Exploring Idaho's Wine Country: A Journey Through the Gem State's Premier Wineries

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Embark on a remarkable journey through Idaho’s wine country, where rolling vineyards, diverse terroirs, and innovative winemakers come together to create a distinctive and memorable wine experience. From the award-winning Rieslings of the Snake River Valley to the small-batch gems of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Idaho’s wineries offer a captivating blend of tradition and creativity. Join us as we explore the hidden treasures and unique flavors that define Idaho’s burgeoning wine scene.

Idaho’s wine industry has been steadily growing and gaining recognition for its distinctive characteristics. Here are some hallmarks of Idaho wines:

1. Diverse Terroir

Idaho’s varied geography, which includes mountainous regions, rolling hills, and river valleys, provides a diverse terroir that influences the flavor profile of its wines. The state’s climate, with its warm days and cool nights, is ideal for grape growing, allowing for the production of wines with good acidity and complex flavors.

2. Cool-Climate Varietals

Idaho’s cool climate and high elevation are conducive to producing high-quality cool-climate varietals. These include:

Riesling: Known for its aromatic profile and balanced acidity, Riesling thrives in Idaho’s cooler growing conditions.
Pinot Noir: This grape variety produces elegant and nuanced red wines, benefiting from the state’s climate and soil conditions.

3. Emerging Red Varietals

While Idaho is known for its white wines, the state is also making strides with red varietals. Notable red wines include:

Syrah: Idaho Syrahs often feature bold flavors and a balanced structure, influenced by the state’s unique growing conditions.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This varietal benefits from Idaho’s warm days, which help develop ripe fruit flavors and robust tannins.

4. Focus on Quality and Sustainability

Idaho winemakers emphasize quality and sustainable practices. Many wineries are committed to organic and sustainable farming methods, which include minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery. This focus on quality is reflected in the growing number of award-winning Idaho wines.

5. Small-Batch Production

Idaho’s wine industry is characterized by its small-batch production and boutique wineries. Many Idaho wineries focus on artisanal methods and handcraft their wines, allowing for a high level of quality and unique expressions of the state’s terroir.

6. Innovative Blends

Idaho winemakers are known for their creativity in blending different varietals. This innovation results in unique and well-balanced wines that showcase the versatility of the region’s grapes and winemaking techniques.

7. Rising Recognition

Idaho wines are increasingly gaining recognition in national and international wine competitions. The state’s wine regions, such as the Snake River Valley, are gaining acclaim for their exceptional wines and are becoming more prominent on the national wine stage.

8. Wine Tourism and Experiences

Idaho’s wine regions offer engaging wine tourism experiences, including tastings, vineyard tours, and wine festivals. Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes of Idaho’s wine country and enjoy the warm hospitality of local winemakers.

Idaho wines are distinguished by their diverse terroir, cool-climate varietals, and a commitment to quality and sustainability. With a growing reputation for unique and high-quality wines, Idaho is emerging as an exciting wine destination. Whether you’re savoring a crisp Riesling, a bold Syrah, or exploring innovative blends, Idaho’s wines offer a taste of the state’s distinctive viticultural character.

Idaho Wine Tour

Taking a wine tour through Idaho is a fantastic way to experience the state’s burgeoning wine scene, explore its diverse terroir, and enjoy the unique charm of its wineries. Here’s a guide to planning and enjoying an unforgettable Idaho wine tour:

Planning Your Idaho Wine Tour

Choose Your Wine Regions:
- Snake River Valley: This is Idaho’s most prominent wine region, known for its varied terroir and high-quality wines. Key areas include Boise, Caldwell, and Nampa.
- Lewis-Clark Valley: Straddling the border between Idaho and Washington, this region offers a unique blend of climates and soil types, contributing to its distinctive wines.
Select Wineries to Visit:
- Cinder Wines (Caldwell, ID): Known for its award-winning wines and innovative blends. Visit Cinder Wines
- Ste. Chapelle Winery (Caldwell, ID): One of Idaho’s oldest and most established wineries, offering a range of varietals from Riesling to Syrah. Visit Ste. Chapelle Winery
- Hat Ranch Winery (Caldwell, ID): Offers a selection of handcrafted wines with a focus on small-batch production. Visit Hat Ranch Winery
- Freak Alley Gallery Winery (Boise, ID): A boutique winery known for its artistic approach to winemaking and vibrant tasting room. Visit Freak Alley Gallery Winery

Day of the Wine Tour

Starting Your Tour:
- Morning Visit: Begin your day at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, where you can explore their expansive vineyards and taste their range of award-winning wines. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery and learn about their winemaking process.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Caldwell or Boise, featuring farm-to-table cuisine that pairs well with Idaho wines.
Afternoon Exploration:
- Cinder Wines: After lunch, head to Cinder Wines in Caldwell. Experience their innovative blends and small-batch production. Don’t miss their popular Riesling and Syrah.
- Hat Ranch Winery: Next, visit Hat Ranch Winery to sample their handcrafted wines and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Evening Relaxation:
- Freak Alley Gallery Winery: Conclude your day with a visit to Freak Alley Gallery Winery in Boise. Enjoy their artistic atmosphere and vibrant wine selections. This winery’s unique approach to winemaking and art makes for a memorable experience.

Enhancing Your Experience

Explore Local Attractions:
- Boise’s Cultural Scene: Take some time to explore Boise’s local attractions, such as the Boise Art Museum or the vibrant downtown area.
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque landscapes of Idaho’s wine country, including the scenic Snake River or the rolling hills around the vineyards.
Wine Tourism Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Make reservations for tastings and tours, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
- Designated Driver: Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience by designating a driver or arranging for transportation services.
- Purchase Local Wines: Don’t forget to buy your favorite wines directly from the wineries to take home and share with friends and family.

A wine tour through Idaho reveals not only the state’s exceptional wines but also its stunning landscapes and the passionate artisans behind each bottle. Whether you’re savoring the nuanced profiles of Riesling at Ste. Chapelle or discovering bold reds at Cinder Wines, Idaho’s wineries offer a rich and rewarding experience. Embrace the charm and innovation of Idaho’s wine country, and create unforgettable memories amidst the scenic beauty of the Gem State. Cheers to exploring the vibrant world of Idaho wines!

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards
in the Eagle Foothills AVA
(Wed – Sun, 12 – 6pm. Closed Mon & Tues)
5900 Pearl Road
Eagle, ID 83616
208-863-6561

3100 Cellars
Devoted exclusively to sparkling wines
(By appointment – 208-996-3291)
240 E 32nd Street
(New tasting room coming soon)
Garden City, ID 83714
208-996-3291

— A —

Annadelle Winery
(By appointment only)
21217 Hoskins Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-629-9513

–B–

Basalt Cellars
(Mon – Sat, Noon – 5:30 pm,
and by appointment)
906 Port Way
Clarkston, WA 99403
509-758-6442

Beauty Bay Winery
(Tasting by Appointment)
8505 Jeni Lane
On Hwy 97 South of Coeur d’ Alene
Harrison, ID 83833
208-512-0285

Bitner Vineyards, Winery, B&B
(Fri, Sat & Sun, 12 – 5 pm; or by appt)
16645 Plum Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-455-1870
208-454-0086

–C–

Camas Prairie Winery
Tasting Room & Wine Bar
(Mon – Sat: 12 noon – 6:30 pm
Pacific Time – Special hours by arrangement)
110 S. Main Street
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-0214

Castaway Cellars
(Tues – Thurs, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm;
Fri & Sat, 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; Sun, 12 – 6 pm)
210 Sherman Avenue, Suite 161
Coeur d’Alene, ID
208-819-1296

Cellar 616 Winery
In the Eagle Art Gallery
(Saturdays 11 am – 4 pm
or by appointment)
50 2nd Street N
Eagle, ID 83616
208-906-9590

Cinder Winery
(Daily: 11 – 5 pm)
107 E 44th Street
Garden City, ID 83714
208-376-4023

Clearwater Canyon Cellars
(Fri and Sat: 12 – 5 pm and by appointment.)
3143 10th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
208-816-4679

Coeur d’Alene Cellars
(Tues – Sat: 11:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
3890 N Schreiber Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
208-664-2336

Coiled Wines
(Open Thurs – Sun: 12 – 5 pm or by Appt)
240 E 32nd Street
Garden City, ID 83714
707-480-4919

Cold Springs Winery
(Sat – Sun: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mon – Fri: By appointment only)
7853 W. Ringert Lane
PO Box 105
Hammett, ID 83627
208-366-7993

Colter’s Creek Vineyards & Winery
Winery: 20154 Colter Creek Lane
(By Appointment – 208-874-3933)
Tasting Room: 308 Main Street
(Wed – Fri: Tasting, 1 – 5 pm, Food, 5 – 9 pm;
Sat: Tasting, 12 – 5 pm, Food – 12 – 9 pm;
Sun: Tasting & Food, 12 – 5)
Juliaetta, ID 83535
208-874-3933
208-276-3342

Copper Belt
(The Snake River Valley’s only Oregon winery)
Tasting Room
(Wed – Sat, 1 – 7 pm; Sun, 2 – 6 pm;
Mon & Tues, By appointment – 541-519-4695)
1937 Main Street
Baker City, OR 97814
541-519-4695

Crossings Winery
and Restaurant
(Winery open daily, 8 am until lounge closes. Restaurant Hours:
Mon – Sat, 11 am – 9:00 pm; Sun, 10:30 am – 8 pm;
Sunday Breakfast 10:30 am – 1:30 pm)
1289 West Madison Avenue
Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
208-366-2313
208-366-2539

Fraser Vineyard Tasting Room
(Every Sat, July – Aug: 1 – 5 pm; Thanksgiving to
3rd week of Dec & for special events:
Sat afternoons; Otherwise by appointment)
1004 La Pointe St
(Two Block west of Capitol Blvd)
Boise ID 83706
208-345-9607

Fujishin Family Cellars
At Robison Fruit Ranch
(Summer: June 15 – Dec 31, Daily, 12 – 6 pm;
Winter: Jan 1 – June 14, Wed – Sun, 12 – 6 pm)
15593 Sunnyslope Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-649-5389

The Gulch Wine Room
(Thurs-Sun, 2 – 6 pm – Otherwise by appointment)
5226 W Chinden Blvd
Garden City, ID 83714
208-377-0443

HAT Ranch Winery / Vale Wine Co.
(Wed – Sun: 12 – 5:00 pm)
15343 Plum Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-994-6416

Hells Canyon Winery
(Jun – Sept: Sat & Sun, 12 – 5 pm:
Closed Labor Day Weekend.
Open for Special Events: Valentine’s Day,
Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving Weekend)
18835 Symms Road
Caldwell, ID 83605
208-454-3300

Holesinsky Winery
(By appointment only – 208-420-9887)
4477A Valley Steppe Road
Buhl, ID 83316
208-420-9887
208-543-6940

Huston Vineyards
(Fri – Mon 12 – 5 pm
& Upon Request – 208-455-7975)
16473 Chicken Dinner Road
Caldwell, ID 83660
208-455-7975

Indian Creek Winery
(June thru Oct: Thur – Sun, 12 – 5;
Nov thru May: Fri – Sun, 12 – 5 pm)
1000 N McDermott Road
Kuna, ID 83634
208-922-4791

Koenig Vineyards
(Wed – Sun, Noon – 5 pm)
21452 Hoskins Road
Caldwell, ID
208-455-8386

Lindsay Creek Vineyards
(Thurs – Sat: 1 – 9 pm; Sun: 1 – 5 pm;
or by appointment, 208-746-9463)
3107 Powers Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
208-746-WINE (9463)

M & D Vineyards
(Not open to public)
5415 Custer Road
New Plymouth, ID 93655
208-250-1336

Mouvance Winery
(Fri – Sat, 12 – 7 pm; Sun, 12 – 5 pm)
1414 Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-863-5609

Parma Ridge Winery
and Bistro
(Fri, 12 – 9 pm; Sat, 12 – 5 pm;
Sun, 11 am – 5 pm)
24509 Rudd Road
Parma, ID 83660
208-946-5187

Par Terre Winery
(Thurs – Sun: Noon – 5 pm)
9165 W Chinden Blvd Ste. 107
Garden City, ID 83714
408-529-1259

Pend d’Oreille Winery
(Mon – Thurs, 10 am – 6 pm;
Fri – Sat, 10 am – 7 pm; Sun, 11 am – 5 pm;
Otherwise by appointment)
220 Cedar Street
Mailing Address: PO Box 1821
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-265-8545
877-452-9011

Potter Wines
(Please call for an appointment)
505 E 43rd Street
Garden City, ID 83714
208-866-7765

Sawtooth Winery
(Jan – Mar: Fri – Sun, Noon – 5 pm
Apr – Dec: Thurs – Mon, Noon – 5 pm)
13750 Surrey Lane
Nampa, ID 83686
208-467-1200

SCORIA
(By Appointment Apr – Nov – 208-550-2472)
12639 Walker Lake Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-550-2472
208-859-8896

Sheppard Fruit Wines
(May thru Sept. Call for hours.)
102 N Coeur d’Alene Avenue
Harrison, ID 83833
208-660-1842

Small House Winery
(Saturdays: 11 am – 6 pm
and by appointment))
1636 Baldy Park Drive
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-290-2016

Snake River Winery
and Arena Vineyards
(By Appointment)
24013 Arena Valley Road
Arena Valley Road @ Dixie Rd
Parma, ID 83660
208-722-5858

Snake River Winery
Downtown Boise Tasting Room
(Tues – Sat: 10:30 – 7:30pm; Sun: 12 – 5pm)
Closing Mid-March 2017. New tasting room
at Vine & Branch Ranch near Caldwell to
open late Summer 2017.
786 W Broad Street
Boise, ID 83702
208-345-9463

Snake River Winery
Sunnyslope Tasting Room
(Daily: 12 – 6 pm)
20023 Hoskins Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-345-8003

Snyder Winery
and Steakhouse
(June – Aug: Fri & Sat, 1 to Close; Sun: 1 – 5 pm;
Fall, Winter & Spring Hours: Fri & Sat, 1 – Close;
Otherwise by appointment – 208-543-6938)
(Steakhouse open Fri & Sat only: 5:30 to close)
4060 North 1200 East
Mail: P.O. 283
Buhl, ID 83316
208-543-6938

Split Rail Winery
(Thurs – Sat, 12:00 – 6:00 pm)
4338 Chinden Blvd
Garden City, ID 83714
208-490-0681

St. Regulus Wines
(Mon – Fri, 1:30 – 5 pm or
by appointment – 208-549-8040)
407 River Dock Road
Weiser, ID 83672
208-549-1861
208-549-8040

Ste. Chapelle Winery
(Year Round: Mon – Sat, 10 – 5 pm;
Sun, 12 – 5 pm)
19348 Lowell Road
Caldwell, ID 83605
208-453-7843
877-783-2427
Stowe Vineyards
(Not Open to Public)
208-922-4791

Sweetbriar Vineyard & Winery
(By appointment)
12150 E Highway 20
Mountain Home, ID 83647
208-599-1502
208-587-5638

Syringa Winery
(Sat: 12 – 6:00 pm)
4338 Chinden Blvd
Garden City, ID 83714
208-440-1616

Telaya Wine Company
(Daily, 12:00 – 6:00 pm
and by Appointment – 208-557-9463)
240 E 32nd Street
Garden City, ID 83714
208-557-9463

Terra Nativa Winery
(By Appointment – 208-345-2421)
136 East Idaho Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
208-345-2421

Tetonic Wines
(By appointment)
65 Main Street
Driggs, ID 93422
208-284-4401

Thousand Springs Winery
and Bed & Breakfast
Pouring Feathered Winds Wine
& other Idaho & NW wines
(Mar – Oct: Tues – Sun, 1 – 6 pm)
18852 Hwy 30
Hagerman, ID 83332
208-352-0150

Three Horse Ranch Vineyards
Eagle Foothills AVA
(Wed – Sun, 12 – 6pm. Closed Mon & Tues)
5900 Pearl Road
Eagle, ID 83616
208-863-6561

TimberRock Winery
(Please call for an appointment)
2338 S. Big Rock Road
Post Falls, ID 83854
208-777-9669

Vale Wine Company
(Wed – Sun: 12 – 5:00 pm)
15343 Plum Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-994-6416

Vine 46 Winery
Winery: 4020 Hatwai Road
(Call to schedule a private tasting, 208-717-1646)
Newberry Square Tasting Room:
(Fridays & Saturdays 10 am – 7 pm)
800 Main Street, Suite 6
Both in Lewiston, ID 83501
208-717-1646

Vizcaya Winery
(Fri – Sun, 12 – 6 pm)
8987 S Greenhurst Road
Kuna, ID 83634
208-870-8354

Weston Winery
(By appointment)
16316 Orchard Street
Caldwell, ID 83605
208-459-2631
Williamson Orchards & Vineyards
Tasting Room
(Wed – Sun, 12 – 5 pm;
Otherwise by Appointment)
14807 Sunnyslope Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
208-459-7333

Zhoo Zhoo
at Hells Canyon Winery
(Sat – Sun 12 – 5pm or by appt
Closed Dec thru Mar)
18835 Symms Road
Caldwell, ID 83605
208-454-3300