Nefarious Cellars

This is clearly one of my top 10 wineries to visit in the state for a host of reasons. It starts with the wine, of course and in this regard both whites and reds excel. The friendliness of owners Dean and Heath Neff adds to the charm and relaxed feel of the place. Then you adding the OMG views from the deck of the winery overlooking rows of vineyards and Lake Chelan in the distance and you have the makings of a fun-filled afternoon.

A visit to the winery reveals that Heather creates the white wines, and Dean makes the reds. In Heather’s world, fruit is separated quickly from the skins and bathed in stainless steel. In Dean’s world of red, skins and pulp, touched by oak, commingle for long periods. A sample of Heather’s “Consequence” (a blend of sauvignon blanc and riesling) will encourage you to take your glass outside to the patio and enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Chelan. However, as you progress to the reds, Dean’s jammy and hedonistic Defiance Vineyard syrah will have you wanting New York strip steak to pair with this wine. Whether you are a red fan or a white aficionado, Nefarious wines will delight.

A recently completed red-and-gray dwelling houses both the wine production facility and the living quarters for Dean, Heather, and their two cellar rat, sons George and Cooper. The walkway leads to a generous door that opens to a spacious tasting room. The tasting room takes advantage of a spectacular view of Lake Chelan and the surrounding hills. Outside the tasting room is a large patio, complete with Adirondack-style deck furniture—a perfect setting in which to uncork a bottle of Nefarious and take in the view. The view itself is clearly among the top 10 in Washington.

Whether you are a red fan or a white fan, you’ll find a swirl and taste of the Neffs’ wine a wickedly good experience. It’s simply Nefarious.

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  Nefarious Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Lake Chelan South Shore WineTrail on page 234!