Vin du Lac Winery proposes major expansion in Chelan

CHELAN — Vin du Lac Winery is proposing a substantial expansion of its Spader Bay Road property, including a new tasting room, covered outdoor patio and more than twice the site's existing parking capacity.

The City of Chelan received a commercial building permit application for improvements to the roughly 6.4-acre winery property at 105 Spader Bay Road. The property would remain an active vineyard and winery throughout the project.

Plans call for construction of a new 1,709-square-foot tasting room and 1,480-square-foot covered outdoor patio. An existing office and apartment building would be reconstructed into office and restroom space, with a 407-square-foot garage added to its north end.

The property currently includes three buildings — an office and apartment, shop and bistro — along with vineyards, utility structures and other improvements.

Parking would increase from 37 to 75 spaces, including three ADA-accessible stalls. Plans also include revised driveways and parking layouts, new asphalt surfacing, landscaping, retaining walls, pedestrian pathways, lighting, stormwater facilities, utility upgrades and improved fire access.

The application identifies property owner Larry Lehmbecker as the applicant and Syndicate Smith LLC, represented by Todd Smith, as the authorized agent.

The city received the application July 27 and determined it was complete Aug. 5.

Chelan is also conducting environmental review of the proposal under the State Environmental Policy Act. The city, acting as the lead agency, said it expects to issue a determination of non-significance, meaning it does not expect the proposal to have probable significant adverse environmental impacts requiring a more extensive environmental review.

No public hearing is currently scheduled.

The public, agencies and tribes may submit comments on the proposal through 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Comments may address the project and its potential environmental impacts before the city makes its decision.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media