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 40 wineries are located in northern Idaho and its "Panhandle" area, but ignore the nearby Idaho / Washington border and you will find a dozen more wineries awaiting your exploration just a short drive away.

       Most of Idaho's other wineries are concentrated along the Snake River in southwestern Idaho, although a few are clustered in the eastern part of the Snake River Valley, between Mountain Home and Twin Falls; two others are north of Twin Falls, off of Hwy 93 in Ketchum near Sun Valley. 

       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.

       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. 

       Most Idaho wineries are small, and only a few have a presence on the menus 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. 

Website:  www.idahowines.org

Email: info@idahowines.org

       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 terroirs 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. 
 

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.

Copyright © 1997 - 2009 Susan R. O'Hara.
All rights reserved. 
Last revised: 06/14/2009

 

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