Idaho Wines, Wineries and Wine Country - A comprehensive overview

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.

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.

Navigating Idaho Wine Country

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.


Idaho Wine Facts

Number of Wineries

2009 - 40+ 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