Peshastin gets jazzed up with music series at secluded winery on North Road

PESHASTIN — When Lou and Judy Wagoner started building their 5,000 square foot log home on the North Road, it was the overlook of Icicle Ridge Mountain that was the main attraction. There was no way to have foreseen that the home, built from the fruit of an 80-acre pear orchard, would one day be the headquarters of a wine empire that stretches into Leavenworth as well.

And what is any good winery in North Central Washington even doing if they don’t have tasting rooms and music venues to go along with their blends and varietals? They enlisted their daughter, Kristen Wood, to be their Event Director, and it didn’t hurt that her husband Don was a winemaker for them, either.

Icicle Ridge Winery's "Jazzamatazz" concert series began in 2003 as an intimate gathering, with Don and Kristen performing with their quartet atop a vintage 1930s flatbed farm truck. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved summer tradition, consistently showcasing top talent in Smooth Jazz, Folk, and Rock.

This summer, you can find enchanting live music every Friday night. Their lawn stage hosts a diverse array of genres, with local talents who play at a professional level, ensuring there's something to captivate every musical palate. There's no cover charge, you can just come and relax! You can pick from their selection of wines and charcuterie-style meats, cheeses and crackers, or feel free to bring your own picnic (except the wine, of course — that comes from them only).

Imagine the quintessential summer evening: a gentle breeze, birdsong, the pond fountain soaring against the backdrop of the majestic Icicle Ridge as the sun dips below the horizon. No reservations are needed, and you won’t have any reservations about staying for the show.

There are five Fridays this August, which means five different performances to catch when each takes the stage at 6 p.m. for a 150-minute show. August performers, in order, include Angela Waggoner, Brian Blair, Chris Ward, the Summer Jam Sesh, and Leanna Shannon.

The famous log home is located at 8977 North Road, Peshastin WA. It’s warm while the sun is up, but once it goes down, it cools off up there in the trees, so bring a blanket or a jacket with you. Just 19 miles from the geographical center of the state, this feels like the heart of Washington.

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