Behind the Bottle: Vin Du Lac Winery, Corral Creek Cellars & Rocky Pond Winery
Behind every great bottle of wine is a story—and often, a winemaker with a deep connection to land, craft, and community. In this blog, we’re highlighting three unique voices in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley: Chad Honsinger of Vin Du Lac Winery, Dana Smith of Corral Creek Cellars (C3), and Elizabeth Keyser of Rocky Pond Estate Winery.
Each brings a distinct perspective to the winemaking process—from first-generation entrepreneurs and adventurous career pivots to world-class training and global experience. What they all share is a passion for expressive wines and a belief in the potential of Washington’s emerging wine scene.
Chad Honsinger
Vin Du Lac Winery
What inspired you to become a winemaker, and how did you get started in the industry? Is the winery family owned or involve multi generational winemaking?
I found inspiration for small agricultural beverage operations biking around Normandy’s cider region, broke, on a summer college trip. As to becoming a winemaker, on a trip to Walla Walla after college, I was inspired by what wine could offer Washington–support for sustainable small family farming operations. The multilayered complexity of wine based on soil and climate really drew me in. Vin du Lac owner Larry Lehmbecker and I are both first generation winery entrepreneurs, and I deeply respect his dedication and long-lasting commitment to Chelan winegrowing.
What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?
I love working with Syrah, the physicality of punching it down, the similarities to Pinot Noir production, the long fermentations. Syrah can exhibit such a range of flavors in Washington. I love the floral, dark- fruited expressions from the Lake Chelan area and the sapidity that reminds me of Cote-Rotie.
Which wine are you most proud of right now, and what makes it special?
I am surprised by the Vin Du Lac Roussanne from the estate Summit Vineyard up lake from Manson. It is a very cool site and the Roussanne developed a fun, alpine expression with lemon peel and a refreshing finish.
What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?
A fun food and wine pairing we recently enjoyed: a Vin du Lac Viognier paired with an asparagus-mushroom goat cheese tart.
When you’re not making wine, how do you like to spend your time around Lake Chelan?
We love to work hard and play hard. We really enjoy outdoor activities: paddleboarding, mountain biking, trail running, and skiing as much as possible when the snow hits.
Dana Smith
Corral Creek Cellars (C3)
For Dana Smith, winemaking isn’t just a craft—it’s a love story. One that began with a road trip to Walla Walla in 2019, where she and her husband, Dave, were inspired to turn their passion for wine into something more. That spark led to the creation of Corral Creek Cellars, known affectionately as C3. In just a few short years, Dana’s vision has grown into a vibrant label with a tasting room in the heart of Chelan.
Dana is a proud graduate of the WSU Enology program and the driving force behind C3’s bold, expressive wines. She brings together the structure of French varietals and the richness of Italian grapes in each bottle—especially in their signature Red Mountain blends. Alongside those powerhouse reds, Dana also crafts a refreshingly complex sparkling rosé and a dry still rosé made with grapes sourced right here in Chelan.
She and Dave have spent nearly a decade immersed in the wine world, often traveling the in their motorhome and connecting with fellow wine lovers along the way. For Dana, winemaking is personal, creative, and rooted in experience—something you can taste in every pour at C3.
Elizabeth Keyser
Rocky Pond Estate Winery
Elizabeth Keyser brings world-class experience and a spirit of innovation to Rocky Pond Estate Winery. A recent transplant from Napa Valley, Elizabeth made her mark as Assistant Winemaker at HALL Family Wines, crafting wines for the acclaimed producer’s HALL, Walt, and Baca labels. Her journey has also included time at celebrated wineries like Cliff Lede in Yountville, A to Z Wineworks in Oregon, and Hardy’s Tintara in Australia’s McLaren Vale. She holds a master’s degree in enology from Cornell University.
Elizabeth’s deep-rooted understanding of diverse varietals and winemaking styles makes her a natural fit for Rocky Pond’s dynamic, premium portfolio. But what truly sets her apart is her passion for exploring the potential of emerging wine regions—something she first tapped into while working in New York’s Finger Lakes.
Now crafting wines in the Columbia Valley AVA, Elizabeth is energized by the opportunity to be part of a community that’s writing its own rules. “Making wine in an up-and-coming region is an incomparable opportunity to push boundaries,” she says. “I look at this as a challenge to think creatively and perhaps step out of some preconceived notions about Washington wine.”
With her bold approach and world-spanning experience, Elizabeth is helping shape the future of Rocky Pond—and the region itself—one vintage at a time.
