrock of the riverbed. The Lost River Winery is not apparent either, unless you happen to appreciate outstanding wine and find yourself in the frontier town of Winthrop. Tucked in the northern tip of the north-central wine country region, this gem of a winery is where John Morgan and company “produce fine wine at a fair price.”

A civil engineer by background, John and his spouse, Barbara House, moved to the Methow Valley in 2001 to create fine wines. With no vineyards to consume his time, John can focus on the art of winemaking. However, for an engineer, the biochemistry of winemaking is always at the forefront, presenting a “solving for x” problem. With engaging eyes and a sturdy demeanor, John patiently explains the art and science of winemaking to a steady stream of visitors to the tasting room. Don’t be surprised when he waxes eloquently about the thickness of the staves, a wine’s length of time in the barrel, and the frequency of racking to control such aspects as the amount of oxygen in the wine. John is passionate about winemaking. Not to worry though; the only test you will have is to swirl and taste his finished product.

Barbara and her son Liam Doyle (who is also a partner in the winery) are usually in the tasting room pouring samples and explaining how Lost River Winery produces such excellent wine. While Winthrop may not be the winemaking center of the universe, it is in fact close to the wine cornucopia of the famed Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. It is also just an hour’s drive north of the Chelan Valley wine region. Being the only winery in this funky frontier town has its distinct advantages. After you park your horse and mosey around the town, with its wooden sidewalks and cowboy-friendly storefronts, you will likely develop a powerful thirst for a delicious cabernet or syrah. The relaxed atmosphere of the Lost River Winery offers the perfect place to quench your thirst, learn about winemaking, and meet some very good people. Giddy up, partner!

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  Lost River Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Lake Chelan North Shore WineTrail on page 256!