Best 14 Wineries in Idaho: Top Picks for Wine Lovers
Idaho is home to some of the best wineries in the United States. With over 1,300 acres of vineyards rooted in fertile volcanic soils, Idaho produces a variety of wines that pair perfectly with the state’s remarkable cuisine. From classic varieties like Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay to more unique options like Tempranillo and Malbec, Idaho’s wineries offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day trip, Idaho’s wineries are worth a visit. Some of the state’s largest wine producers, like Ste. Chapelle Winery, offer tours and tastings where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. Other wineries, like Lindsay Creek Vineyards, offer stunning views of the Palouse region of Idaho, making for a memorable experience. With so many wineries to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your taste and budget.
Geography and Soil of Idaho’s Vineyards
Idaho’s wineries are located primarily in the Snake River Valley, which stretches across 8,000 square miles of southern Idaho and parts of Oregon. The Snake River Valley is home to three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): the Snake River Valley AVA, the Eagle Foothills AVA, and the newly established Owyhee Mountains AVA.
The Snake River Valley AVA is the largest of the three, covering over 8,000 square miles and featuring a diverse range of soils. The region’s soil is primarily volcanic, with a mix of sandy loam, silt, and clay. This unique soil composition, combined with the region’s high elevation and cool climate, produces wines with distinct mineral notes and bright acidity.
The Eagle Foothills AVA is located just outside of Boise and is known for its rugged terrain and rocky soil. The soil in this region is primarily volcanic, with a mix of sand, silt, and clay. The region’s high elevation and cool climate produce wines with a crisp, refreshing acidity and a distinct minerality.
The Owyhee Mountains AVA is the newest of the three AVAs, established in 2018. The region’s soil is primarily volcanic, with a mix of sand, silt, and clay. The area’s high elevation and cool climate produce wines with a bright acidity and a distinct minerality, similar to those found in the Snake River Valley and Eagle Foothills AVAs.
Overall, Idaho’s vineyards benefit from a unique combination of high elevation, volcanic soil, and cool climate, which produces wines with bright acidity and distinct minerality.
Major Wineries in Idaho
Huston Vineyards
Huston Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Viognier. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: https://hustonvineyards.com/
Address: 16473 Chicken Dinner Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607, United States
Clearwater Canyon Cellars
Clearwater Canyon Cellars is a family-owned winery located in Lewiston, Idaho. They specialize in producing small-lot, handcrafted wines, including Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. The winery has won numerous awards for its wines, including Idaho Winery of the Year in 2015.
Website: http://www.clearwatercanyoncellars.com/
Address: 3143 10th St, Lewiston, ID 83501, United States
Jovinea Cellars
Jovinea Cellars is a boutique winery located in Eagle, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.jovinea.com/
Address: 301 Main St Suite#106, Lewiston, ID 83501, United States
Koenig Vineyards
Koenig Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.koenigvineyards.com/
Address: 21452 Hoskins Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607, United States
Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned winery located in Lewiston, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The winery is open for tastings and tours.
Website: http://www.holesinsky.com/
Address: 1498 Valley Steppe Dr, Buhl, ID 83316, United States
Lindsay Creek Vineyards
Lindsay Creek Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Lewiston, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Merlot. The winery is open for tastings and tours.
Website: http://lcvalley.wine/
Address: 3107 Powers Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501, United States
Coeur D’Alene Cellars
Coeur D’Alene Cellars is a family-owned winery located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.cdacellars.com/
Address: 3890 N Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, United States
Bitner Vineyards
Bitner Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The winery is open for tastings and tours.
Website: http://www.bitnervineyards.com/
Address: 16645 Plum Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605, United States
Ste. Chappelle
Ste. Chappelle is a winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.stechapelle.com/
Address: 19348 Lowell Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607, United States
Parma Ridge Winery
Parma Ridge Winery is a family-owned winery located in Parma, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Syrah, Malbec, and Viognier. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.parmaridge.wine/
Address: 24509 Rudd Rd, Parma, ID 83660, United States
Williamson Orchards and Vineyards
Williamson Orchards and Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.willorch.com/
Address: 14807 Sunny Slope Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607, United States
Fujishin Family Cellars
Fujishin Family Cellars is a family-owned winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Viognier. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.freedogwines.com/
Address: 15593 Sunny Slope Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607, United States
Y Knot Winery
Y Knot Winery is a family-owned winery located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The winery is open for tastings and tours.
Website: http://yknotwinery.com/
Address: 1289 W Madison Ave, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, United States
Telaya Wine Co.
Telaya Wine Co. is a winery located in Garden City, Idaho. They produce a variety of wines, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. The winery is open for tastings and tours, and they also offer a wine club for enthusiasts.
Website: http://www.telayawine.com/
Address: 240 E 32nd St, Garden City, ID 83714, United States
Idaho is home to a variety of wineries, with many located in the Boise, Lewiston, and Nampa areas. Other wineries can be found throughout Northern Idaho, including Main St, Lowell Rd, Valley Steppe Dr, Symms Rd, Rudd Rd, and Schreiber Way. Some of the most
Wine Varieties in Idaho
Idaho is known for producing a variety of exceptional wines. The state’s unique climate and soil conditions make it an ideal place to grow grapes, resulting in some of the best wines in the country. Idaho is known for growing classic varieties such as Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, Malbec, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Idaho’s cool nights and hot days provide a wonderful balance for the acidity and sugar levels in the grapes, resulting in wines that pair perfectly with the state’s cuisine. The state’s vineyards produce a range of white wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, and other grape varieties. These white wines are known for their crisp acidity and refreshing taste, making them perfect for summer sipping.
Idaho’s red wines are also highly regarded, with Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon being some of the most popular varieties. These red wines are known for their deep, rich flavors and bold tannins, making them perfect for pairing with hearty dishes.
One of the unique grape varieties grown in Idaho is Tempranillo. This Spanish grape variety thrives in the state’s warm climate, producing wines with complex flavors and aromas. Idaho’s Tempranillo wines are known for their bold, fruity flavors and smooth finish.
Wine Tasting Experience
Idaho’s wineries offer a unique and memorable wine-tasting experience. Visitors can taste a variety of wines, enjoy the beautiful views, and relax in the tasting rooms or on the patios.
Many wineries offer tastings in their tasting rooms, which are often decorated with rustic charm. Visitors can sample a selection of wines and learn about the different varietals from knowledgeable staff.
Some wineries also offer outdoor patios with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. These patios provide the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, some wineries offer wine club memberships. Members can enjoy exclusive access to limited edition wines, special events, and discounts on purchases.
Food options vary from winery to winery. Some offer snacks or small plates to accompany the wine, while others have food trucks or partner with local restaurants to offer full meals.
Visitors can also bring their furry friends along to many wineries, as some allow dogs on their patios or in designated areas.
Overall, Idaho’s wineries provide a welcoming and enjoyable wine-tasting experience for all visitors.
Idaho’s Wine Trails
Idaho’s wine trails are a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. One of the most popular wine trails in the state is the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, located in Caldwell, Idaho. This trail is home to most of Idaho’s vineyards and half of the wineries. Surrounded by orchards and scenic views, it truly is the heart of Idaho’s wine country.
Visitors can enjoy a wine-tasting event at the Sunnyslope Wine Trail Festival, which is held annually in August. The festival features live music, food vendors, and of course, wine tastings. It’s a great opportunity to try some of the best wines in the state and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Another wine trail to explore is the Boise River Wine Trail, which offers a unique experience for visitors. This trail is located in the heart of Boise and features several wineries that are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Boise River and stop at each winery to sample their wines.
For those who want to explore more of Idaho’s wine country, there are several wine tours available. These tours take visitors to different wineries and vineyards throughout the state, giving them a chance to sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process.
To make the most of your wine tour, it’s a good idea to consult a map of Idaho’s wineries and vineyards. This will help you plan your route and ensure that you don’t miss any of the best wineries in the state.
Overall, Idaho’s wine trails are a great way to experience the state’s wine culture and enjoy some of the best wines in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual wine drinker, there’s something for everyone on Idaho’s wine trails.