welcome
At the center of one of America’s newest AVA’s, the Snake River Valley Wine Region is the most concentrated area of the Snake River Valley AVA. With over 16 wineries and 1400 acres of vineyards this Wine Region possesses the majority of vineyard acres in Idaho. Located just 30 minutes west of Boise, Idaho this area is making a name for itself with its panoramic views, diverse agriculture and award winning wines.
Known for warm sunny summer days and cool nights, the Snake River Valley Wine Region capitalizes on the perfect ripening conditions for balanced acids and sugars in red and white grape varietals.
In addition, the tried and proven terrior of the Snake River Valley has an abundance of south facing slopes within a few miles of the Snake River. These slopes provide the best conditions for air movement ensuring the absence of frost during bud break and at harvest. The Snake River provides the ideal amount of humidity in this typically arid climate. The sandy loam volcanic soil provides the best conditions for water drainage producing deep root structures in the hundreds of acres of old growth vines.
Tucked away in the Southwest Corner of Idaho, visitors from neighboring cities and states are drawn to the region because of its natural beauty and surprise as they taste the many handcrafted award winning wines. The Snake River Valley Wine Region has an abundance of red, white and ice wine varietals. Known for our Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Chardonnay, Viognier and many other varietals, the Snake River Wine Region is small enough for guests to be welcomed by winemakers and growers alike yet large enough to spend several days enjoying the wonderful wines and magnificent scenery.
the wineries
Take a look at some of the fantastic wineries that we have in the Snake River Valley region!
location
attractions
The Snake River Valley Wine Region offers panoramic views of the Owyhee Mountains, Snake River and the patchwork of various row crops, orchards and vineyards. In addition to the beauty, visitors engage in a personal experience of meeting first hand the winemakers and vineyard managers who craft these premium Idaho Wines.
The Snake River Valley Wine Region offers wonderful dining opportunities and the backdrop for a perfect picnic lunch with the expansive and inviting views. Any time of the year is the perfect time to visit the Snake River Valley. The four distinct seasons and climate are the perfect conditions for grape growing, and Wine Tasting! Cheers!
history of the region
Perhaps it was the historical events of over 14,500 years ago that attributed mostly to the magnificence of the Snake River Valley Wine Region. The Great Bonneville Flood created the Western Snake River Canyon sculpting the slopes of the Snake River Valley Wine Region and creating the sandy loam soil. Coupled with the hot summer days and cool nights, this area provides the ideal characteristics necessary for growing many red and white grape varietals.
More recent history of the grape growing in Idaho began in the mid-1800’s. According the historical documents some of the first grapes planted in the Pacific Northwest were started in Idaho by German and French settlers. Many varietals were grown throughout Idaho prior to Prohibition. It took some 40 years after Prohibition before wine grapes were planted again with any significance. In the early 1970’s large blocks of Riesling and other varietals were established in the Snake River Valley area. Since that time vineyard acreage has grown ten-fold from less than a hundred acres to well over 1400 including many red and white grape varietals. Most recently the Snake River Valley Wine Region has been recognized by wine critics around the country for the award winning wines and winemakers.
our affiliations
The Snake River Valley Wine Region works closely with many affiliated partners to insure that our region is continually acknowledged for high quality fruit and wine. These close affiliations are an integral piece to insuring visitors to our region a memorable experience.