Mark and Lexi Garvin of Tipsy Canyon Winery
Mark and Tami Garvin spent 30+ years at Boeing, he doing many different jobs, especially Project Management. They had a vacation home on Lake Chelan, and always dreamed of retiring to the area. Tami converted Mark from a Rainier Beer drinker to a wine lover, mostly by taking him to wine regions, including Lake Chelan wineries. Mark got really interested in wine, and imagined himself pouring wine for wineries once he retired. But then he acquired 400 lbs of grapes and started making wine for friends in his vacation home garage. After 6 years, the winemaking hobby had mushroomed out of control, to the point that the couple decided to start a winery. In 2013, they purchased 8 acres of grass in the north shore area of Lake Chelan. They planted a 2 ½ acre vineyard and built a beautiful tasting room in 2019, complete with outdoor stage for summer concerts. It is a stunningly beautiful setting, overlooking Roses and Wapato Lakes, vineyards, foothills, and mountains.
Mark and Tami’s daughter Lexi was very supportive of their winery vision, and three years ago moved to Lake Chelan full time to be assistant winemaker and events manager for their Tipsy Canyon Winery. While working at the winery, she completed the WSU Enology Program. Tipsy Canyon focuses on Bordeaux style red wines, and single varietal white wines that aren’t often seen in Washington. For example, they produce an estate Pinot Blanc that is perfect for summer sipping, and an off-dry Moscato that is ideal for spicy foods. They source grapes from their own vineyard, others in the Lake Chelan AVA, and Red Mountain, particularly the Quintessence Vineyard. In May 2024, Tipsy Canyon is partnering with Tsillan Cellars to offer a cruise from Athens to Barcelona. There will be stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy and Barcelona. Both wineries’ wines will be on board for tastings and food pairings, and there will be wine excursions possible at each stop.
Listen to the Interview: