Idaho has a long history of grape and wine production, with the first vineyards planted in 1864 even before neighboring Oregon and Washington, which have evolved into much larger industries that supply some grapes for some Idaho wineries. The large Snake River Valley AVA, established in 2007, has been joined by two others: Eagle Foothills, and Lewis-Clark Valley.
The modern Idaho wine industry took root in the early 1970s and has grown strongly, thanks in large part to the Idaho Wine Commission headed by Executive Director Moya Shats Dolsby, who previously worked at the Washington Wine Commission. She is also the current Chair of WineAmerica’s State and Regional Associations Council (SRAAC), providing leadership on a national level.
Known widely for potatoes, Idaho is also ideally suited for winegrowing, with a true four-season climate, volcanic soils underlying many vineyards, and an eclectic mix of grape varieties including Viognier, Tempranillo, and Syrah along with Chardonnay, Merlot, and Riesling.
Perhaps the best reflection of the Idaho wine industry’s exciting diversity is Cinder Wines, an urban winery in tiny Garden City very near Boise. Winemaker and co-owner Melanie Krause attended Washington State University and trained at various Stimson Lane (Chateau Ste. Michelle) wineries before deciding with her husband Joe to set up shop next door in Idaho. They source their grapes from several unique vineyards in the large Snake River Valley AVA between the Rocky Mountains and Snake River. The combination of underlying volcanic cinder soils and geographical variations ensure unique grape characteristics from each vineyard.
Great Grapes: Viognier
Viognier is most often associated with the northern Rhone region of France, but this fascinating variety has also found happy homes in several states including Idaho. The typically full, spicy flavors are somewhat reminiscent of the Muscat grape and violets, and can even resemble some characteristics of Chardonnay and Riesling, depending on the production method. While versatile with various foods, it’s also a great sipping wine, especially when young.
Idaho Economic Impact
Total Impact includes the Direct, Supplier, and Induced levels reaching from vineyards to local communities, benefiting people and places far and wide.
Total Impact: $1.51 Billion
Direct: $634.2 Million (42%)
Supplier: $424.2 Million (86%)
Induced: $456.3 Million (30%)
Wine Producers: 67
Jobs: 10,895
Wages: $487.4 Million
Tourist Visits: 34,021
Tourist Expenditures: $11.5 Million
Total Taxes: $106.7 Million
Federal Taxes: $65.8 Million
State and Local Taxes: $40.9 Million
