Idaho wineries, wines
and wine country

  Idaho's vineyard elevations (ranging up to 3,000 feet) are higher than any others in the Northwest.  Vineyard soils are comprised of primarily volcanic-ash.  Add to that long, warm daylight hours during grape growing season (typical of northern latitudes and arid climates), cool summer evenings characteristic of desert environments, and you have a combination of factors that contributes to producing quality wine grapes with concentrated fruit flavors and naturally high acidities.

     Only five of Idaho's more than 30 wineries are located in northern Idaho and its "Panhandle" area; most of the others are concentrated along the Snake River in southwestern Idaho; a few are clustered in the eastern part of the Snake River Valley between Mountain Home and Twin Falls, and two are north of Twin Falls off of Hwy 93 in Ketchum near Sun Valley.  Even so, another dozen or so Washington wineries are within minutes of Idaho's western border.

       The Snake River Valley is Idaho's first appellation authorized by the US Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in 2007.
 

See our archived feature article:
Idaho's evolving wine and vineyard industry
... no controversy here

     The climatic influence of the Snake River creates a favorable growing environment for vinifera grapes, as do other great rivers in premium winegrowing areas worldwide.  Although few grapes are grown in Idaho's spectacular north country (referred to as the "Panhandle"), the four wineries currently located there offer premium wines and tastings to please discriminating wine enthusiasts traveling through the region.

       Panhandle-area wineries produce wines primarily from their closer eastern-Washington vineyard neighbors.  And if four wineries is not enough to attract you to the area, you will be happy to know another ten lie just across the Washington State border in and around Spokane. 

      For a complete, up-to-date list of Idaho wineries and contact information, visit our Winery Finder page for this state. 

Website:  www.idahowines.org

Email: info@idahowines.org

   The map and links below allow you to explore the wines and wineries of each of Idaho's wine producing areas. You will also find lodging, dining, special events and touring opportunities organized within Idaho wine regions. Click on the region of your choice below.

Copyright © 1997 - 2008 Susan R. O'Hara.
All rights reserved. 
Last revised: 12/04/2008

 

Idaho
Wine Facts

Number of Wineries

2008 - 32 wineries
2006 - 23 wineries
2003 - 15 wineries
1998 - 13 wineries

Vinifera Acreage

2005 - 2,000   
2003 - 1,300   
   1998  -   820      

Major Varietals Produced
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Gewürztraminer,
Lemberger, Merlot,
Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir,
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah

Other Varietals
Malbec, Petite Syrah,
Petite Verdot, Tempranillo,
Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional,
Touriga Francesa, Zinfandel

Leading Varietals
Chardonnay, Riesling,
Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Styles
Still Wines
Sparkling Wines
Fruit Wines & Brandies
Ice Wines & Late-Harvest