Make Boise your next wine destination.
As a wine writer and journalist, I’m always grateful to explore new places and learn from the people who make them special. When I received an invitation from the Idaho Wine Commission and Visit Boise (pronounced BOY-SEE) to visit, I accepted without hesitation. Not only had I never been to the land of potatoes, but I’d long had a curiosity about wine from this northwestern state.
Ahead of my adventure, I received a shipment of Idaho wines to prepare my palate for what I was to experience. With that delivery came information about Snake River Valley, which is Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in April 2007. Spanning 8,263 square miles with over 1,350 acres of vineyard plantings, the Snake River Valley AVA encompasses most of southwestern Idaho and a few counties in Oregon.
Idaho has yet to claim one grape variety as its own, and that’s because it considers itself an ideal place to grow and produce several grape varieties well. According to the Idaho Wine Commission’s website, the 43rd state grows the following white grapes: Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris/Grigio, and Viognier; and these red grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Malbec
I rode my bike for less than five minutes to Telaya Winery, which is situated right along the Boise River with a beautiful outdoor patio. Owned by husband and wife Earl and Carrie Sullivan, Telaya–which is a blend of their two favorite places, the Tetons and la playa–uplifts Bordeaux varietals while delivering exceptional hospitality.
