Boise, Idaho: Your Next Wine Destination?
June is a great month here in Idaho; the weather is warming up and kids are out for summer vacation. But there is another reason we love the month of June, especially in Boise. June is officially Idaho Wine Month!
Believe it or not, the wine industry is fast-growing in Idaho with more than 50 wineries, 25+ located within 32 miles of Boise. The economic impact on our state has been fast-growing as well. Four years ago, according to the Idaho Wine Commission, the Idaho Wine Industry had a 169.3 million dollar impact creating nearly 1,226 jobs.
Geographically, Northern and Southern Idaho are said to have ideal growing conditions. "The characteristically cold winters allow vines to go dormant gradually, while ridding the plants of bugs and discouraging disease. A combination of cold nights and hot days serves to balance acids and sugars. In the 30-40 temperature variations typical of this higher elevation, sugars remain high. The limited amount of rainfall allows growers to control water through irrigation.” (Idaho Wine Commission)
Idaho is known for producing wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo.
In March of 2009, Governor Butch Otter declared June “Idaho Wine Month” to encourage residents to drink and support local. Since then, June in Boise has become a jam-packed month of wine events spotlighting our local wineries. One of the most well attended events, over 900 attendees, is Savor Idaho; Idaho’s Premier Wine and Food Event which takes place at the Boise Botanical Gardens. The goal of Savor Idaho is to give consumers the opportunity to savor the best of food and wine in Idaho.
Here are a few special mentions:
Earl and Carrie, owners and winemakers of Telaya, were trying to find ways that they could blend their love of wine, their current careers, and their family of four, into one. And just like that, the Telaya Wine Company was born in 2008. In 2012, Earl and Carrie used fruit from Idaho vineyards for the very first time and since then they are committed to showcasing Idaho’s vineyards.
As Telaya Wine Company began to grow, Earl and Carrie saw that they were quickly outgrowing their space and needed to hunt for something new. Earl and Carrie envisioned a location where the production, tasting, and events could all come together. When they weren’t able to find the right place, they decided to construct their own location right along the Boise River Green Belt in Garden City. In 2016, their new location opened and has been a hot spot ever since (it is absolutely beautiful).
Earl and Carrie say their wine-making journey helped them “model the values of hard work, perseverance, integrity, and accountability to their boys.” Truly inspirational!
Since 1975 Ste. Chapelle has brought luster to Idaho wine, with a commitment to fine wine making using grapes planted among the sweeping orchards of Southwestern Idaho. The Symms family originally founded Ste. Chapelle envisioning a small, family operation. But, Ste. Chapelle Winery quickly grew in size and popularity, becoming Idaho’s largest winery.
Today, Winemaker Meredith Smith - a native of Idaho herself, crafts exquisite wines for everyone - from the first time wine drinker to the collector.
Located in Caldwell, Ste. Chapelle's gorgeous views make the perfect venue for weddings, and other popular events. It is a destination for a wonderful Summer concert series, which is the longest running and largest winery concert series in the state. This year, the season kicks off on Father's Day, June 18th and runs through the Snake River Harvest Festival on September 10th. The gorgeous views, music, and wine make for a spectacular Sunday afternoon!
Tim Harless, winemaker, was determined to find the perfect place to start HAT Ranch Winery. Harless spent countless hours researching the various wine regions of the US and stumbled upon the Snake River Valley. Harless, and his wife, Helen, chose the Sunnyslope Wine Trail due to the “grape growing conditions, a strong winemaking community, and a group of already established tasting rooms.” (HAT Ranch Winery Website)
Since 2011, HAT Ranch Winery produced their first wines which won them the gold medal for 2011 Chardonnay and silver medal for its 2011 Riesling. Also, HAT Ranch Winery, located in Caldwell is making a name for themselves winning the 2015 Idaho Wine Competition!
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Of course, there are many more wineries in the Boise area that are worth a mention. Below is a list of 22 other wineries and vineyards in Boise:
1. 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards
2. Annadelle Winery
3. Bitner Vineyards
4. Cinder Wines
5. Coiled Wines
6. Fraser Vineyard
7. Fujishin Family Cellars & Lost West Winery
8. Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo Wines
9. Huston Vineyards
10. Indian Creek Winery
11. Koenig Vineyards
12. Mouvance Winery
13. Potter Wines
14. Sawtooth Winery
15. Snake River Winery
16. Split Rail Winery
17. St. Regulus Unique Wines
18. Syringa Winery
19. Terra Nativa Vineyards
20. Vale Wine Company
21. Weston Winery
22. Williamson Orchards & Vineyards
One great way to visit some of the wineries is by taking part in a Wine Tour. Idaho Wine Tours creates a fun, safe, scenic, and educational way to visit multiple wineries in our beautiful city.
Next time you’re in Boise, make sure you check out some of these amazing wineries! You won’t be disappointed!
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