Idaho is one of many overlooked areas of the United States that offers an abundance of adventure, beauty and culture.
In recent years, the population of the capital city Boise has even grown by tremendous numbers as families begin to recognize the true value of the small state in the corner of the country.
Being most famous for its potatoes, Idaho actually has many things to offer, from precious natural resources, to millions of acres of forest, and even a well-known wine industry. That’s right, wine: the essential beach bag item, the must-have mealtime beverage, the savior of the long day.
Though Idaho is a rural state, there are a number of vineyards and wineries located within its borders that not only offer delicious wines, but have actually grown some national recognition as being both affordable and yummy. A perfect example of this recognition being Ste. Chappelle, a frequently sipped brand.
Ste. Chappelle is, of course, joined by many more vineyards and wineries that Carpe-Travel called, “the next must sip wine country to visit.”
Heart Rock Wines – Bonners Ferry
This winery is known for its tasting room where customers can sample craft beers, wines, ciders and meads. They even give their patrons an opportunity to join their wine club, where they get to try several exquisite bottles each month and have exclusive access to discounts at the winery.
Coeur d’Alene Cellars – Coeur d’Alene
This cellar is not limited to simple wine tastings, but offers live events, wine and culinary trips and wine clubs. Wine lovers around the world would love an opportunity to join a small number of people who travel around the country and the world trying delicious wines and pairing them with delicious foods.
Coeur d’Alene is also a beautiful city nestled in the mountains where tourists are known to spend some much-needed time in the peaceful outdoors. Come to this cellar if you are looking for a great time in the evenings and a relaxing time during the day.
Indian Creek Winery – Kuna
Located on a large and breathtaking farm, this winery, largely run by female wine enthusiasts and adventurers, is a pride of the small farming town of Kuna. Because of the beauty of this farm, locals come here during the evenings to participate in wine events and join the community in a cultural experience. They even offer events like group yoga in the lawn!
Their delicious wines come in beautiful bottles, most decorated with flowers and herbs to represent the sweet flavor. Indian Creek offers some cute wine accessories too, including apparel to support the winery.
3 Horse Ranch Vineyards – Eagle
3 Horse Ranch, which was born in the 1990s, is located in a small, farming town just outside of the capital. Surrounded by sleepy foothills, this quiet vineyard produces some of the best flavors to leave the state. In fact, they even produce a significant portion of their own grapes, like Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Grenache.
It is very easy to plan a tour of the vineyard and all of its glory by checking out the site. Who knows, maybe winemaker Greg Koenig will be present to teach you about flavor, body, proper wine storage and winemaking?
Split Rail Winery – Garden City
This small winery is changing the history of alcohol and wine in Idaho, turning it from a niche hobby to an enjoyable experience for millennials and those visiting Garden City. There is no doubt that Split Rail is taking an ancient practice of wine tasting and turning it on its head with innovative flavors, progressive styles and newfound appreciations.
The Glavin family runs this winery and work with vineyards throughout the state to produce new bottles that challenge previous norms and expectations for the drink. The tasting room here is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is busy much of that time, so be sure that when you visit Idaho next, you make some time to pop by this exceptional winery.
No matter where you travel in Idaho, whether it is Northern, Southern or Central regions, you are bound to come across a sweet, little vineyard that will most likely surprise you with its quality.
The rich soil found in our state provides truly delicious grapes that make the wine that is being heard around the world. Have you tasted it yet?
This guest post was written by Kelly Sheperd, exclusively for Social Vignerons.
About the Author: Kelly Shepherd
Kelly is a writer from Boise Idaho. She enjoys writing about the outdoors and her dog, Cassius. In her spare time, she writes captivating fiction and confusing poetry. Follow her @kellyshep14 on Twitter!
Featured Image Credit: Curtesy of visitidaho.org
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