Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

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Plan Your Garden City Staycation With These Great Wineries

This must be the place

Looking for a way to get out and have some fun without getting too far from home? A staycation in gorgeous Garden City, Idaho, is the perfect place to start! And, of course, no staycation would be complete without an assortment of snacks and drinks–and if it’s wine you’re looking for, Garden City delivers.

Here’s how to plan your staycation and grab a few drinks along the way!

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Garden City Wineries to Put On Your Itinerary

Ready to see where your Garden City adventure will take you? Here are a few wineries to mark on your map:

Telaya Wine Co

Nothing says “Garden City” like a view of the Boise River, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Telaya. This winery doesn’t just have a riverfront porch; it has a tasting room, private tours, and even events like “Sip2Give,” which supported local organizations including Boise Black Dog Rescue and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in 2021. Old-world inspired and Idaho-crafted, Telaya is the perfect first stop on any staycation.

Quick Tip: If you want a souvenir from your staycation–or if you want to surprise friends and family with a treat–check out the Telaya gift sets. These carefully paired wines make it easy to remember the taste of your adventure.

Coiled

“Here’s to those following their own winding path!” That’s the spirit around which this local winery was built, and it comes through in every sip. Named for the Snake River Valley, Coiled makes everything “from vine to wine” right under its own roof. You can taste, shop, and enjoy a view of beautiful Garden City outside the huge windows.

Quick Tip: Wishing your staycation could last a bit longer? Coiled has wine clubs  complete with private parties, free monthly tastings, and more. It’s the perfect way to make Garden City feel like your own private retreat.

Rolling Hills Vineyard

Rolling Hills Vineyard isn’t just a wonderful a great way to enjoy Garden City. It’s also a unique experience combining Idaho and Washington grapes–a true taste of the West. You’ll taste award-winning wines, enjoy movie nights, and plan your staycation around “Idaho Wine Weekends.”

Quick Tip: One of the best things about the Treasure Valley is that your staycation isn’t limited to any one town. From Garden City, you can reach Boise, Meridian, and Eagle in just a few minutes. While Rolling Hills Vineyard has an estate in Eagle, it’s not currently open to the public–but there are plenty of other great things to see in this town, so don’t mark it off your list.

Staples of a Garden City Staycation

Of course, a true Garden City staycation doesn’t just have to be about drinks. Check out these other things to do while you’re resetting your palate:

Explore The River

The river is the beating heart of the Boise area. No matter where your adventure takes you, be sure to make some time for this stunning natural attraction–and keep an eye out for the birds, frogs, turtles, and other wildlife that also call Garden City home.

Enjoy Your Favorite Art

Whether you love painting, sculpting, live music, or another artistic endeavor, Garden City is the place to be. In between drinks, check out some of the area’s most creative minds and works in the galleries spread across town.

Take Pictures

Don’t forget to make those memories! Garden City has plenty of unique photo ops, from historical locations to candid shots at all those wineries. Be sure to share on social media so your friends can see how you made your staycation into something special!

Plan Around Events

Garden City–and the entire Treasure Valley–is built around a strong sense of community. That means there’s always a fun local event to enjoy–so plan your staycation accordingly.

Garden City is the perfect town for a staycation and a wine tour all wrapped up in one. Just don’t forget to slow down in between tastings and enjoy everything else the area has to offer!

Ready to begin your Garden City staycation? Check out our trip itineraries for a little inspiration!

Sip and Swirl Through Idaho Wine & Cider Month

Sip and Swirl Through Idaho Wine & Cider Month

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Sip and Swirl Through Idaho Wine & Cider Month

We’re entering a new golden era for Garden City’s heralded wineries and cidery — and there’s no better time to raise a glass to their continued success than Idaho Wine & Cider Month in June. We’ve rounded up the new releases, events, and new spaces that should be on your must-try list during this magical month.
Let’s uncork some fun!

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Cinder wines

Cinder’s 2019 Tempranillo earned a platinum designation this spring at the Great Northwest Platinum Wine Awards, and this ever-popular winery followed up that success with their fabulous spring release. (You can check out all of their current releases here.)

Of course, you can sip Cinder’s famous Dry Viognier and Syrah from the comfort of your own couch, but why not book a reservation at their tasting room, instead? A six-person guided tasting experience lasts 90 minutes, and you’ll have the option of adding a tasty cheese and charcuterie board to the fun. Call (208) 906-0555 to book your reservation — June should be hopping!

Barbarian Brewing

Coiled Wines

If you plan on celebrating Idaho Wine & Cider Month with a patio sipping session, pop into Coiled.

Their lovely tasting room is more like a home-away-from-home: Pick up a book from the winery’s free Little Library, sip a tasty Dry Riesling or full-bodied Black Mamba, and enjoy the summer sunshine. Coiled frequently hosts events ranging from art workshops to dance classes to live music, so check their Facebook page for the latest. 

Western Collective

Meriwether Cider

Mark your calendars now, because Meriwether has a full month of events to keep you busy!

June 5

Grab your most competitive bestie and head to the First Sunday Board Games Brunch, where you can compete and eat to your heart’s content. 

June 12 & 26

How’s this for a Sunday Funday? A couple times a month, Meriwether partners with Yoga 4 Life to create a best-of-both-worlds scenario: an invigorating yoga session followed by a refreshing Meriwether Cider. Yoga in the Taproom is just $20. 

June 22

Get ready for some serious comfort food, because you’ll be treated to plenty of it during Grilled Cheese Night. Take your pick from a variety of cheesy, toasty options and pair it with a cold cider. Perfection!

June 30

Enjoy a double whammy on June 30, when Meriwether’s Bluegrass Jam Session collides with Growler Thursdays. You’ll get $5 off a growler fill while listening to music that will get your toes tap-tap-tappin’.

Barbarian Brewing

Par Terre Winery

This small-but-mighty winery just earned a silver medal from Cidercraft Magazine for its rose collaboration with Meriwether Cider — and that’s just one of the many highly drinkable offerings that Par Terre’s husband-and-wife team puts out.

In June, when temps warm up, reach for their celebratory Sparkling Rosé or crisp En L’Air White and enjoy it on the tasting room patio. Check out Par Terre’s Facebook page, too, for info on summer events.

Western Collective

Potter Wines

Potter Wines makes highly drinkable wines that are super easy to enjoy — and fun is definitely the name of the game at Potter’s tasting room! Head there from 3-5 p.m. June 26 for a painting class with The Angry Easel. And no, you don’t need any experience to attend.

Just let the creativity flow (wine helps!). Tickets available for $20 per person through The Angry Easel

While you’re there, pick up Potter’s newest releases: A 2021 vintage of The Liquid Lunch, an unoaked Chardonnay, and a seasonal release of the cult-favorite Strawberry Jalapeno Wine Lemonade. The latter is available only through July 4, so be sure to plan ahead. 

Barbarian Brewing

Rolling Hills Vineyard

Talk about timing! Garden City’s newest winery will celebrate its first birthday on June 16. Owner Mark Pasculli says plans include plenty of food and a sampling of new wine releases, such as an unoaked Chardonnay, Moscato, and Riesling.

The birthday event is still in the works, so be sure to check the vineyard’s Facebook page and website for more info. You can also expect music on the weekends and a few barrel tasting events throughout the summer — and Pasculli says the vineyard’s new Frosé machine will be doling out icy goodness to combat the heat, too.

Western Collective

Split Rail

If you’ve been to Garden City in the past few months, chances are you’ve driven by Split Rail’s big, beautiful new space at 3200 West Chinden Boulevard.

The winery was still in the process of moving at the time of this writing, but that will be done and dusted by June — just in time to celebrate! (You’ll want to bring your friends, too, because the warehouse-like new tasting room has plenty of room for everyone.) While you’re there, stock up on Split Rail’s camping-friendly wine in a can, which Gear Patrol recently named its Best Splurge Canned Wine. As the author says, “While there are plenty of great wineries doing their thing in the Snake River Valley AVA, Split Rail is definitely having the most fun.”

Western Collective

Telaya Wine Company

Telaya is going all out with back-to-back Idaho-themed events during June. Visitors and newcomers, if you’ve been looking for a crash course in Gem State food and wine, this is your chance!

June 14: Telaya’s regular Tasting Night event will have a special Idaho theme in June, featuring only Idaho wines in celebration of Idaho Wine Month. Tickets are $30 ($15 for members) and include a tasting of five wines and an individual snack box. Tickets are available now on Telaya’s website. 

June 15: Telaya Bites with Kismet Kitchen will feature a Gem State theme, with Telaya winemaker Earl Sullivan and Kismet chef Aaron Wermerskirchen doing the hard work of creating beautiful pairings. This informal and intimate experience will include five two-ounce pours of wine with five Idaho-themed bite-size dishes. Tickets are available now

Barbarian Brewing

Garden City’s Biggest Beer Bash Is On!

Garden City’s Biggest Beer Bash Is On!

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Garden City’s Biggest Beer Bash Is On!

You might think of spring as when the weather starts to warm and flowers poke their sleepy heads out of the soil.

But in Garden City, spring is beer season. 

Yes, it’s time for Idaho Craft Beer Month! Throughout April, you can pick up a pint and celebrate your local suds supplier — and in Garden City, there are so many beers available that you might actually need the whole month to try them all! Luckily, we’re coming in clutch with a giveaway that could make that endeavor a whole lot easier (check for details below). 

Here’s what’s going down on Garden City’s Craft Beverage Corridor.

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Idaho Craft Beer Month

Enter Our Giant Craft Beverage Giveaway!

We’re celebrating Idaho Craft Beer Month by giving away a pull-out-the-stops staycation featuring your fave watering holes! This amazing package — our biggest ever! — combines beer and wine from Garden City’s craft beverage corridor, a staycation, tee times, and tons of swag!

Barbarian Brewing

This year’s Idaho Craft Beer Month also marks the opening of Barbarian’s brand-new taproom at 114 East 32nd Street. Co-owner Bre Hovley says they are working to get the new place up and running in time for festivities (check Barbarian’s Facebook page for updates), but the new beer garden along the Greenbelt is sure to be a new favorite for Treasure Valley beer lovers. 

In addition, Bre says you can expect four barrel-aged beers to be released on draft and in 500 mL bottles in April:

Ragnarök

A 9% abv, spontaneously fermented red sour base, aged in various barrels and given a final rest with peaches.

Cherry Pie Sour

This 7% abv blend of spontaneously fermented barrel-aged sours is so tart that it warranted a heaping helping of cherries, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Maple Bar Stout

Barbarian blended a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with vanilla and 50 pounds of maple syrup to create this 11% abv brew.

Blitzkrieg B.O.P.

This 11% abv bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout is blended with bourbon, orange, and pistachios (hence the BOP).

Powderhaus Brewing Company

You might have to wait until the last week in April for Powderhaus’s big event, but it’ll be worth the effort. Marketing and Promotions Director Tyler Schmidt says their annual Maifest (that’s May Fest in German) will kick off April 30 and spill over to May 1. Look for daily specials, events, and vendors to populate the Powderhaus parking lot. 

Maifest will wrap up with a firkin tasting. “It’s kind of a culinary beer thing,” Schmidt says. “You can infuse flavors you wouldn’t normally be able to in a keg.”

You can find more details about Maifest and other Powderhaus events here.

Powderhaus Brewing Company

Twisted District Brew Co.

Twisted District always has about a dozen of their own beers on tap, but in April you can double the fun on Friday evenings! Owner Greta Mohr says revelers can enjoy plenty of belly laughs during comedy sessions from 8:30-10:30 p.m. every Friday in April. Plus, Twisted has booked a full slate of live music on Saturday evenings. (Only 21+ at these events, please.)

If you’d like to have a Twisted holiday, check out the brewery’s Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 17. Visit their website or call for more details.

Twisted District Brew Co

Western Collective

Western Collective is participating in Pints Up Idaho on April 7, but that’s just one of the many events on the schedule at this hopping brewery. If you love getting first crack at a new release, mark your calendar:

April 1: Peanut Butter & Banana Stout Release Party

April 15: It Takes Two to Mango Fruited Sour Release Party

April 16: Easter Egg Hunt & Party

April 22: Dessert Dreams Release Party

Western Collective

Mark Your Calendars:

Idaho Wine and Cider Month is scheduled for June 2022, and we know Garden City’s wineries and cidery are already making plans! In the meantime, you can start putting together your tasting room list by visiting our Craft Beverage Corridor page. We’ll have more details as summer draws near, so stay tuned.

Sip Your Way Through Idaho Wine and Cider Month in Garden City

Sip Your Way Through Idaho Wine and Cider Month in Garden City

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Sip Your Way Through Idaho Wine and Cider Month in Garden City

For wine and cider lovers, Christmas comes in June. That’s when Idaho Wine and Cider Month, a statewide extravaganza of events and tastings, gifts oenophiles an excuse to truly savor the best of Idaho’s thriving wine industry.

Garden City — home to the renowned Craft Beverage Corridor — is home to seven groundbreaking urban wineries. In the Treasure Valley, these businesses have cult followings that wait expectantly for the next rosé or cab franc drop. Beyond Idaho’s borders, they’re racking up awards and long-overdue recognition. 

One of the best ways to experience the variety Garden City has to offer is by signing up for the Savor Idaho Passport through the Idaho Wine Commission. Typically, Savor Idaho is an in-person tasting event that features wineries from all over the state. This year, there’s a tweak because of COVID-19: Instead of attending a one-time gathering, you can obtain a free Savor Idaho Passport from any participating winery or the Idaho Wine Commission and use it all month long. You’ll get access to Passport-only specials and can send your filled Passport in to the Idaho Wine Commission for a shot at great prizes.

Here’s how you can sip your way through June in Garden City. 

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Cinder wines

Cinder Wines, owned by husband-wife duo Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr, was in the first wave of wineries to set up shop in Garden City back in 2008.

Since then, they have been lauded as one of the West’s best urban wineries by Sunset Magazine and wound up on restaurant menus throughout Idaho and beyond. For many local wine lovers, summer just wouldn’t be summer without Cinder’s Dry Viognier or Dry Rosé. Stop by Cinder’s first-come, first-served patio or book a 90-minute tasting for up to six people (charcuterie, cheese and chocolate — or all three — can be added for an extra fee). 

Barbarian Brewing

Coiled Wines

Winemaker Leslie Preston keeps pushing the envelope for Idaho wines: When she introduced Rizza, a sparkling brut Riesling, her first run sold out so quickly that she had to increase production. Using your Savor Idaho Passport, you can get your hands on a 2018 bottle for $30! Here’s what’s going on at Coiled in June.

All Month Long

Use your Savor Idaho Passport to purchase a 2018 Rizza for $30, a 2018 Translations Rosé for $20, or a 2018 Diamondback, SRV (Petit Verdot, Petit Syrah, Syrah) for $34. In addition, Passport holders can take 10 percent off a three-pack and Coiled Club members can take an additional 5 percent off in addition to their regular discount.

Western Collective

June 4th

Get creative during Coiled’s Intro to Modern Calligraphy – Brush Lettering from 6:15-8:30 p.m. at the winery’s Garden City Production/Tasting Room

June 12th

Sign up for more hands-on craftiness during a Spoon Carving Workshop at Coiled’s Downtown Wine Bar from noon-3 p.m.

New Releases

The newest additions to Coiled’s lineup are available to non-Coiled Club members by the glass or flight. Club members may purchase entire bottles. 

2019 Sidewinder ($30): A classic Idaho Syrah, with loads of smoky meat aromas and dark cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate fruit. 

2019 Black Mamba ($34): Pure Petit Verdot. As Preston says in her tasting notes, “This captivating, inky, and elusive wine had to have a name to match its personality. As the winemaker, I have been as mystified by the following for this wine as I am by the grape itself.”

2019 Merlot ($34): Preston says, “Coiled has never been afraid to champion a great grape and I am thrilled to now have a contract for this Merlot.”

Meriwether Cider

Meriwether is owned and operated by the Leadbetter family, four self-described firefighters, nomads and adventurers. 

Gig, Ann, Kate, and Molly make their cider with Northwest apples and other pure fruit juices. You might find hops, blackberries, or ginger in your cider, but no artificial flavors or essences, and no added sugars. It’s fizzy, refreshing, and delicious. Meriwether is known for its partnerships benefiting the community, such as Jupiter’s Cider, a recent collaboration with the Idaho Black History Museum.

Barbarian Brewing

Par Terre Winery

Travis and Mallory Walker met while dancing in a ballet company — hence the name of the winery — and their wines are just as elegant as a pas de deux.

In June, be among the first to taste their 2019 En L’air Red Blend, a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot that contains a balance of acid and lush fruit. A portion of the proceeds will go to performing arts education organizations in the community. Also, you’ll now have extra time to spend at Par Terre’s tasting room: The winery has extended its hours until 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for the summer.

Western Collective

Potter Wines

Potter Wines are made for fun-loving, adventurous folk — and the owners bill their Garden City space as “Idaho’s most unique winery and tasting room.”

Try the Jalapeno Wine or Chipotle Jalapeno Wine (you read that correctly!), their Minx Cabernet, or their Liquid Lunch Chardonnay. Their GC location is available for drop-in wine tastings, or you can rent out the entire space for a girl’s night out or a birthday party.

Barbarian Brewing

Split Rail

Split Rail has made a name for itself with its clever takes on classic wines, like its 2019 Daft Punk Brut Rosé, a dry Sangiovese rosé injected with bubbles.

These wines are made to be enjoyed with friends — Split Rail offers several in cans, perfect for your next backpacking trip — and you can stock up for your summer festivities during June using your Savor Idaho Passport. Split Rail is planning plenty of events in June, so check the winery’s calendar for more info, including start times and tickets. 

Western Collective

June 1st

Wine dinner at BodoVino Ristorante at the Village in Meridian.

June 17th

Winemaker Virtual Tasting with Albertsons.

June 27th

Wine Dinner at The Local.

Telaya Wine Company

Back in the mid-2000s, Telaya owners Earl and Carrie Sullivan walked the beach in Cabo San Lucas and hatched a plan for an ambitious side hustle: a winery. They hoped their new venture, Telaya Wine Co., would eventually blossom into a full-time family business that would allow them to spend time with their kids.

They quickly outgrew their first space and built a gorgeous facility along the Boise River, building a rep among wine lovers for its airy tasting room and spacious patio. But the space is only part of the equation. Telaya’s wines, like its signature Turas, Malbecs, Chardonnays, and Cabernet Sauvignons, repeatedly garner honors. 

Telaya hosts frequent events, and June will be no exception. 
Barbarian Brewing

June 6th

Telaya and Boise Bite and partnering to create a pop-up restaurant at the winery. Each five-course dinner will be tailored to pair with Telaya wines and will feature a theme that will be announced as the date draws near. There will be only one seating at 7 p.m., so be sure to secure your spot

June 9th, 16th and 23rd

The winery’s popular Telaya Bites series features simple, delicious culinary experiences created by local chefs. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy Telaya’s beautiful tasting room after hours while winemaker Earl Sullivan and the featured local chef share their knowledge of food and wine pairing. This informal and intimate experience includes five two-ounce pours of wine paired with five bite-size food pairings. 

June 21 and 28

Each year, Telaya partners with Chandler’s for a special Idaho Wine Month dinner. This year’s event will be hosted at the restaurant and will include five courses featuring Idaho producers and ingredients, each paired with a Telaya wine. Check Telaya’s events page for more info as the date draws near. 

Pints Up! GC Is the Place to Be During Idaho Craft Beer Month

Pints Up! GC Is the Place to Be During Idaho Craft Beer Month

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Pints Up! GC Is the Place to Be During Idaho Craft Beer Month

Barbarian Brewing
There’s never been a better time to hoist a pint in Garden City. As the weather warms and patios fill, the six breweries and cidery along the city’s Craft Beverage Corridor are gearing up for Idaho Craft Beer Month with new releases and old favorites. Ready to plan your own celebration? Read on for inspiration!

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Barbarian Brewing

Co-Owner and Business Manager Bre Hovley says this boundary-pushing brewery has recently released an astounding 11 beers that will be available in April. Sour lovers, take note: You won’t want to miss this.

Barbarian Brewing

Danger Sunset

Danger Sunset, a spontaneously fermented sour blend aged in oak barrels and finished with strawberries and coconut that was inspired by the South Beach of Miami, 1986 (this one’s for you, “Miami Vice” lovers).

I Told You I Was Krieky

I Told You I Was Krieky, another spontaneously fermented sour aged beer that features “a freaky” amount of tart cherries.

Spawn of Barbarian

Spawn of Barbarian, a 2019 brew that was aged in oak barrels before huckleberries were added this winter. The result is “a true amalgamation of Idaho flora and fruit, perfectly fusing the tartness of the huckleberry with the acidity of the spontaneously fermented sour.”

Reserve Morrigan

Reserve Morrigan takes its name from the Celtic goddess of war and death who, legend has it, flies over the battlefield in the shape of a raven. This beer is a spin on the original 2015 Reserve Morrigan that Barbarian’s brewmasters crafted back in its early days. The 2020 vintage was aged in red wine barrels with juice from 50 pounds of Petit Verdot and 50 pounds of Petit Syrah grapes.

Valkyrie

Valkyrie, which will make its debut in April, is named after the female warriors who flew with the Norse god Odin into battle. This farmhouse sour ale is infused with elderflowers and Sauvignon Blanc juice.

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi, another April release, is a milkshake IPA inspired by the famously refreshing Indian drink. It’s made with Mecca Grade Estate malt and wheat, lactose, wildflower honey, vanilla beans, mango fruit, cardamom, flaked oats and rice, and Citra, Azacca, and Motueka hops and yeast purchased from Mountains Walking Brewery in Bozeman, Montana.

Western Collective

This brewery is beloved for its fun space and wide-ranging offerings — besides beer, Western Collective also sells hard seltzer, coffee, and boozy slushies. But beer lovers will be excited to learn that the brewery’s famous Hazy Series of IPAs is getting a new edition (Volumes 1-4 are currently available).

“The hazy series are some of my favorite hazies,” says Western Collective’s Corey Jolliffe. “The 3 and 4 are absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to try Volume 5.” 

The brewery also released Roca Jack, a lager IPA with a tropical blend of hops, in March. Keep your eyes open for new slushy flavors, too. Western Collective will have regular events like its Dueling Pianos series throughout April; check out the events calendar for more.

Western Collective

Powderhaus Brewing Company

Powderhaus’s Belgian-Style Quad has been aging in Woodford Reserve barrels for a year, taking on layers of whiskey and caramel notes in the process.

“It is so stupid good,” says Powderhaus’s Mark Schmidt, who runs the brewery with his brother and parents.

The quad is just one of the releases that will be available in April. Look for the Dortmunder, part of a German rotational series featuring German hops, and March releases such as the Dubbel Belgian-Style Beer; Schmidts and Grins, a doppelbock; and Hinterlander, a cold-brew coffee porter. Albertsons purchased the latter three, so keep an eye out in your local store.

This year, Powderhaus is expanding its space and adding a cold room. Check the brewery’s website for events like its Barely Civilized Workshops, where you can grab a beer and learn outdoor skills like knife sharpening.

Powderhaus Brewing

County Line Brewing

This brewery is a family affair, and its Garden City taproom is as welcoming as going to your buddy’s for a beer. County Line is known for brews like the Hayride Pale Ale, Ruth’s Lager, and the Slow Draw Oatmeal Stout (now all available in six-packs). Head to the taproom on Wednesdays for County Line’s weekly trivia night or support the brewery by ordering online and popping by for pickup.

County Line Brewing

Pints Up, Idaho!

Garden City isn’t the only place that will be raising its glasses in April — the whole state is celebrating our hoppy good fortune.

Pints Up Idaho, a statewide, collective pint day, will take place April 1. Participating breweries will feature commemorative pint glasses (usually available with the purchase of a beer). This year’s glass will feature a colorful, screen-printed design of the goddess of barley and hops, brought to you by the Idaho Barley Commission.

The pandemic has precluded Idaho Craft Beer Month’s annual festival, but never fear! Sign up for a curated beer box featuring unique beers from around the state. Orders will begin April 7 and will last for only a few days, so don’t miss your chance. The beers will be available for pickup (precise location TBA) the week of April 26.

Idaho Brewers United will host a virtual scavenger hunt on its Facebook (@idahobrewers) and Instagram (@idahobrewersunited) accounts in April — win and you could take home a prize pack!

Crooked Fence Brewing Co.

Twisted District Brew Company

Garden City’s newest brewery launched in December 2020, during the depths of the pandemic, but that hasn’t slowed this all-in-the-family operation down. It’s owned by life and business partners Ed Danti and Greta Mohr. Greta’s son Bud is Twisted District’s brewer and oversees its four tanks.

You won’t want to miss his unique takes like Hazy Pale, Teddy Loves Pils, Da Dunk’aDunk, Twisted Hefe, Push and Porter (made with cold brew from GC’s own Push and Pour coffee shop), and Rauchambo. While you’re sipping your brews, take in live music and try savory offerings from Twisted District’s menu like brisket and gorgonzola kettle chips or smoked buffalo brats.
Twisted District Brew Company

Head to the Idaho Craft Beer month website for more details.

The Gift Giver’s Guide to Garden City

The Gift Giver’s Guide to Garden City

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The Gift Giver’s Guide to Garden City

Garden City is a haven for artists and makers — which makes it a one-stop shop for savvy holiday gift-givers! From beautifully made baubles to bottles of brews, we’ve rounded up the best places to score a one-of-a-kind gift for just about every person on your list.

With so much to see (and shop) this holiday season, why not make a weekend of it? The Riverside Hotel is offering a Warm Up to Winter Package that’s perfect for the occasion, including a Signature Breakfast, cozy robes and slippers, and a $50 food and beverage card. Plus, you’ll get access to the hotel’s spacious 98-degree pool — heated sustainably with off-grid excess power — and the socially-distanced deck. Be sure to ask for the package by name when making your reservation.

After a heady day of lounging and browsing, be sure to check out Christmas in Color at Expo Idaho, which will set the night sky ablaze with 1.5 million (yes, million!) lights. All you need to participate in this mile-long drive-through tour is your trusty vehicle. Tune in to the Christmas in Color radio station to enjoy a synchronized music-and-light show featuring a wonderland of giant candy canes, snowmen, and dazzling decorative arches. You need just one $30 ticket per vehicle to experience this sparkling show, which runs from Nov. 20-Jan. 3.

Now, are you ready to find the perfect gift? Let’s dive in!

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FOR THE

Sustainably Stylish

Fluff Hardware

Fluff Hardware features of-the-moment designs crafted with hammered metal, chunky crystals, delicate chains, and stamped cuffs. Order online, catch them at one of their many holiday craft appearances, or book a stamped jewelry class and make your own gift!

Garden City Projects

Garden City Projects offers sculptural, modern takes on jewelry — exactly the sort of pieces your college-age niece or minimalist girlfriend would sport regularly. Pair a set of earrings with one of their glass trays for the ultimate cool-girl gift.

Foster Weld

For a gift that will last for decades to come, check out Fosterweld. The artisans at metalworking shop craft everything from bottle openers to belt buckles, keychains to custom vintage-style signs. Have an idea? Bring it to the shop (operating by appointment only) for a one-of-a-kind gift, or check out their online store.

FOR THE

Boutique Enthusiast

Suzanne Fluty Designs

Each Suzanne Fluty Designs ceramic piece is both down-to-earth and elegant, with washes of soft color and earth-inspired art. Choose a gorgeous mug as a lovely gift for the hard-working teacher who has been surviving Zoom classes on endless cups of coffee.

Lala's Fresh Pots

If you’ve never seen an agatewear design — one that mimics the fluid layers and swirls of its namesake rock — you’re in for a treat. Lala’s Fresh Pots specializes in this unique look (check out maker Kayla Morgan’s could-have-fooled-you agatewear earrings, too).

FOR THE

Art Collector

Zion Warne

For more than 20 years, Zion Warne has been at the vanguard of the Treasure Valley glass scene. He’s known for his swirling layers of colorful glass — but don’t overlook his special holiday-themed collection featuring sunglass-sporting snowmen, hand-blown ornaments, and blue-and-green pine trees.

Stover Glass

Museum-worthy vessels, delicate earrings, display-worthy glasses … they’re all available at the Stover Glass online shop. Artist Lisa Stover’s covetable creations are the result of 25 years’ worth of exploration into what glass can do (and at prices ranging from $25 to $300+, there’s something for every budget). 

Betsie Richardson

Artist Betsie Richardson’s oil paintings reflect big landscapes and little moments. You can pick up anything from stickers to holiday cards to gallery-worthy prints at her Etsy shop, or make a private studio appointment with the artist — Richardson takes commissions.

Madasci Studios

Artist and blacksmith Susan Madasci, founder of Madasci Studios, creates vessels that seem pieced together by invisible thread and colorful sculptures that appear to defy gravity. Whether you purchase from her online shop or choose something that’s made to order, you can be sure you’re gifting something that’s one of a kind.

FOR THE

Vintage Enthusiast

Studio 1212

Looking for something that’s truly unique? Go vintage — or vintage-inspired, like the handcrafted furniture at Studio 1212 that draws on the clean, futuristic lines of mid-century modern design.

Ricochet Home Consignment

Ricochet Home Consignment offers a doubletrack of goods, decor and clothing, including items from screen legend Maureen O’Hara’s estate.

Estate Sales Outlet

You’ll discover a wide range of treasures, from collectibles to antique silverware, at the Estate Sales Outlet Shop, which houses overflow from the business’s frequent events.

Assistance League Thrift Shop

Your gift will do double good at the Assistance League Thrift Shop, where proceeds from sales help to fund nine philanthropic programs.

Eclectic curio

The offerings at Eclectic Curio are as wide-ranging as the shop’s name implies — browse here for handmade ornaments and carefully curated vintage finds.

The Merq

The Merq has earned a diehard following for its “treasure of great junk” and helpful service; you can even set up a private browsing experience.

FOR THE

Beer & Cider Buddy

Garden City’s Craft Beverage Corridor offers a bonanza of gifts for the tipplers on your list. Tap into Powderhaus Brewing Company, County Line Brewing, Western Collective (which also sells a limited selection of house-made wine), Crooked Fence Brewing Co., Barbarian Brewing, and Meriwether Cider for bottles, cans, and growlers of the best brews in the state.

Powderhaus Brewing Company

County Line Brewing

Western Collective

Barbarian Brewing

Meriwether cider

FOR THE

Wine Sipper

Of course, the Craft Beverage Corridor isn’t limited to beer alone. Garden City’s fantastic wines are racking up honors — and you will, too, with the gift of a wine club subscription or a coveted bottle or four. Check out Cinder Wines, Split Rail Winery, Telaya Wine Co., Coiled Wines, Potter Wines, or Par Terre Winery.

Cinder Wines

split rail

Telaya Wine Co.

Coiled Wines

Potter Wines

Par Terre Winery

FOR THE

DIY Gifter

Quilt Expressions

What could be more meaningful — especially this year — than making your own gift? Quilters flock to Garden City’s Quilt Expressions, which has an astounding 7,000+ bolts of fabric to choose from at its store, online, or for curbside pickup.

the Twisted Ewe

Yarn arts enthusiasts will find everything they need at Twisted Ewe, which features skeins of gorgeous yarn from around the world, including Noro from Japan, Gedifra from Italy, and the shop’s own in-house brand.

Twisted Kitchen

If whipping up 500 cookies is more your style, head to the Twisted Kitchen next door and rent its fully-stocked commercial kitchen. It comes equipped with a convection oven, a spacious prep kitchen, massive fridges and freezers, and much more.

The Potter's Center

The Potter’s Center offers group and one-on-one classes for budding ceramicists and a range of beautiful supplies and tools for those who already know their way around a wheel.

Quality Art

Your artistic friend (or your elementary-age child) will appreciate a gift certificate or kit from Quality Art School & Art Supply, which stocks everything from Bob Ross kits to reams of colorful kraft paper and kid-friendly washable tempera paints.

Reuseum

To create a truly weird and wonderful gift, head to the Reuseum. This electronics supply and surplus store has a charmingly unpredictable stash of finds ranging from lab equipment to spare circuit boards that the tech-savvy and mechanically handy will find inspiring.

What’s your favorite place to shop in Garden City? Give us your recommendations in the comments below.

Sip and Celebrate During Idaho Wine and Cider Month!

Sip and Celebrate During Idaho Wine and Cider Month!

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Sip and Celebrate During Idaho Wine and Cider Month!

June is Idaho Wine and Cider Month

June is Idaho Wine and Cider Month, and there’s no better place to raise your glass in tribute than Garden City — six outstanding wineries and one amazing cidery line our celebrated Craft Beverage Corridor. After an extended break due to the pandemic, they have reopened their doors to the public and are ready to start serving in person again. 

Why is Garden City such a hotbed of winemaking? It starts with the rich, volcanic soil and grape-friendly climate that have made winemaking one of Idaho’s fastest-growing — and delectable — industries. Garden City’s business-friendly environment and easy access to the space needed for these wineries has made it the unofficial center of the universe for Idaho’s winemakers.

Garden City’s winemakers have won numerous awards and inspired Idahoans and visitors alike to drink local. Idaho Wine and Cider Month has been celebrated since 2009, but this year, of course, might be a bit more subdued — but just as delicious. There are a limited number of events this year with a limited number of spots available due to social distancing, so register early.

Here’s where you can experience the best wines Garden City has to offer.

Cinder Wines

What do cinders have to do with wine, you might ask? In Idaho, a lot. Cinder sources its outstanding grapes from the volcanic soil (hence the “cinder”) of the Snake River Valley for truly local wines. Winemaker Melanie Krause has racked up countless awards for her chardonnay, dry viognier, off-dry Riesling, and more. Cinder’s warehouse tasting room is a favorite for private parties and group wine tastings.

Coiled Wines

Winemaker Leslie Preston is an industry powerhouse who was one of the pioneers of Idaho’s modern era of winemaking. She and her team create all their products from “vine to wine” at Coiled’s location in Garden City. And what products they are, too. You’ll discover easy drinking reds like Black Mamba and the groundbreaking Rizza, Idaho’s first Champagne-method sparkling wine.

Par Terre Winery

This new winery was founded by two professional dancers, and they create wines as elegant as a ballet. Par Terre’s selection is small but carefully made and includes a rose, chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, merlot, and Semillon. Their 2017 rose was made with grapes from Washington and has racked up multiple awards.

Potter Wines

You’ve never had anything like a Potter wine. This winery is best known for its jalapeno wines, which balance spiciness with light sweetness. Other offerings include the Liquid Lunch chardonnay and the Swanky Devil syrah, as well as bagged wine lemonade — perfect for your next camping trip.

split rail

Split Rail wines are fun. As the folks at the winery put it, they’re meant for people with an “unfettered love for drinking, eating, and debauchery” — and that comes through loud and clear in their approach to winemaking. Here, you’ll find Daft Pink, a dry rose that comes in either bottles or cans; huge reds with names like Horned Beast and Swamp Donkey; and a classic tempranillo called Bearded Quixote. Irreverent? Yes. But flimsy? Never.

Telaya Wine Co.
Classic, traditional, and crafted in Idaho and Washington grapes, Telaya wines are known for their consistency and elegance. Telaya is regularly celebrated for its Turas, an earthy syrah-based blend, as well as a carefully curated selection of European-style whites and reds. The Telaya tasting room is a gem nestled along the Boise River that attracts both a weekday after-work crowd and blowout private bashes.

Events during Idaho Wine and Cider Month:

Meriwether cider

Meriwether is owned and operated by the Leadbetter family, four self-described firefighters, nomads and adventurers. Gig, Ann, Kate, and Molly make their cider with Northwest apples and other pure fruit juices. You might find hops, blackberries, or ginger in your cider, but no artificial flavors or essences, and no added sugars. It’s fizzy, refreshing, and delicious.

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Support Garden City Wineries and Cideries Wherever You Are!

If you’re not comfortable venturing out in public yet, you can support Garden City’s winemakers and cideries by sipping at home:

Host a virtual happy hour with wines from Garden City. Why not a virtual taste test with your favorite oenophiles?
Order wine online or by phone. Many of our wineries have continued operations during the shutdown and are stocked and ready to fill your order.
Pick up your wines curbside. Ask about curbside pickup when you’re placing your order. Many wineries are happy to help you.
Join a wine club. This is the best way to experience the wines that winemakers are really proud of — and many wine clubs offer additional benefits, like lower prices and exclusive access to certain events or hard-to-get wines.

Staying Safe While You Sip

Garden City’s wineries and breweries are working hard to make your experience safe, healthy, and fun. Please do your part by washing your hands frequently, doing your best to maintain social distance from other customers, staying home if you’re not feeling well, and respecting each establishment’s individual guidelines.

Bring Your Brew Buddies

If your friends are more into suds than Syrah, invite them along! Our Craft Beverage Corridor has plenty of local breweries and even a cidery that are offering to-go orders and curbside pickup. Don’t forget to check their websites for their reopening dates!

Barbarian Brewing5270 W. Chinden Blvd
County Line Brewing, 9115 W. Chinden Blvd
Powderhaus Brewing Company, 9719 W. Chinden Blvd
Western Collective, 111 W. 33rd St.

Tasting & Tap Rooms

Tasting & Tap Rooms

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Tasting & Tap Rooms

taste

Garden City boasts an impressive selection of wineries and breweries, and on any given day you can sample their wares and discover what the buzz is about. Use our guide to taste your way through the wineries, cideries, and breweries that call Garden City home.

Start with a Bloody Mary brunch

Be sure to come hungry because Caffe Luciano’s has earned a devoted following for its breakfast paninos — savory sandwiches packed with ingredients like prosciutto, eggs, mozzarella, and basil aioli — but get into the spirit of your adventure with one of their Bloody Marys. You’ll be primed for the day of indulgence that lies ahead.

glasses of meriweather cider
cinder wine bottles and filled glasses

Sip Syrah at Cinder

This Garden City hidden gem is perfect for any wine lover. In fact, any time is a good time for rosé, especially Cinder’s Dry Syrah Rosé. Make like a local and stop in for a tasting at Cinder’s industrial-chic tasting room — if you’re lucky, you might even get an impromptu tour of the winemaking facilities in the back! Cinder’s wines are made from Snake River Valley grapes and are a prime example of the potential of Idaho’s up-and-coming wine scene. Start sipping now and you’ll have bragging rights when the rest of the world discovers these treasures.

Barbarian brewing beer in glasses

Drink like a Barbarian

Barbarian Brewing’s roots go back — way back — to the ancient Europeans who pioneered the sour beers that have become a phenomenon today. Barbarian uses Old World-style methods to create fresh, new flavors like Odin’s Table Bier, Cry of the Blackbirds, and The Warg. Barbarian has a huge, experimental beer list, so ask about limited-edition beers that you won’t find anywhere else. Barbarian’s pioneering style and willingness to try new flavors makes each trip to their taproom unique.

 

Rare steak meal and a martini from Stagecoach in Garden City

Finish Strong with a Classic Steak Meal

You’re bound to be ravenous by the end of your tour, so why not stop in at a classic steakhouse? The Stagecoach has been an institution since the 1950s, and its bar is one of the busiest locations in all of Garden City. Grab a cozy leather booth and sip on one of the Stagecoach’s legendary martinis or Manhattans. Order a snack of their signature bar prawns to truly round out the experience.

Of course, there’s much more to discover! Find a full list of Garden City’s craft breweries and wineries.

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