Hosting Has Taught Us Who We Really Are

Wine connects us, hosting grounds us. Discover how both shape our farm, our story, and the way we share wine with you. by Chad

I’d like to open with a story, one I’ve told numerous times, but maybe not written about. It’s about hosting. As an agritourism destination, Chelan Valley Farms – by “definition” – must host. Agriculture and tourism – you and us on The Farm and at our tasting room. By its nature, wine is a beautiful hosting tool to foster connection. After all, connection is what we all deeply crave. Connection to one another, connection to our food, connection to our land.

But hosting may be something that we don’t all feel we’re built for – I’ll share some cool resources from Carey Davidson. And, of course, wine is a natural hosting vehicle for connection in a meal or conversation with friends. It’s wine that brought us to the helm of hosting. It’s wine that created this journey we’re on. It’s wine that introduced us to many of you – for that, we’re thankful.

The Wisdom of Winter and the Love of People

Now, let me tell a story. A story that came out of our family trips to Stehekin. For a number of years, our family has been going to Stehekin at least once per year – literally one of our favorite times together. Stehekin is almost off the grid (there’s wifi in places), no roads in or out, and in the heart of the North Cascades – a mountain lover’s paradise. It’s a time for us to explore, eat, swim, and be together.

On one of our trips, we ran into Mistaya’s Mom (Mistaya and her husband Jake own and operate Stehekin Valley Ranch; her mom has hosted for 40+ years) at the Stehekin Pastry Company. I asked her – do you have any hosting advice on how to sustain hosting energy? What she offered stuck with me:

1. You must like people.
2. Winter.

She said by the time “hosting” season ended and winter began, she was ready for a rest. But by the time spring rolled around, she was hungry to see people again. I thought this was the perfect story to emphasize our love of people and focus on agritourism. Otherwise, if we didn’t love people – all of you – it might be hard to keep it up.

But then, there’s Winter.

Hosting as a Form of Presence

As we introduce our winery name Lagriōth, which equals Lake – Agritourism – Growth combined. Our definition of agritourism is simple: it means hosting people on The Farm. Sometimes guests will refer to Italian “Agritourismo” and share their experiences. Regardless of the definition, we feel connection is at the heart of agritourism. Connection with one another, connection with the land, connection with where our food and wine are grown.

Do I need to explain why we all hunger for connection? Or is the image of sitting with friends at our tasting room in the middle of our farm tasting wine enough? Or families gathered on the lawn – parents enjoying a glass of wine together while the kiddos visit the animals. But is it just the setting or is there some science behind the hosts themselves? Enter Carey Davidson’s tools.

Enter the 5 Archetypes

The 5 Archetypes is rooted in ancient wisdom. Many of us have taken Meyers-Briggs, Enneagram, or maybe DISC. Like these, the 5 Archetypes brings self-awareness and tools for working with others, but not JUST at work. We love Carey’s renewed, refreshed, and in-depth way of bringing the 5 Archetypes to life. We started using it at home and have now started using it with our Farm and Winery team. Because we’re passionate about connecting with each of you.

Earth, Water, Fire, Wood & Metal are the elements. We’re all a mix of these and we all have primary elements. It provides insights – like primary Earths are natural caregivers. But sometimes the precision of “hosting” needs the detail of a Metal. Or to keep it fun, the energy of Fire. And as our focus is on families – wine may feel overwhelming or feel like a chore to learn if presented in too serious of a context. The goal is to meet you where you’re at… the 5 Archetypes helps us do that.

So What Story Does Our Wine Tell?

The more we’ve leaned into the 5 Archetypes, the more we’ve realized: hosting isn’t just about place – it’s about presence. And presence starts with knowing who you are. That reflection got us thinking: if we’re the hosts, and wine is what we share, then what story does our wine actually tell?

Because wine, to us, is more than just a product – it’s a connector. It helps anchor a moment, spark conversation, and bring people together. So if wine is part of how we create connection, it should reflect who we are and what we care about.

Here’s what we’re circling around – bullets that feel true to us. Maybe you can help us shape them:

• Woman winemaker – Jeana’s science mind and nurturing spirit are in every bottle.
• Family-run – From vineyard to tasting room, all five of us have hands (and hearts) in the work.
• Regenerative and Organic – Our grapes are grown without synthetic chemicals. That’s rare. It’s also alive with intention.
• Certified and serious about it – Sustainable WA™, Salmon Safe, and Organic certification are just the start. Regenerative is next.
• Lake Chelan AVA by choice – We picked this place because it can grow phenomenal grapes. But also because it feels like home.
• Wine with a relaxed edge – You don’t need a degree to enjoy wine. We believe in grounded, joyful discovery.
• Intentionally styled wines:
  • Estate Chardonnay: Chablis-inspired – lean, elegant, mineral-driven.
  • Rosé: Dry and crisp, South of France/Provence-style.
  • Pinot Noir: Grown with cooler-climate finesse in mind, aiming for Anderson Valley-like grace.
  • The Fumé: Robert Mondavi inspired, higher elevation Sauvignon Blanc.
  • The Denny: Your sharable, everyday drinking red blend.
  • Cabernet: Not a Napa fruit bomb. Think Old World restraint from rockstar WA AVA’s.

This list isn’t the final word – it’s a starting point. What resonates with you? What do you love most about our wines? We’re listening.

A Final Thought

If we’re going to help each of you host by purchasing our wines – hosting a night with your spouse or having friends over – then we also want to help you with the story. It’s each of our stories that brings the meal or evening or lunch to life. Wine has a story, and so do all of us. And like wine, it’s journey is the story.

Thanks for being here. We’re so glad to be on this journey with you.

Cheers,