Idaho vintners are rewriting the nation’s winemaking rules: Who says the Gem State can’t create top-notch wines? The state is in the middle of a wine boom and Southern Idaho is helping to make Idaho a player on the wine market. Blessed with volcanic soils, hot summer days, and cool evenings, area winemakers grow grapes with depth and character — and that means some really fun tasting experiences for wine lovers. Start exploring Southern Idaho’s wineries now and in 10 or 20 years you can brag that you got in on the ground floor of a very good thing.
Feathered Winds Winery & Thousand Springs Bed and Breakfast
Sip on a Windy White while overlooking waterfalls, then retreat to your cozy bedroom for a very sound night’s sleep as the Snake River rolls by. This bed and breakfast is in a prime location — besides the house-made wine, it offers easy access to fishing, golf, bird watching, and excellent stargazing.
18852 Highway 30, Hagerman. View Map »
Crossings Winery
This winery complements its wines with fresh and hyperlocal food — many ingredients are sourced from the winery’s own garden. Cut into a Snake River Ribeye while sipping a cab franc, or celebrate the weekend with Bubbles Sparkling Wine. This spot is a popular for weddings and events (its proximity to the Crossings Golf Course doesn’t hurt, either). Crossings also offers lodging on-site, including cabins and an RV park.
1289 W. Madison Avenue, Glenns Ferry. View Map »
Holesinsky Winery
This organic winery features a jewel box of a tasting room, but you better prepare — it’s open by appointment only. Once inside, you’ll experience an intimate wine tasting featuring the winery’s Rieslings, merlots, red blends, roses, Syrahs, and ice wines.
4477 Valley Steppe Dr., Buhl. (208) 543-6940. View Map »
Snyder Winery
Enjoy this winery’s idyllic farm location (it’s one of the highest-elevated wineries in the nation) while sitting on the covered patio among lovingly manicured grounds. Or, when it’s chillier, snuggle up next to the winery’s fireplace. The winery features a steakhouse that is open on the weekends, and, of course, the wines. They’re crafted from the winery’s own vineyard.
4060 N 1200 E, Buhl. 208-543-6938. View Map »