If you’ve heard the rumor that “wine is a dying industry,” it’s time to uncork the truth. While the wine world may look different than it did 20 years ago, it’s anything but dead. In fact, it’s evolving, innovating, and reaching new audiences in exciting ways.

Here are 7 reasons why the wine industry is not just surviving, but thriving:
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​The wine industry isn’t fading, it’s transforming. With new audiences, innovative products, and a focus on quality and connection, wine continues to be one of the most dynamic industries in the beverage world. So the next time someone says “wine is dead,” raise a glass and remind them: the best vintages are still ahead. 

Built in 1937 from the very stones blasted from Knapp’s Hill Tunnel, The Stone House stands as one of Lake Chelan’s most iconic landmarks. A legacy home that has quietly witnessed the transformation of Chelan from a rugged orchard town to a celebrated wine country destination.

What was once a private residence built by local craftsman John Rainier became the beloved lifelong home of his wife, Marjorie “Ma” Rainier, a legendary Chelan High School math teacher and girls’ basketball coach who shaped nearly three generations of Chelan students. Fierce, brilliant, and unforgettable, “Ma” Rainier was known for remembering not just every student she ever taught… but exactly where they sat in her classroom.

For more than five decades, she poured resilience, discipline, and inspiration into the Chelan Valley, all while living inside the very walls of this remarkable stone home.

A Rare Stay Between Past and Present
Today, The Stone House is available as a one-of-a-kind VRBO, where guests can quite literally step inside Chelan history, with legendary Lake Chelan in its front yard, and the award-winning Callan Cellars Wine Tasting oasis in its back yard.

• Front porch sunrise over the lake
• Evening wine tastings just steps behind the house
• Thick stone walls whispering stories of the 1930s
• The soul of a teacher who poured herself into a community

It’s not just a place to stay, it’s an experience layered in legacy, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. A home built to last. A home built to teach. A home, now shared with guests, that has already shaped the future of an entire valley.

More Than a Getaway — It’s a Memory You Get to Live Inside
Whether you arrive for a private wine weekend, a Chelan exploration retreat, or to wake up inside the history you once only heard about, The Stone House offers something rare, a place where time doesn’t just pass, it deepens.

Now accepting upcoming stays and private retreat inquiries.
If you’d like to experience The Stone House for yourself, follow this link, we’d love to welcome you into this next chapter of its story.

Callan Cellars continues to solidify its reputation for excellence, bringing home four Gold medals at the prestigious 2025 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition, a thrilling event that drew 168 wineries and 739 entries from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
 
Award-Winning Wines from Callan

• 2022 Founders Reserve – Gold + 92 points
• 2022 Petit Verdot – Gold + 92 points
• 2023 Cinsault – Gold + 91 points
• 2024 Grenache Blanc – Gold + 90 points

These accolades reflect Lisa Callan’s unwavering dedication to crafting outstanding wines. Half the magic happens in the vineyard, where hand-harvested fruit and gentle handling set the stage for exceptional character in every bottle.

Why These Awards Count
Winning gold in multiple categories at this competition is no small feat. The judging process is rigorous, hundreds of wines evaluated blind by expert panels over three days, so scores like 90–92 points are a true testament to quality. 

A Toast to Craftsmanship and Quality
From the Reserve blend and bold Petit Verdot to the refreshing Grenache Blanc and expressive Cinsault, Callan Cellars shows off its versatility, and deep respect for varietal integrity. These awards shine a spotlight on the artistry behind each vintage.

Join the Celebration!
Our award-winning wines are now available for tasting at both our Woodinville and Chelan tasting rooms. Whether you’re new to Callan or a longtime fan, there’s no better time to explore our latest releases.

Discover the gold...sip, savor, and celebrate with us at Callan Cellars!

In 2024, Lisa Callan earned the prestigious title of Washington Winemaker of the Year, a recognition richly deserved for her artistry, skill, and commitment to quality.

Lisa’s winemaking journey began with a bold leap: launching her own label, Callan Cellars, in 2016 after graduating from Washington State University’s enology program in 2012 and serving as assistant winemaker at a small winery in Woodinville. What started as a modest garage project quickly grew, supported by her husband Mike and a fierce belief in her vision.

Central to Lisa’s success is her close collaboration with a select group of Eastern Washington vineyards, each chosen for shared values around gentle grape handling and hand harvesting:

• Avennia Estate Vineyard
• Boushey Vineyards (Yakima Valley): Known for elite Picpoul, Grenache Blanc and Syrah grapes; its owner Dick Boushey is renowned as one of Washington’s top growers
• Ciel du Cheval
• Clos Chevalle
• Elephant Mountain
• Olsen
• Quintessence
• Seven Hills

These partnerships go beyond transactions, they are built on Lisa’s hands-on approach and shared dedication to premium fruit, ensuring each grape is treated with respect from vine to winery.

Lisa’s passion for unique white varietals shines in her Picpoul and Grenache Blanc offerings:

• Picpoul (Boushey): The first vintage she produced at Callan Cellars. It won Best White Wine at the Great Northwest Invitational and remains her personal favorite.
• Grenache Blanc: Her top-selling white, celebrated for its vibrant acidity and layered flavors. Both wines earned double gold medals at the Seattle Wine Awards.

Lisa's red blends, crafted from fruit sourced at Ciel du Cheval, Elephant Mountain, and Quintessence, consistently earn 90+ scores in respected wine publications and competitions. Her dedication to excellence is a hallmark of every bottle.

For Lisa, winemaking is more than craft, it’s a community effort rooted in relationships. She collaborates closely with vineyard teams to ensure hand-harvested, premium quality, reflecting her belief that quality begins in the vineyard. Speaking of harvest, Lisa has often shared how it’s her "happy place" full of laughter, hard work, and grape magic.

Her motto? “We believe it is our responsibility to strive for perfection, for our customers, clients, ourselves and our community.” That commitment is clear in every bottle bearing her name.

Lisa Callan’s path, from a garage-backed hobby to state-wide acclaim, is a testament to talent, tenacity, and trust. Through her award-winning wines, close vineyard partnerships, and pioneering white varietals, she’s reshaping Washington’s wine scene, one carefully crafted glass at a time.
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