Behind the Bottle: Diffraction Wine, La Garza Cellars & Vibe Cellars
Lake Chelan’s wine scene is as vibrant and diverse as the people behind the bottles. If you’ve ever wondered what inspires a winemaker or what makes a certain blend their pride and joy, you’re in the right place.
In this month’s feature, we’re spotlighting three local winemakers who are pouring their passion into every vintage: Charlie Lybecker of Diffraction Wine, Richard Garzon of La Garza Cellars, and Erik Cooper of Vibe Cellars. From Rhône reds to standout Chardonnays and unexpected pairings like wine and ice cream, these winemakers remind us that while wine is serious business, it’s also meant to be joyful, experimental, and shared with other people.
Charlie Lybecker
Diffraction Wine
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?
Curiosity killed the cat! I like to experiment and want to understand the why behind what makes wine work! Diffraction is certainly a family owned (and extremely family friendly (and FUN!) winery… We are first generation winemakers but my kids certainly want to take over Diffraction.
What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?
Syrah is my favorite variety (so much so that I literally tattood a cluster on my arm) because it is more expressive of its Terroir than other varieties… but really anything Rhône! Especially if its more obscure!
Which wine are you most proud of right now, and what makes it special?
I love all of our Diffraction wines but I am especially proud of the Diffraction Red Blend. Its unique and complex and totally fun. A really great wine at a really great price.
What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?
Ummmm wine and ice cream! At Diffraction we make serious wine but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Wine is supposed to be fun!
When you’re not making wine, how do you like to spend your time around Lake Chelan?
Surfing! (and playing Mario Kart or NBA Jams at Diffraction with my kids)
Richard Garzon
La Garza Cellars
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?
Winemaking evolved from a hobby, to a second career for me. We were living in the Seattle area at the time, and I found the wine academy at South Seattle CC, where I turned a passion into a new career. I worked in Woodinville as an assistant winemaker, ran a wine filtration service for accounts in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, then became a winemaker in Woodinville before coming to the Chelan Valley in 2018 to make wine. This winery is family owned, and I am the first generation in my family to actually make wine. Here’s to hoping that it becomes multi-generational!
What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?
My favorite is probably Chardonnay, which is kind of surprising because I’m a red wine fan. However, this varietal constantly surprises me with its versatility and its ability to surpass expectations. One of my favorite things to hear is customers that tell me that “they normally don’t like chardonnay, but I love this one”.
Which wine are you most proud of right now, and what makes it special?
Probably a Tempranillo I made a few years ago that was an “accidental” field blend, with some white rhone grapes that made a phenomenal red wine- big body, very floral, fruity, and simply delicious.
What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?
I love the combination of Pinot Noir and anything “mushroom”. The Pinot just seems to work with the earthiness of the mushrooms- and it doesn’t really seem to matter how its prepared…mushroom pizza, linguini, risotto, stroganoff, etc.
When you’re not making wine, how do you like to spend your time around Lake Chelan?
My current down-time hobby is golf, with so many great opportunities around the area! Other things I enjoy when I have a chance are kayaking, biking, and fly-fishing.
Erik Cooper
Vibe Cellars
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?
My father joined the Boeing wine club in 2000 and my brother and I helped make wine with him for 15 years and wanted to pursue winemaking commercially after finishing the WSU certificate programs for viticulture and enology.
What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?
Sangiovese, I love the aromatics and flavors that come from this amazing Italian grape. The color is so garnet red and the floral aromatics are just amazing.
Which wine are you most proud of right now, and what makes it special?
Our Voodoo blend, it is a true Bordeaux blend and showcases all that Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot can do together when they come together.
What’s your favorite food and wine pairing?
Albarino and spicy tacos!
When you’re not making wine, how do you like to spend your time around Lake Chelan?
I love to paddle board and hike all the beautiful trails around our amazing community.
Whether they came to winemaking through pure curiosity, a second career, or hands-on experience that started in a garage, these Lake Chelan winemakers share one thing in common: a deep respect for the craft and a love for this region. Their wines reflect their personalities and their stories add even more meaning to each sip. So next time you visit Lake Chelan Wine Valley, be sure to stop by Diffraction Wine, La Garza Cellars, and Vibe Cellars to meet the makers behind the magic.
