Vibe Cellars: The Story Behind One of Lake Chelan's Favorite Wineries | Erik Cooper

This week on Small Towns Unscripted, Russ McClellan and Nicole Turner welcome Erik Cooper, owner and winemaker of Vibe Cellars, one of the most talked-about boutique wineries in downtown Manson, Washington, just minutes from Lake Chelan.If you've searched for Vibe Cellars, Lake Chelan wineries, wine tasting in Manson, or the best wineries to visit in Chelan wine country, this episode tells the story behind the winery, the wines, and the person who built it.Born in 1980, Erik and his identical twin brother grew up on Mercer Island before moving to Issaquah, where they were raised after their parents divorced. After graduating from Issaquah High School in 1999, the brothers attended Arizona State University and spent eight years bartending in Scottsdale, developing a passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.Back home in Washington, Erik continued bartending in Bellevue for another fifteen years, but his future was quietly taking shape through his father, a Boeing employee who began making wine as a hobby. During holidays, Erik helped make wine with his dad, unknowingly planting the seeds for what would become his career.Looking for a new challenge, Erik enrolled in Washington State University's Viticulture and Enology Program and decided to pursue winemaking in Lake Chelan Wine Country instead of the crowded Woodinville market. He joined Nefarious Cellars, where he spent more than five years learning every aspect of vineyard and winery operations.While attending WSU, Erik met the late Brock Lindsey of Succession Wines. Through Washington's Alternating Proprietorship program, Brock and his family gave Erik the opportunity to launch Vibe Cellars, producing his wines inside Succession's winery while building his own brand and tasting room in downtown Manson.Today, Vibe Cellars has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking exceptional Washington wines, a welcoming atmosphere, and an authentic wine tasting experience in the Lake Chelan Valley.Erik also shares his love for hiking Washington's backcountry and exploring America's national parks, along with the challenges every winemaker faces. From changing weather and unpredictable harvests to wildfire smoke and the realities of farming, every vintage presents new lessons. As Erik explains, Mother Nature has a voice in every bottle.Throughout the conversation, Erik credits his father for inspiring his journey into wine and continues to rely on him today, as he still manages the winery's bookkeeping.Episode 81 is about far more than wine. It's about family, entrepreneurship, taking risks, lifelong learning, and building a business centered on community, authenticity, and unforgettable hospitality.Whether you're planning your next Lake Chelan wine tasting weekend, looking for the best wineries in Manson, WA, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs, you'll enjoy this conversation with Erik Cooper.In this episode:• The story behind Vibe Cellars• From bartender to winemaker• Washington State University's winemaking program• Launching a boutique winery• Life in Lake Chelan wine country• Harvest, smoke, and the realities of winemaking• Family, entrepreneurship, and communityIf you enjoy conversations with local business owners, winemakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from North Central Washington, subscribe to Small Towns Unscripted for new episodes featuring the people who make our small towns extraordinary.