Travel

Planning an adventure into Idaho's exciting wine scene? Not only will you find great wines, you'll also get to experience the unique backdrop of high desert landscapes and the Rockies.

Beyond the vineyards, Idaho's wine regions are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to hiking amidst a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Discover the art of winemaking in the Gem State, from the vibrant urban cellars of Boise and Garden City to the scenic vistas along the Snake River and Lewis-Clark Valleys.

This guide will navigate you through Idaho's diverse wine destinations, complemented by the state’s stunning natural attractions and outdoor activities.

• Where to Go
• Other Sights You Can’t Miss
• Getting There (When and How to Do it Best)
• Additional Planning Resources

Northern Idaho: A Historic Wine Haven

Lewiston and the Lewis-Clark Valley

Discover the roots of Idaho wine in Lewiston, nestled in the historically rich Lewis-Clark Valley AVA. This northern region is known for its perfect wine-growing conditions, with warm days and cool nights that nurture varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.

While Lewiston boasts an intimate wine scene of 8 wineries, nearby Moscow offers charming tasting rooms and local attractions like the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

For more local insights, see Visit Lewis-Clark Valley.

Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint

Experience the enchanting landscape of Coeur d’Alene, surrounded by over 55 stunning lakes, and the picturesque mountain town of Sandpoint. Both areas are known for their vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and captivating scenery. With seven wineries to visit in this picturesque landscape, it’s definitely worth a visit.

For further exploration, consult Coeur d’Alene and Visit Sandpoint.

Southern Idaho: Diversity in Terroir and Taste

Sunnyslope Wine Trail and Eagle Foothills

Located just outside the Boise metropolitan area, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, located in the heart of the Snake River Valley, and Eagle Foothills, just north of Boise, are both great places to visit for a day or a half-day outing.

Sunnyslope Wine Trail

The region's dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts and volcanic soils contribute to the unique profiles of its award-winning wines. And with over 20 wineries in the Sunny Slope Wine Trail there's lots to experience.

Eagle Foothills AVA

With 5 unique wineries to visit in the Eagle Foothills, this high-altitude sub-AVA of Snake River Valley is an up and coming place to visit.

Urban Wineries in Boise and Garden City

Dive into the urban wine scene of Boise and neighboring Garden City, where wine, food, and culture merge along the scenic Boise Greenbelt - a 25 mile (40 km) pedestrian pathway that links Boise and Garden City, bridging over 850 acres of riverside parks. With 13 wineries at your fingertips, you’ll be able to experience many different wines coming from the Snake River Valley and beyond.

Discover diverse tasting rooms and wine experiences set against the backdrop of outdoor adventures and city comforts. Start your urban wine journey with resources from Visit Boise and Visit Garden City.

South-Central Idaho: High-Desert Heaven

East of Boise, explore wineries benefiting from the high-desert climate's significant diurnal shifts, producing powerful yet aromatic wines. Extend your adventure to local natural wonders like Shoshone Falls, the Niagara of the West, and Craters of the Moon National Monument. With 4 wineries to visit while you discover the natural wonders of Idaho, your wine glass will be kept full.

For inspiration on how to plan your next trip, Visit Southern Idaho for more information.

Sights You Can't Miss

Brave North America’s Deepest Gorge

Hells Canyon offers a breathtaking landscape for adventurous travelers. Accessible via boat, hiking, or driving, this vast canyon presents opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and exploring ancient geological and cultural history.

Shoshone Falls

Dubbed the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is a must-visit for its impressive height and natural beauty. Towering at 212 feet (65 metres), this waterfall on the Snake River surpasses the height of Niagara Falls and offers stunning views, especially in the spring and early summer when water flows are highest.

Go to the Moon

Experience a surreal lunar landscape without leaving Earth at Craters of the Moon National Monument. This vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush makes you feel as if you're on another planet. Ideal for hiking, caving, and volcanic exploration, this national monument offers a unique adventure for all ages.

Be at One With the Universe

For those enchanted by the night sky, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a sanctuary of natural darkness. Spanning an impressive 1,416 square miles (over 900,000 acres), it’s one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution. Perfect for unforgettable views of the Milky Way, planets, and meteor showers.

Getting There (When and How To Do It Best)

Best Time To Visit

Late spring through fall is ideal for wine touring, offering pleasant weather and the chance to enjoy outdoor picnics at the wineries. Winter also has its charm, with cozy wine experiences and proximity to skiing destinations.

How To Get There

Southern Idaho

Boise serves as the gateway to Idaho with 1-2 hour direct flights from major cities such as San Francisco, Denver, and Vancouver, BC. Upon arrival, you can jump straight into the urban wineries of Boise and Garden City, which are a short drive or bike ride from the airport. The nearby AVAs of Snake River Valley and Eagle Foothills are about a 30 to 60 minute drive, offering a quick transition from cityscape to vineyard views.

If you're traveling with Alaska Airlines, take advantage of their Wine Flies Free program to transport a case of Idaho wines home without extra charge.

Northern Idaho

For those looking to explore northern regions like Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, expect a scenic drive of about 5-6 hours from Boise or consider a short regional flight, typically under an hour.

Coeur d’Alene offers a variety of wine experiences within a 20-minute drive from the city center. Lewiston, known for its proximity to the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, has its own airport (LWS) and is also about a 30-minute drive from the Moscow-Pullman regional airport (PUW). It also offers a bridge to the vineyards of Walla Walla Valley, just two hours away.

Additional Planning Resources

We're geeks about Idaho wines, but not the local experts. So check out these additional resources to help plan your trip:

• Idaho Wine Commission Brochure

• Idaho Wine Commission, American Viticultural Areas of Idaho MAP

• Idaho Wine Commission

• Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

• Visit Southwest Idaho

• Sunnyslope Wine Trail Itinerary

• Lewis-Clark Valley

• Visit Idaho