hard row to hoe.

for my birthday this year, the husband planned a trip for two to lake chelan, wa. being in wine country, of course, we toured several wineries ... hard row to hoe being our favorite, by far.


what this place lacked in size, they made up for with awesome marketing, great customer service, attention to every minor detail, and lovely wine.

here's the story behind the name:

"It is not unusual in remote mining areas to find a story about a local brothel, and Lake Chelan had its stories also.

Edgemont Lodge was built about 1924 a few miles uplake from Lucerne at Lightning Creek in an area called Point Lovely.

During the late 1930's construction was winding down at Grand Coulee Dam and a few of the Coulee Dam 'professional' ladies moved to Edgemont Lodge to 'serve' the miners from the newly operational Howe Sound Mine.

One story has it that a long-time Manson resident ran a rowboat taxi service from Lucerne to Point Lovely in support of the thriving enterprise. Hence the name ... Hard Row to Hoe."

here's the owner, he was way nice. he and his wife run the winery together.


even the way they displayed the wine bottles was pretty.


vintage 'ladies of the night' photos were an added touch.


along with all kinds of other fun, era-appropriate decor.


a key for each of the 'ladies.'


haha, photo complete with the owner in the mirror trying to figure out the camera.


bathroom decor.


wallpaper in the bathroom ... yeah, take a closer look.


their designer imported this wallpaper from belgium. who knew!


cute little porch to enjoy the vineyard—although, i'm sure this aspect is much more appealing in the spring and summer. this place was great. if you're ever in the area, check it out!