Hard Row is a small boutique winery on the north shore of Lake Chelan in picturesque Manson, Washington. Their southwest facing vineyard looks out over the lake and the peaks of the North Cascade Mountains which provide the clear, glacial water to irrigate the vines.

Hard Row is dedicated to the production of ultra-premium wines from estate grapes as well as from designated vineyards across Washington. They focus on seeking out unfamiliar varietals from lesser-known vineyards, as well as from the Lake Chelan AVA, Washington\’s smallest appellation. The winemaking philosophy is one of letting the fruit speak for itself through the use of gentle handling techniques, as little manipulation as possible and the prudent use of new oak.

The Hard Row name celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of a man who ran a row boat taxi service on Lake Chelan in the 1930’s ferrying miners by rowboat to a brothel located at Point Lovely. Nectar Tasting Room is excited to share the Hard Row to Hoe wine with you. We encourage you to visit the Chelan area, but until then, stop by and experience the Hard Row story.

Meet the owners, Judy and Don Phelps

Don, who manages the vineyard, has a Master\’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University specializing in water resources and works in his private practice in Chelan. Don is a Board member for the Columbia Cascade Winery Association.

Winemaker Judy Phelps has a Master of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Connecticut Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department. She retired from her corporate career in research and development at Pfizer, Inc. in 2006. Judy completed the Winemaking Certificate program at the University of California at Davis in July 2006. She is a past President of the Lake Chelan Wine Grape Growers association and still sits on the Board for that organization.

The Wine at Nectar Tasting Room

2006 Syrah $32- Big bold and spicy. This Syrah is perfect with spicy pork ribs. It starts smooth and provides aromas of bacon, campfire, bright plums, and pepper.

2099 Pinot Gris $18- Lower alcohol wine that makes the perfect afternoon sipper. It has zippy acidity with pineapple and honey flavors along with some earth and mineral notes. Light and refreshing

Non-Vintage Pinot Noir $30- The wine is a medium ruby red with aromas of cedar, red cherry and raspberry. Medium bodied, spicy and smooth textured, it has ample sweet fruit and good varietal character.

2007 Primitivo $32 – Big bold and delicious filled with fruit, minimal oak and tannins, exotic spices and a finish that goes on forever. Genetically identical to Zinfandel. Hard Row is one of the few wineries in the state producing this wine.

2007 Cabernet Franc $35- Dark cherry, currant, ground black pepper flavors open up to a broad palate and a soft finish. This glides over the tongue like silk and pairs beautifully with seafood and poultry as well as heartier red meat dishes.

2007 Iron Bed Red Blend $28- 40% Cab Sauv, 40% Cab Franc, 10% Zinfandel and 10% Syrah – rated \”Excellent\” by Wine Press Northwest Magazine. This lively and balanced wine displays red currants, boysenberries, cordial cherries, pouch tobacco, and baker\’s chocolate.

2007 Shameless Hussy Barbera $24- Good acid with slightly tart cranberry and blueberry that make it a perfect pairing for Italian dishes. Blended with 25% Merlot

2009 Shameless Hussy Sangiovese Rose $22- Dry fruity, tart and refreshing. Like drinking strawberries. The wine is versatile and will pair well with many styles of food. Try it with smoked fish, beef stew or even wasabi peas.