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But while Lake Chelan was initially thought to be ideal for the cool-climate grapes that thrive in the Finger Lakes, like pinot, chardonnay, riesling and gewürztraminer, “we’ve come to realize that because we’re a little drier, because we’re also high desert and, in certain areas, a little warmer, we can also grow a lot of other grapes as well,” Ms. Fanton said.

Digestion was stimulated by Meier Ohio sherry, Louis Martini Pinot Chardonnay and finally, for the toast, Taylor's New York State champagne brut.

The profusion of Pinot Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other Champagne grapes sometimes led to confusion among the vintners.

In white wines, Pinot Chardonnay, for example, is related to a Pouilly-Fuiss� or a Chablis, white Riesling to a dry Rhine, Sauvignon Blanc to a superior dry Graves; in the reds.

The day has not yet come when Pinot Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon are as well known as Medoc or Bordeaux.