Idaho is home to some of the most stunning and beautiful landscapes in the entire United States. This rural and rugged state is home to thousands of miles of pristine untouched nature, making it one of the most beautiful states around.
While the primary crop grown in Idaho is the potato, there are plenty of wineries and wine bars here as well. Wine tasting in Idaho can lead to lifelong memories, as the landscapes and wine grapes are both unforgettable.
Where to Go for Wine Tasting in Idaho
Boise
Boise is the capital city of the state of Idaho and is also the largest city in the state with a population of just over a quarter million. Boise has been growing at an exponential rate over the past decade, as millennials from more expensive states are flocking to the city.
Bodovino is a modern wine bar located in downtown Boise that offers a high-tech “pour your own” wine dispensing system. There are over 144 bottles that are loaded into the dispensing system, and three different pour-size options are available.
In addition to the high-tech wine dispensing system, there are over 200 wines available by the bottle. There is also a designated party room that can accommodate up to 40 people, making Bodovino one of the best places to host a private wine tasting event in Idaho.
Vine Wine Shop and Lounge is an upscale wine bar and lounge that also has the license to sell bottles of wine retail. It is a laid-back environment that is perfect for a night of wine tasting with friends or a date night.
The “Vine Wine Club” is a very popular option among Boise wine enthusiasts, as wine club members enjoy a 15 percent discount on cases of wine and a 10 percent discount on everything else. There are three different levels of membership for all budgets.
Coiled Wine Bar is an upscale wine bar with a stunning minimalist aesthetic, and the company produces its own wines. They offer two different levels of wine club membership, and they host all kinds of different events every month.
The staff at Coiled Wine Bar is extremely knowledgeable about many different aspects of winemaking and the entire wine world. Many of their employees are certified sommeliers, and they are very patient and helpful when it comes to making wine selections.
Meridian
Meridian, Idaho is a suburb of Boise and is the second largest city in the state. Meridian is experiencing the same recent boom in growth as Boise and is also the second fastest growing city in Idaho.
There are plenty of different wine tasting options in Meridian for all to enjoy.
Vintage ’61 Wine Bar and Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in the state of Idaho, and their wine list is up to par with their top-notch chef. In its mission statement, Vintage ‘61 states that the restaurant is built on three key ingredients “the food, the wine, and the people.”
The restaurant takes a full farm-to-table approach to dining, and their wine list was clearly put together by a sommelier with years of experience. They offer a balanced selection of old-world and new-world wines, and there is enough variety for every wine lover’s palate.
A New Vintage Wine Shop is a part wine bar and part retail shop, with one of the largest and most interesting wine selections in the state of Idaho. The owners are both seasoned wine professionals, and they are extremely knowledgeable and patient with customers.
This friendly neighborhood wine shop and bar has been in business in the city of Meridian for over two decades, and they are a staple of the Meridian wine community. They are hosts to a very popular wine club, and there are four different levels of membership options.
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar serve “American Casual Cuisine” with a solid selection of wines available both by the glass and by the bottle. Their kitchen is also very accommodating to those with dietary restrictions, and they offer gluten-free options as well as a separate vegan menu.
Their by-the-glass selections are all new world wines from the United States, with the exception of an Italian Prossecco and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. There is a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon available by the bottle, which pairs perfectly with their red meat selections.
Nampa
Nampa, Idaho is located just west of Meridian and is Idaho’s third largest city. The area has experienced a good amount of growth over the past few years, and the food and beverage scene is rapidly expanding. There are plenty of great options for wine tasting in Nampa.
Brick 29 Bistro is one of the best restaurants in the entire area, and its wine list is well known by locals as one of the best in Nampa. Their chefs work with local ranchers and farmers to develop relationships and ensure the freshest and best locally sourced products available.
Brick 29 places a large emphasis on local ingredients, and this same principle applies to beverages. In addition to their carefully selected wine list, they allow guests to bring in their own bottles of wine. There is no corkage fee if the bottle is made by a local producer!
Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge is a fantastic locally owned wine shop that offers a laid-back environment for wine tasting. They offer a great selection of red, white, and sparkling wines from all over the world, and the staff is very helpful when it comes to choosing a glass or bottle.
They host a variety of different wine tasting events every month, and they also offer wine flights of their by-the-bottle selections. This is one of the best spots in Nampa to grab a small plate and glass of wine after work. The cozy space and welcoming staff make it one of a kind.
Italianesque is a traditional Italian restaurant with a wonderful wine list to pair with the food. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Nampa, so reservations are strongly recommended. They serve a large menu of traditional Italian dishes.
Every wine enthusiast knows that the key to a perfect Italian dinner is a proper wine pairing. There is a large variety of both white and red wines to complement everything from seafood and pasta dishes to meatballs and veal.
Caldwell
Caldwell, Idaho is home to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, a collection of 17 different wineries and vineyards. Each of these establishments provides a different slide of Idaho wine tasting, and they are all located close enough to make for an easy travel day.
Ste. Chapelle Winery and Tasting Room has been in operation since 1975 and is one of the most highly regarded and recognizable wineries in the state of Idaho. Their tasting room is open every day, and wine tasting there is extremely picturesque.
This winery has won a large variety of different winemaking awards, and they offer multiple wines that have scored 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator. The vineyard also doubles as a wedding venue, and this is one of the most beautiful places to get married in the state of Idaho.
Koenig Vineyards has been in business since 1985, and they feature a large variety of traditional French wine grapes, as well as rarer selections like Ice Wine in both Riesling and red wine varieties. Their tasting room offers some of the most beautiful views in the entire state.
They offer one of the best wine clubs in the entire area, and members receive a 30 percent discount on cases of wine. Members also receive four complimentary wine flights per visit, giving them a chance to try a large variety of the different wines being offered.
Conclusion
While the state of Idaho may be known for its potato production, there is also a good amount of wine being produced here. There are also many great wine bars and restaurants that keep the state of Idaho well stocked with great wine.
Be sure to comment below with your favorite spots for wine tasting in the state of Idaho!
