Discover Idaho Wine Country, A Rising Star In American Viticulture

Idaho wine country is a beautiful destination for sips and scenery — Photo courtesy of Idaho Wine Commission

Move over, Napa. Idaho, a rising star of American viticulture, is quietly crafting something special in those fertile volcanic soils.

Without the crushing overhead of California's prime wine country or Oregon's Willamette Valley, Idaho vineyards focus on producing exceptional wines rather than just paying the bills. So, you might find yourself sipping an Idaho red that rivals its $80 Napa cousin but at half the price. The real magic lies in how this underdog American wine region creates remarkable bottles, and the story behind the region's success is as rich as the cabs it produces.

While Idaho may be famous for its spuds, its wines are proving to be anything but small potatoes in the world of viticulture. From the sun-drenched slopes of the Snake River Valley to the high-altitude vineyards of the Lewis Clark Valley, Idaho wines prove that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places.

Idaho wine regions

The vineyards in Idaho nurture around 70 wineries — Photo courtesy of Idaho Wine Commission

The Idaho wine landscape unfolds across five distinct regions and three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each telling its own story in the glass. The sprawling Snake River Valley in the southwest spills over into Oregon's borders, while up north, the Lewis Clark Valley shares its terroir with Washington state. The Eagle Foothills are Idaho's viticultural crown jewel and the only growing region keeping its roots within state lines. Together, these regions nurture around 70 Idaho wineries, each adding its chapter to Idaho's emerging wine narrative.

The Snake River Valley's secret weapon is growing conditions that read like a winemaker's wish list. Perched at high elevation, these Idaho vineyards live between warm, sun-soaked days and cool nights, coaxing complexity from the grapes. Ancient volcanic soils provide perfect drainage, while the dry climate gives vintners precise control over their vines' water supply. Pair that with endless summer sunshine, and you've got a recipe for something spectacular.

Where to go wine tasting in Idaho

Some Idaho wineries offer welcoming tasting rooms — Photo courtesy of Idaho Wine Commission

You can ask your local wine shop for Idaho wines, but consider a wine-tasting vacation in Idaho. Ranked first in the nation for Best Wine Tour Company, Snake River Wine Tours, outside Boise, offers guided tours of the wineries along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail.

Within Boise's borders, Garden City packs remarkable character into its compact 4.2 square miles. Chinden Boulevard features local breweries and Idaho wineries with tasting rooms, gathering spots, and concert venues. Be sure to stop for a tasting at Split Rail Winery and the Rolling Hills Winery urban tasting room.

Dude DeWalt Cellars in Eagle (just 10 miles from Boise) offers bites, wine, and live music.

Where to stay during your visit to Idaho wineries

Boutique hotels and up-and-coming restaurants await wine explorers in downtown Boise — Photo courtesy of Dan Armstrong / The Sparrow

Downtown Boise has a lot going for it, from up-and-coming restaurants with award-winning chefs and cuisine to boutique hotels that rival big-city stays. Whether stopping for a bite between winery visits or looking to rest your head for the weekend, these hotels offer comfort and charm.

The Avery Hotel + Brasserie, a Renaissance revival gem that's now a 39-room boutique hotel, features culinary creations from chef Cal Elliott, who brings Michelin-star magic back to his roots after conquering New York's food scene.

Hotel Renegade includes 122 curated rooms, a supper club (Boise’s first!), a rooftop bar, and a street-level coffee shop.

The Sparrow is a 67-room love letter to Boise. Local artists' stories adorn the walls, and a permanent food truck creates a buzzy hangout spot where tourists and locals swap stories over lattes and street food.

Idaho wines and varietals

Harvest time is always the busy season for Idaho wineries — Photo courtesy of Idaho Wine Commission

What's thriving in this viticultural playground? Bold syrahs that could make the Rhône Valley blush, crisp rieslings hinting at mountain air, and sultry tempranillos channeling their inner Spaniard. The valley's cabernet sauvignons and malbecs are turning heads, while the chardonnays prove Idaho can compete with the classics.

Kathryn “Kat” House McClaskey, founder of House of Wine in downtown Boise, offers expert picks ranging between $20 and $50. She's a certified educator for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, is Idaho’s first certified Italian Wine Professional (IWP), and holds an advanced Rioja DOCa certification. House of Wine is a bottle shop that provides educational wine classes, cellar consultations, and event wine selection services. Here's what she has to say about her picks.

Cinder Wines Dry Viognier 2023

“High-toned peach and floral aromatics with a voluptuous body contrasted by crisp acidity. This full-bodied wine is a great option for red wine drinkers looking to branch out.”

Hells Canyon Reserve Chardonnay 2021

“Green and yellow apple notes with strong tension between the creamy palate and vibrant acidity make this a standout wine. The nicely layered oak offers added complexity without overpowering the fruit.”

Indian Creek Winery Riesling 2022

“This aromatic variety showcases blossom, yellow peaches, and honey notes followed by a medium-sweet palate. Well-crafted and precise without being cloyingly sweet.”

Huston Vineyards Malbec 2021

“Full-bodied and rich with blackberries and black currant notes amplified by sweet vanilla and baking spice oak notes. High yet fruity tannins add depth and weight to the wine.”

Telaya Wine Co. Skyline Vineyard Syrah 2022

“The opaque ruby magenta color alludes to the bold style of this wine with ample black fruits and high-toned nutmeg and cedar notes dominating the nose and palate. The savory, dried herb and game finish also showcases its lingering complexity.”

Koenig Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

“Black cherries and licorice are well intertwined with toasty oak notes in this fruit-led cabernet sauvignon. High, silky tannins with bright acidity contrast the fruity palate, yielding a juicy yet structured wine.”