Calling all wine lovers! Are you ready to learn about some of the best wineries of Idaho? The title of this blog post might surprise you, ‘wine in Idaho? Seriously?’ The answer is YES!
It was only a few short months after we moved to Idaho that I was introduced to the wines of Idaho, and I was blown away! From that point on I was obsessed not only with wine but more specifically Idaho’s wine. If you are a wine enthusiast or someone looking to explore new and exciting wine regions, then this guide to the top wineries in Idaho is for you. Let’s dive into the world of Idaho wine and discover the hidden gems nestled in this beautiful state.
Table of Contents
- 1. Koenig Vineyards
- 2. Ste Chapelle Winery
- 3. Telaya Wine Co.
- 4. Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
- 5. Split Rail Winery
- 6. Williamson Orchards & Vineyards
- 7. Colter’s Creek
- Best Wineries of Idaho
So where are the best wineries? Currently, there are more than 75 wineries (2024) in the state of Idaho. I know, not even in the same ring as the neighbors to the West, but it is a vast growing industry. There are three AVAs in the state of Idaho:
Snake River Valley (the largest)
Eagle Foothills
Lewis-Clark Valley
1. Koenig Vineyards
This is one of the largest producing, family-owned wineries in the state. Koenig Vineyards produces some of the best hand-crafted, award winning wines from Idaho’s Snake River Valley. I highly recommend everyone to visit their tasting room, especially on a sunny day when you can sit out on the patio and enjoy the view!
2. Ste Chapelle Winery
Ste. Chapelle what once was a family-owned winery is now the most well-known winery in the state. This winery has such an amazing view over the valley and the rolling hills of vines! Ste Chapelle is also the oldest winery in the state, trust me totally worth the trip – if you go on the weekends try to make a reservation for your tasting so you can get the most out of your wine tasting experience.
3. Telaya Wine Co.
This is one of my all-time favorite wineries of the Urban area…which is hard to say since there are so many amazing wineries to choose from in the Urban area. These wines are Old-World inspired, and Idaho crafted. This is a wine I still dream about even while I lived in Spain where there is no shortage of delicious wines to be had!
4. Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
I wrote a previous blog about Hells Canyon Winery, this is the oldest family winery in the state and it is one of my favorite wineries to go to sit and drink wine and sit…for me the view, wine and atmosphere of this winery has it all and now it is even solar powered!
5. Split Rail Winery
Snuggled in the heart of Boise you will find several Urban wineries, mostly down Chinden Blvd, and if you are looking to drink some great wine with some fun and funky people then you need to visit Split Rail Winery. Split Rail is one of the only wineries in the United States that ages and blends some of their wines in concrete. Yes, you read that right concrete. One thing I love about them and their wines is how brave they are with different ways they age wines. They are always experimenting, trying new things, break tradition or just letting the wine speak to them!
6. Williamson Orchards & Vineyards
Of all the wineries I’ve listed, this one is the maker of my all-time favorite Sangioveses! Williamson Family Winery was the first vineyard in Idaho to plant Sangiovese, it was a very expensive investment for this family to take and it PAID OFF! I how I am grateful that it did, I love how comfortable this winery is – you can ask all the questions about wine because they love to answer any question you might have!
By now you will have noticed a going trend of wineries I have a hard time picking is my “favorite”, in truth they all are! Each of these wineries are unique and each winery has award winning wines! Internationally awarded wines!
7. Colter’s Creek
Founded in 2007, Colter’s Creek is a charming winery nestled in the Lewis-Clark Valley of Idaho. Specializing in producing exceptional wines amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the valley, Colter’s Creek offers a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on crafting high-quality, handcrafted wines, a visit to Colter’s Creek promises an enchanting experience filled with delicious wines and warm hospitality. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wines, a visit to Colter’s Creek is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a must-visit destination in the enchanting Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.
Best Wineries of Idaho
In conclusion, the world of Idaho wine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With over 75 wineries and three distinct AVAs, including the expansive Snake River Valley, the state is quickly gaining recognition as a top wine destination. The passion and dedication of these wineries are evident in every sip, making it challenging to pick a favorite. As an introduction to the remarkable wines and wineries of Idaho, this guide offers just a glimpse into the abundant offerings awaiting wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning to explore different regions, Idaho promises a memorable and fulfilling experience for all. Cheers to the exquisite wines of Idaho!
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