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Wine Experience - Sunnyslope Wine Trail!

Explore the very best of Idaho wines!

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Sunshine Wine Tours

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Sunshine Wine Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Visit our boutique wineries, rustic barns, and endless vineyards in style (and make it home safely)!

If you prefer a chauffeur to a designated driver, booking a wine tour through the Sunnyslope is a wonderful way to plan your journey to discover new varietals and taste our award-winning vintages. Our recommended tour guides love educating guests about our rolling hills, geographic and agricultural history, and might even swap wine reviews with you. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Book your Sunnyslope tour today, we can’t wait to share Idaho’s Wine Country with you!

Tour Partners

Snake River Wine Tours

Wine Trail Associate Member

• [email protected]
• 208.995.1197
• snakeriverwinetours.com
• facebook.com/snakeriverwinetours

Snake River Wine Tours is Southwestern Idaho’s premier wine tour operator. We take pride in exceptional guest experiences as we explore the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. Please see our website for additional details.

Other Tours

Idaho Winery Seekers Half and full day tours in Spring through Fall 1-888-581-7768

Idaho Wine Tours Half day bus tours year-round. Up to 13 people. 208-550-0741

Sunshine Wine Tours Intimate full day tours, door-to-door service. 503-701-7731

Boise Party Bus Year-round Snake River Valley Vineyard Tour 208-322-4386

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Idaho Wine Tours

Wineries are open! Book your tour now.

IDAHO WINE TOURS

The best way to experience southwest idaho's award winning wine country.

We scheduled Idaho Wine Tours on 10/4/2021. We had an amazing day! Our driver Neil (also the owner) was extremely knowledgeable about wines and the wineries we visited. We were very impressed with the wines and loved the wineries that they selected for us. We also had an amazing gourmet box lunch arranged through Idaho Wine Tours to eat at one of the stops! Take Neil's advice and have the "Adult Slushie" at Set Chapelle winery if that is one of your stops!

Such a great time and Niel took us to the best wineries! Setting the appointment was easy and we were ready to leave early. The provided lunch was bomb! We made some great friends on this trip and the wine was superb!

Idaho Wine Tours made our trip to Nampa very memorable! Shari was quick to respond to all of my questions when booking. Our driver, Neil, was so fun. The lunch they served was AMAZING! All of the wineries they had picked out were great. 100% will book again!

We are new to Idaho and were looking for something unique for our friends that were coming up for a visit. We wanted something that was a bit more upscale than a regular van tour and found, to our delight, Aiyana Moore and Idaho Wine Tours!

A great tour and a great tour guide!

We first went to HAT RANCH and actually met with the winemaker -Will and the tasting room manager - Erin, who allowed us to taste from the barrel some wonderful "yet to be released wines!" A real treat that was not expected!

Famiici, Scoria and Kerry Hill, with live music at Kerry Hill at the end of the day! Real icing on the cake.

What you will find from Aiyana is great planning and constant communication about your upcoming tour. A personal touch and attention to detail were evident in this tour - and it was much appreciated! Thank you to Idaho Wine Tours and I recommend that you consider them in your plans going forward! David and Sheri Flynn tour date 8-05-2023

Explore our most popular wine tour options

Sunnyslope or the eagle foothills & star wineries.

Sunnyslope Wineries

Southwest Idaho’s hidden gem … the Sunnyslope tour takes you to some of the oldest wineries in Idaho. These wineries have beautiful sloping vineyards this tour will leave you wanting more…wine! 

Starts at $130/pp with standard pickup is in Nampa and tasting fees at 4 wineries

*private pickup and food options are available for additional fees.

Eagle Foothills & Star Wineries

The Eagle Foothills & Star tour includes tastings at three amazing wineries in the Treasure Valley. You will visit Sol Invictus, Dude Dewalt, and 3 Horse Ranch. 

Starts at $130/pp with standard pickup is in Meridian and tasting fees at 3 wineries *Note this tour is only available on Saturdays

*private pickup is available for additional fees, all of the wineries on our tour are worth a visit. along each tour we take the time to educate you on what makes each winery unique and why idaho makes outstanding wines, book a private tour, indulge in the distinctive flavors of idaho and savor nationally acclaimed wines with our captivating private wine tour experience, tour calendar, purchase a gift card, upcoming tours, boise urban wine tour, price: $ 140.00, urban wine trail, eagle foothills tour, price: $ 130.00, eagle foothills, sunnyslope wine trail experience, sunnyslope wine trail, #idahowinetours.

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SUNSHINE WINE TOURS (Meridian) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Day Trips to Sunnyslope Wine Trail

The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is where the West and wine country collide. Located just 30 minutes from Boise, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail is part of the Snake River American Viticultural Area (AVA) and boasts 17 wineries and vineyards – and counting. The Snake River wine region is on the same latitude as the Rioja region in Spain and Rhone Valley in France. Long hot days and cool summer nights, four beautiful seasons, layers of ancient volcanic soil, and an abundant water supply from the mighty Snake River all lay a unique foundation for this award-winning wine region. Many Sunnyslope wineries are family-owned and operated, with vineyards planted on land that has been in families for decades. Their generational knowledge combined with a relaxed vibe makes for a tasting experience that will have you coming back for more. Laid-back, refreshing, surprising and scenic are just a few ways people describe this section of Idaho wine country. Take a day trip along Sunnyslope Wine Trail and you’ll see why Idaho wines have people buzzing across the country.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Sunnyslope Wine Region is less than an hour from Boise. There are two ways to get there: Book a wine tour or drive yourself. Wine tours are the easiest way to experience Idaho wine country, especially if you don’t have a designated driver. Typically, your driver will pick you up at a predetermined location in Boise and bring you to 3-4 wineries for about an hour or so each, then bring you back to the pickup location. Most tours offer half-day or full-day trips and range from $85 to $140 per person. Here are some well-known tours: 

Snake River Wine Tours Sunshine Wine Tours Idaho Winery Seekers Idaho Wine Tours

Drive yourself out to wine country and enjoy the views. From Boise, head West on I-84 toward Caldwell. Take exit 33 to ID-55 toward Marsing for a straight shot to the main part of the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. There are half a dozen wineries located right off the highway. However, depending on which winery you are headed to, you may need to take a different exit off I-84. Road tripping from another state? Find driving directions to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail here .

WINES FLY FREE

Chances are you’ll fall in love with at least one wine while on a Sunnyslope day trip. The good news is you can bring it home with you – for free! Fly with Alaska Air and you can bring your first case of Idaho wine aboard for no cost whatsoever.

WINERIES TO VISIT

There are many great winery options on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. For a complete list of options, click here .

HAT Ranch Winery

Named after the HAT Ranch family homestead, established in 1902, HAT Ranch Winery honors their pioneering heritage. You’ll know you’ve arrived at HAT Ranch when you see hats perched atop vine posts. Spend an afternoon sipping award-winning varietals, rosé and Tempranillo in the cozy tasting room and patio overlooking the vineyards and Owyhee Mountain range.

Koenig Vineyards

Go for the great wine, stay for the amazing views. Founded in 1995, Koenig Vineyards has a beautiful tasting room and expansive patio overlooking the Snake River Valley. The winery specializes in big bold reds, like the cabernet sauvignon or the Reserve Estate blend, and makes Port-style dessert wine using spirits from the Koenig family distillery. Koenig operates with minimal intervention in the cellar and traditional winemaking methods to create Old World wines with a modern flair

Ste. Chapelle & Sawtooth Winery

Ste. Chapelle and Sawtooth wineries are nextdoor neighbors and share the same winemaker, Meredith Smith, who regularly creates award-winning wines for both operations. Ste. Chapelle is the oldest and largest winery in the state. It opened in 1975 and was the first winery to open after Prohibition. Both wineries have beautiful tasting rooms, scenic patios, small plates, snacks and charcuteries for purchase and serve outstanding wines that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Kindred Vineyards

Inspired by the family-centric European lifestyle, Kindred Vineyards is rooted in bringing people together for great wine and good conversation. Visit the vineyards and indoor/outdoor tasting room to hear the stories behind each label, taste a variety of delicious wines, and try their amazing homemade wood-fired pizza. Kindred also has Mother Earth Beer on tap and kid-friendly non-alcoholic Italian sodas. The tasting room and patio offer tastings, bottles and build-your-own charcuterie boards.

Many Sunnyslope wineries will also allow visitors to bring a picnic-style lunch for their visit. Before you go, check Facebook as a lot of the Sunnyslope wineries host special food truck events so you can enjoy a tasty bite alongside your wine flight. You could also pick up a delicious boxed lunch from Certified Bakery and Cafe in Hyde Park before you drive out or swing by the Orchard House in the heart of Sunnyslope wine country for a slice of pie and a sandwich.

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Weekend Itinerary: Boise & Garden City

In partnership with the Idaho Wine Commission and Southwest Idaho Travel Association (SWITA)

Boise is the perfect jumping off point to explore Southwest Idaho ’s wine region. The state has three American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and over 70 wineries and cideries, the majority of which are in the greater Boise area. The Snake River Valley AVA includes urban wineries and the Sunnyslope Wine Trail , which stretches from Kuna to Caldwell. The Eagle Foothills AVA is located north of Boise. Check out this sample 3-day weekend itinerary for some travel inspiration!

Know Before You Go

During your stay, enjoy a complimentary tasting when you visit any of the participating tasting rooms by showing your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan membership and an inbound Alaska Airlines boarding pass (paper or digital) with an Idaho airport arrival . Create your own custom case of wine or take home one from any winery and check it for free on your returning domestic Alaska Airlines flight, courtesy of Idaho Wine Flies Free .

Don’t forget the packaging as well, as you’ll need to bring your wines safely boxed up to the airport for your flight home. Many wineries or bottle shops can provide you with materials they have on hand.

Bring lots of water to stay hydrated between and during your tastings.

As always, please drive sober and responsibly during and after your wine tastings. There are several wine tour operators if you prefer to have someone else do the driving. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead!

• Snake River Wine Tours
• Idaho Winery Seekers
• Idaho Wine Tours
• Sunshine Wine Tours
• Ciao Bella Wine Tours

The Owyhee | Photo credit: Visit Boise

Inn at 500 | Photo credit: Inn at The 500 Capitol

Day 1: Morning

Breakfast - Fuel up for the day’s adventures at one of Boise’s favorite morning eateries. Bacon or Big City Coffee & Cafe both offer big plates of fresh made fare. We suggest the Benny Hill at Bacon or the Farmer’s Daughter at Big City.

Explore Boise Downtown Landmarks and Businesses

Get a feel for the clean, accessible downtown by taking in some of the sites and shops. Suggested stops:

• Idaho State Capitol
• Freak Alley Gallery
• The Chocolat Bar
• City Peanut Shop
• Rediscovered Books
• Shift Boutique
• Mixed Greens

Day 1: Afternoon

Lunch at The Warehouse Food Hall - 370 S 8th St.

• Boise’s new food hall and culinary hub features 11 independently owned restaurants and two bars. Grab a scoop of ice cream at The STIL next door and be sure to take a peek at the Treefort Music Hall , home to the wildly popular Treefort Music Fest .

Urban Winery Tastings

After lunch, drive or walk/bike the Boise River Greenbelt to your pick of urban wineries. Many of the wineries offer food or charcuterie board options if you get hungry along the way. Find three possible itineraries below. Wineries marked with * offer a complimentary tasting when you show your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan membership and an Alaska Airlines boarding pass (paper or digital) with an Idaho airport arrival. Remember to buy an extra bottle or two to take home as part of the Alaska Airlines Wine Flies Free promotion.

• Meriwether Cider Co.
• Telaya Wine Co.*
• Split Rail Winery*
• 3100 Cellars*
• Coiled Wines*
• Cinder Wines
• Proletariat Wines - opening in 2023
• Rolling Hills Urban Tasting Room
• Par Terre Winery
• Potter Wines*
• 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards
• Dude Dewalt Cellars
• Sol Invictus Vineyard

Day 1: Evening

Dinner - Enjoy your meal at a unique-to-Boise restaurant offering Idaho wines:

• Owyhee Tavern

Hotel - Book your overnight stay at one of the hotels located in Boise’s walkable downtown.

• The Grove Hotel
• Modern Hotel + Bar
• Inn at 500 Capitol

8th Street | Photo credit: Visit Boise

Day 2: Morning

Breakfast at Sunshine Spice Cafe

• Four sisters, all refugees from Afghanistan, opened Sunshine Spice Cafe in late 2019. Their traditional baked goods, tarts and Turkish coffees and teas quickly caught the attention of locals and media alike, garnering a 2022 James Beard Award nomination in the baker category.

If you’re just looking for a cup of coffee to get you moving, the city has you covered. Choose from one of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Boise .

Culture - Boise has the largest Basque population outside of Spain. Hit downtown Boise’s Basque Block filled with restaurants, bars and a museum/cultural center. Sample from Ansots (a 2023 James Beard semifinalist, known for their chorizo), Leku Ona , the Basque Market (they make paella for a crowd out on the patio twice a week), and Bar Gernika.

Day 2: Afternoon

Select another area of urban wineries to explore to round out your Idaho wine experience.

• Greenbelt/Garden City
• Eagle Foothills

Day 2: Evening 

Dinner - Explore the dining scene around Boise’s 8th Street Corridor or Hyde Park neighborhood

• 8th Street: Juniper , Bittercreek Alehouse , Mai Thai
• Hyde Park: Parilla , 13th Street Pub and Grill , Casa Mexico, North End Pizza

Performing Arts - Check local event calendars to find a show or live music at the Morrison Center , Boise’s premier performing arts venue, Treefort Music Hall , or one of Boise’s breweries or clubs .

Movie - BoDo Cinema , located in the same building as The Warehouse, is Boise’s newest upscale movie theater. Auditoriums feature luxury electric recliners, DLP projectors and even some two-seater loveseat-style seats.

Nightcap - If you’re looking for a late evening drink, try:

• Gatsby - a 1920s style speakeasy where visitors must call for the password
• Western Proper - food, drinks, bowling and arcade
• The Modern Bar (located inside the Modern Hotel)
• The Royal Cocktail Co.

Day 3 Morning:

Hike - Head out for a hike in the Boise Foothills, located just minutes from downtown. The Ridge to Rivers System offers over 190 miles of trails, including accessible options for hikers of all abilities. We suggest Camel’s Back or Table Rock trails for great views of the city.  Before you leave town, make sure you have some bottles of Idaho wine to take home. If you forgot to grab some during your winery visits, stop by Hyde Park Fine Wines or the Boise Co-op , the city’s community owned natural food store. 

Looking for more activities just a short drive away? Check out our Sunnyslope & Snake River Valley  itinerary.

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Best Idaho Wineries And What You Need To Know About The Sunnyslope Wine Trail

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Aside from providing some of the best outdoorsy vacations, one of the most unknown facts about traveling around Idaho is discovering the best wineries in Idaho. My favorite Idaho wine expert and travel blogger Phylicia Stitzel has spent years immersed in the Idaho wine industry, including running wine tours along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. Today she’s telling us all about the best Idaho wineries and how the vineyards in Idaho are growing in numbers quickly! 

Best Idaho Wineries and What You Need To Know About The Sunnyslope Wine Trail

Regarding wine tasting in the United States, many enthusiasts might immediately think of regions like Napa Valley or Sonoma. However, tucked away in the picturesque landscape of the Gem State lies a hidden treasure trove for wine lovers – Idaho. With its flourishing wine culture and breathtaking scenery, Idaho wine country, particularly the wineries along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, is gaining recognition as some of the best in the country.

The vines were planted in Idaho in 1864, almost one hundred years after the first vines were planted in California by the Franciscan Missionaries at Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769. However, after Prohibition in the 1920s, it took until 1970 for wine grapes to be planted in Idaho again, and the wine industry started to make a comeback. This was because the farmers who had the fields ripe with grapes now had turned their fields for a “safer” crop: potatoes. 

Now, you will find most of the Idaho vineyards planted along the Snake River Valley in the Southern part of Idaho. The Snake River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) was approved in April of 2007. The Southwestern region of Idaho currently has the highest density of vineyards and wineries in the state, covering over 8,000 square miles! 

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best Idaho wineries, exploring what makes them exceptional and shedding light on the Sunnyslope Idaho Wine Trail.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A LOCAL IDAHO MOM AND TRAVEL BLOGGER.

Idaho Wine Country

Idaho might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering wine regions, but it’s quickly gaining recognition for its unique wine culture. The state’s varied climate and volcanic soils create an ideal environment for growing grape varieties. Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or rosés, Idaho’s wineries have something special for every palate.

What makes Idaho so unique for growing grapes? Location, location, location! 

The latitude of the Snake River Valley AVA is along the same latitude line as some of the most significant wine regions in the world! Places like Bordeaux, France, and Tuscany, Italy.

With latitude, wonderfully rich soil, elevation, and healthy seasons ensure that the vines can go through an entire growth cycle every year – which in turn greatly impacts the vineyards in Idaho and the wines they produce.  

Sunnyslope Wine Trail

Nestled within the breathtaking Snake River Valley, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail is a journey that promises unforgettable experiences. You will find Idaho’s oldest wineries and vines in the Sunnyslope wineries.

Along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, you will find 17 of Idaho’s award-winning wineries, each with a unique story and wines to offer. From Chardonnay aged in a Whiskey barrel at Fujishin Family Cellars, to a full gourmet tasting menu served at Parma Ridge Winery & Bistro. One of the most romantic things to do in Idaho is to go on a wine tour along Sunnyslope Wine Trial.

As you meander through this trail, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views of vineyards against the backdrop of rolling hills. The trail offers a chance to explore multiple wineries; whether you make a reservation or stop by – you won’t be disappointed!

One of the fun things to do in Idaho in the summer is to go on a wine tour. However, if you visit the Snake River Valley Wineries in the summertime, the best practice is to make a reservation early. The tasting rooms can get very busy, and the tasting room managers and attendants take great pride in giving their patrons the best possible experience. 

You can make a reservation online or by calling the wineries to schedule an appointment. Another option is to book a wine tour! Take the hassle out of booking and driving and enjoy the Sunnyslope wineries in style!  

Best Idaho Wineries

When looking for the best Idaho wines and selecting the best wineries in Idaho, it is hard to choose just a few, but here we go (in no particular order)!

Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery

Rated as the number one winery in Idaho in 2022, this family-owned and operated winery has the best Peach Sangria in Idaho! Even if you can’t make it to their tasting room, tucked away in Buhl, Idaho, you can find their wines all over the state. Worth picking up a bottle (or twelve!)

1498 Valley Steppe Dr. Buhl, ID 83316 P: (208) 539-8360 E: [email protected]  

Telaya Wine Co .

One of Idaho’s true gems, if you are a wine fan, you must make a stop at Telaya Wine Co. In the heart of Boise (or technically Garden City) you find this fantastic Idaho winery along the Boise River where nature and wine meet! This is one of the best Boise Wineries .

You can set up a full tasting and tour or stop in to pour a glass or try one of their wine flights. 240 E. 32nd St. Boise, ID 83714 P: (208) 557-9463 E: [email protected]  

Williamson Orchards & Vineyards

Where “old world” and “new world” wines meet! Visit the tasting room, where you can see pieces of the family farm on display to honor the family history while you taste the future in your glass! 14807 Sunnyslope Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 P: (208) 459-7333 E: [email protected]  

Koenig Vineyards

Where the grapes have a voice, Koenig Vineyards believes in minimal intervention in the cellar to ensure the wines have the best opportunity to express their authentic flavors.

21452 Hoskins Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 P: (208 ) 459-4087 E: [email protected]  

Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo Wines

One of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, Hells Canyon Winery and Zhoo Zhoo Wines is a dual operation. Steven Robertson set the tone with Hells Canyon Winery, and then his daughters chose to carry on the family wine operation and created a second “sister” label at the winery. Absolutely worth tasting both labels!

18835 Symms Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 P: (208) 477-4757 E: [email protected]  

Related Post: Things To Do in Emmett Idaho

Indian Creek Winery

This is a winery you can entirely escape to. Beautiful, lush gardens are the perfect place to sip on one of their award-winning wines and enjoy nature’s music. Or live music they set up during the summer! 1000 N. McDermott Rd. Kuna, ID 83634 P: (208) 891-7151 E: [email protected]

Ste. Chapelle Winery  

Welcome to the oldest winery in Idaho! Although no longer family-owned, visiting Ste. Chapelle Winery should be near the top of the list for everyone who comes to Idaho to taste wine! Pro tip: For this winery, you will want to make a reservation beforehand.

19348 Lowell Rd. Caldwell, ID 83607 P: (208) 453-7843 E: [email protected]

Plan Your Visit to Idaho Wine Country

When planning a visit to the best wineries in Idaho, it’s essential to consider the timing and location. Spring and early summer offer a lush and vibrant landscape, while the fall months bring a harvest atmosphere that’s second to none.

If you plan to fly into Boise, then stay at one of the 5 start hotels in Boise Idaho and plan to drive along the Sunnyslope wine trail located just 30 minutes from downtown Boise.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of wines, Idaho’s wine country promises an experience that will leave you craving more all year round!

Related Post: Best Boise Breweries

Idaho’s wineries are a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail along with the three AVAs in Idaho, with its captivating vineyards and diverse selection of wineries, provides a glimpse into the thriving wine culture of the region. Each sip tells a story of dedication, innovation, and the undeniable charm of Idaho’s wine country.

So, pack your bags, gather your fellow wine lovers, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Idaho’s best wineries. Your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget – if you fly on Alaska Airlines, Idaho wines fly for FREE!