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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.
Most of Idaho's other wineries are concentrated
along the southwestern portion of the Snake
River Valley. Half a dozen more are clustered in the
eastern
part of the Snake River Valley
appellation, between Mountain Home and
Twin Falls, and two others are north of Twin Falls, off of
Hwy 93 in Ketchum near Sun Valley. The
northern part of Idaho State
is home to another six wineries with 14 more close by, just
west across the Washington border.
The Snake River Valley became
Idaho's first appellation
in 2007, authorized by the US Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). 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.
Most Idaho wineries are small, and
only a few have a presence on the wine lists of restaurants outside the
state -- although that number is growing. Likewise, Idaho wines
are somewhat scarce on the
shelves of wine shops outside the local area.
The
best and most rewarding way to access a wide array of Idaho's distinctive wines is to plan
a visit. |
Use the information provided here
to create your own custom tour of this diverse region. Explore the
expanse and beauty of its lands. Discover the flavors of various
terroir in wines produced throughout the region... and be sure to take a few
bottles home to share with friends.
For a complete,
up-to-date list of Idaho wineries and contact information,
visit our
Winery Finder page for this
state.
Idaho strikes Gold
Five Idaho wineries won gold
medals at the 2009 Pacific Northwest Wine Summit in
Oregon. It is the largest wine competition in the region.
Idaho wines won the highest
percentage of medals for their entries, said Parks Redwine,
who founded this competition in 1996. With just 63 entries, Idaho
wines took 47 medals.
Winning Idaho wineries: 3
Horse Ranch Vineyards, Bitner Vineyard, Cinder Winery, Davis
Creek Cellars, Indian Creek Winery, Koenig, Miceli Vineyards
and Winery, Parma Ridge Vineyards, Sawtooth, Snake River
Winery and Vale Wine Company in the Snake River Valley; Pend
d'Oreille Winery in Sandpoint; Frenchman's Gulch in Ketchum;
and St. Rule Fermenting in Weiser.
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Navigating
Idaho Wine Country
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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 - 2010 Susan R. O'Hara.
All rights reserved.
Last revised:
01/03/2010
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Idaho
Wine Facts
Number of Wineries
2009 - 40+
wineries
2008 - 32
wineries
2006 - 23 wineries
2003 - 15 wineries
1998 - 13 wineries
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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

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