Snake River Wine Tours: Two-Time Best in North America!

Hey wine enthusiasts! Hopefully you heard last year, but Snake River Wine Tours snagged the Best Wine Tour in North America title not once, but twice! USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards honored us in 2022 and 2023, and we're still buzzing with excitement.

What's our secret? It's our dedicated team and our amazing guests. From our knowledgeable guides to our passionate visitors, every tour is a journey through flavors and stories that stick with you. We can’t forget our amazing winery partners that provide such an incredible experience with warm, Idaho hospitality. The wine is great and the views….incredible!

Now, with our eyes set on the 2024 nomination, we're ready to uncork even more adventures and have fun! Here's to Snake River Wine Tours—where every sip is a celebration, and every tour is an experience to remember. Cheers to many more years of wine-soaked success! 🍷

Exploring the Top 5 Grape Varietals Thriving in Idaho's Snake River Valley

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Idaho lies the Snake River Valley, an emerging haven for viticulture enthusiasts. With its unique terroir and favorable climate, this region has become renowned for cultivating a diverse array of grape varietals. In this blog post, we'll delve into the top five grape varietals flourishing in the Snake River Valley, each contributing to the region's burgeoning reputation in the world of winemaking.

1. Riesling: Known for its exceptional quality and versatility, Riesling thrives in the cool climate and volcanic soils of the Snake River Valley. This aromatic white grape variety produces wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, showcasing flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and floral notes. The region's cool nights help preserve the grape's natural acidity, resulting in beautifully balanced wines that pair splendidly with a variety of cuisines.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon: Despite its reputation as a warm-climate grape, Cabernet Sauvignon has found a new home in the Snake River Valley. The region's ample sunshine and well-drained soils provide the perfect conditions for this noble red grape to thrive. Wines crafted from Snake River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon exhibit rich, bold flavors of dark fruits, cassis, and spice, with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. These wines are a testament to the valley's potential for producing world-class reds.

3. Syrah: Syrah, also known as Shiraz in some regions, has gained acclaim in the Snake River Valley for its robust character and complexity. The region's warm days and cool nights allow Syrah grapes to ripen fully while retaining their natural acidity and vibrant flavors. Snake River Valley Syrah wines are characterized by their dark fruit aromas, peppery notes, and hints of smoke and earthiness, offering a distinctive expression of the valley's terroir.

4. Chardonnay: Chardonnay, the renowned white grape of Burgundy, has found a welcoming home in the Snake River Valley. The region's diverse microclimates and elevations provide winemakers with ample opportunities to craft expressive Chardonnay wines that showcase both freshness and richness. Snake River Valley Chardonnays display a harmonious balance of crisp acidity, creamy texture, and nuanced flavors of ripe apple, citrus, and toasted oak, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

5. Merlot: Merlot, often overshadowed by its more illustrious counterpart Cabernet Sauvignon, has been making waves in the Snake River Valley wine scene. The region's moderate temperatures and well-drained soils contribute to the development of Merlot grapes with optimal ripeness and flavor concentration. Snake River Valley Merlot wines are characterized by their supple tannins, velvety texture, and enticing flavors of plum, cherry, and cocoa, making them a delightful choice for both casual sipping and fine dining.

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In conclusion, the Snake River Valley in Idaho is a treasure trove of diverse grape varietals, each contributing to the region's growing reputation as a premier wine destination. Whether you're a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, exploring the top five grape varietals grown in this breathtaking valley promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and appreciation for the artistry of winemaking. Cheers to the extraordinary wines of the Snake River Valley!

Best Idaho Wineries and What You Need To Know About the Sunnyslope Wine Trail

Idaho Wines: A Hidden Gem

When it comes to American wine, the lush vineyards of Napa Valley or the rolling hills of Sonoma might first come to mind. But, for those seeking a hidden gem in the world of wine, Idaho, with its rich wine history and stunning landscapes, is an up-and-coming, must-see destination. Particularly, the wineries nestled along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail offer a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

Idaho's Viticultural Tapestry

Idaho currently has three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), all of which highlight the area’s diverse growing conditions. The Snake River Valley AVA near Caldwell, holds the spotlight, producing distinctive and delicious wines. The state's viticultural activity is constantly shifting, with a number of micro-and-meso climates allowing for a vast range of wine styles. 

While the region first became best known for cool-climate wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, Idaho has pivoted to also include red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Malbec. This area offers a unique glimpse at conventionally warm varieties growing in unexpected pockets of the world.

The Sunnyslope Wines

The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is situated mainly in the southwest, near the Oregon border. The region's volcanic-rich soils and massive temperature shifts have contributed to the development of wines with unique characteristics. The acidity of these wines is a notable characteristic, mainly as a result of the region’s high altitudes, which range from 600 to 3,000 feet above sea level.

Essentially, this spot is a little piece of undiscovered heaven, where wine has started to emerge, and surprise wine lovers from around the country.

A Memorable Tasting Experience on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail

The Sunnyslope Wine Trail, with its collection of around 20 wineries, promises a memorable tasting experience. Each winery offers a diverse selection of wines that showcase the region's unique and ever-changing growing conditions.

The tasting rooms, set against the backdrop of Idaho's breathtaking landscapes creates an atmosphere that elevates the overall experience.

Some of our favorite wineries from this region include:

●     Koenig Vineyards

●     SCORIA Vineyards

●     Sawtooth Winery

●     Huston Vineyards

●     Hat Ranch Winery

●     Kindred Vineyards

●     Kerry Hill Winery

●     Hell’s Canyon Winery

 Each winery offers a glimpse into the history of the region and perfectly portrays how the wine industry has not only shifted in the country but specifically in this AVA.

Explore with Snake River Wine Tours: A Journey Through Idaho's Finest Wines

To truly immerse yourself in the exceptional wines of the Snake River Valley, particularly the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, consider embarking on a tour with Snake River Wine Tours through this mesmerizing area.

This tour, listed as the #1 Best Wine Tour by USA Today in 2022 & 2023, takes you through the breathtaking Sunnyslope Wine Trail, allowing you to indulge in the finest wines while experiencing the unique charm of each tasting room. Go on a journey through the local wine country, where each sip tells a story of the region's rich history and commitment to producing exceptional wines.

Also read: Visit Boise's "The Secret's Out Of The Bottle"