Little Known Facts About Idaho’s Wine Industry

The Idaho wine industry is one of the little-known agricultural products in the gem state. It not only has a long history here, but it’s also thriving.

Idaho is generally known for its agriculture, high desert climates, cold winters, and potatoes. But few would suspect the area is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the country and produces award winning wines.

For those who have are visiting, just moved here, or have lived in the state for generations, below are some little known facts about a growing agricultural industry in Idaho.

South Western Idaho is Ideal for Producing Wine.

“You can grow grapes in Idaho?” This is generally one of the most common questions we get and the answer is yes! In fact, the growing conditions in some areas of the state are nearly perfect for this crop.

Much of Idaho is covered in ancient and rich volcanic soil that provides the vines with plenty of nutrients. According to most growers, the cold winters allow for vines to grow dormant, giving them time to rest for a season. This also helps deter bugs and disease that are commonly found among warmer climates.

During the summer, the cold nights and warm days serve to help balance out acids and sugars in the grapes, while limited amounts of rainfall help the growers have better control over irrigating the crops.

The First Grapes Planted in the Gem State Were Grown in Lewiston in 1864.

Some of the first wineries in the pacific northwest were located in Idaho, more specifically in the small community of Lewiston. This was a thriving industry even then, however, prohibition forced the industry to go dormant, but it never died. Much like the grapes, it’s alive and thriving today because Idahoans are passionate about wine.

In fact, Idahoans love their wine so much that they drink more per capita than any other state. Idaho residents drink 1.21 gallons of wine per capita, only Georgia follows that rate at 0.25 gallons per capita.

Idaho is Home to Over 60 Wineries, and Over 1300 Acres of Vineyards.

Wineries can be found across the state with the highest concentration found in Northern and Southwestern Idaho. Many of these pride themselves on providing tours, wine tasting, and incredible bottles of wine. 

A wide variety of popular wines are produced, such as: Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the more adventurous type, there are wines such as Tempranillo, Malbec, and some “soft” series often include Soft Huckleberry as well.

There are 4 Different Regions Wine is Produced in Idaho.

The four wine regions of Idaho are Northern, Southwestern, South Central, and Southwestern Urban. Most of the gem state’s wineries are found in the Southwestern and South Central area of the state (including the urban wineries in Boise) where the climate is more balanced and the volcanic soil is most fertile. This region spans from the Treasure Valley to the Caters of the Moon National Monument. 

Northern Idaho is home to the Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA). This is a region with deep roots in wine history, covers nearly 500 square miles, and offers year-round activities and stunning ambiance for visitors. 

View a detailed map of these regions here.

Events and Visitors

There are year-round events and festivals always happening throughout the state that visitors and curious locals can participate in. June is Idaho

Wine & Cider Month and is a great time to visit some local wineries and taste some exquisite wines. Some of the most popular events include Savor Idaho, Sippin’ in the City, and others. 

Check out the most recent events on the Idaho Wine Commission website.