Shameless Hussy, Burning Desire, and Double Dip Magnum: Do I have your attention yet? These are but a few of the indulgent wines offered by Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards. The story goes something like this; during the 1930’s, an entrepreneurial man ran a rowboat taxi ferrying miners across Lake Chelan to Point Lovely where pleasures were sought in the form of a brothel. Today, the area’s rich history adds influence and appeal to the highly-praised wines produced by Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards.

One reviewer’s comment seemed to encapsulate the essence of many other reviews. She wrote, “No stuffy, pretentious wine snobbery, just great wine and good conversation.” Most who take the time to review Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards mention how they appreciate the more intimate and personal aspect of the experience as opposed to a larger vineyard. Visitors to the winery consistently express delight in the owner’s embrace of local culture and their willingness to share and explain their industry. Aside from wine tasting, Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards offers activities such as live music, year-round wine and food tasting events, and even lawn games during warm summer evenings.

Shameless Hussy Viognier

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards’ Shameless Hussy Viognier has been awarded gold medals from Seattle Wine Awards, Washington State Wine Competition, and Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Whatcom Magazine explains that Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards is making “some seriously good wine” and adds, “you have got to give their Shameless Hussy 2010 Viognier a try.” The Shameless Hussy 2010 Viognier offers 13.8% alcohol by volume and can be purchased from Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards for $18. Like the experts, visitors to Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards agree this fruity wine is a definite treat.

Hard Row to Hoe Syrah

Wine Enthusiast rates the Hard Row to Hoe Syrah at 93 points describing the flavors stating, “just as you think you’ve nailed them down, they morph into something new.” Wine Spectator also gives a generous 91 points and reviewer Paul Gregutt reiterates his positive mention of the Syrah in The Spokesman-Review. Another review from Wine Press Northwest uses the word “Outstanding!” when describing the Syrah. The review continues by detailing the flavor experience, “Chocolate floats along, and blackberry and blueberry notes finish in a flourish that keeps bringing you back.” You can keep coming back to this Tri Cities Wine Festival gold medal winner for $30 a bottle shipped from the winery. Purchasing the 13.5% alcohol by volume wine elsewhere online could be challenging although its older counterpart, a 2006 Hard Row to Hoe Syrah, can be found for around $28.

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards offers enough appeal both historically and through their quality wines that, regardless of the range of knowledge held by reviewers, people nearly always enjoy their visit. As a final thought, if you decide to check out their website, be prepared to spend some time playing with the cool interactive graphic at the top. It’s like putting a virtual puzzle together waiting for the next part of the picture to unfold…very addicting.

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards

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Written By Sarah Meadows