our
blog
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.
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.
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!