BOISE, Idaho — Did it make sense to bring Walla Walla wines to Boise for a day in March? From both sides of the border, the answer is yes. Just a four-hour drive from Idaho’s state capital, and even less from the Moscow-Lewiston area, the Walla Walla Valley is one of the first places Gem State wine fans gravitate to when they seek out wine experiences. With more than … [Read more...] about Gem State Report: Walla Walla Wine tours Treasure Valley
Idaho wine
Riesling ice wine by Koenig Vineyards rules Idaho judging again
CALDWELL, Idaho — It was no shock to see the storied Riesling ice wine program at Koenig Vineyards win best of show in the 2023 Idaho Wine & Cider Competition — the third time in the past decade. This time, however, it wasn’t founder Greg Koenig who doted on those icy marbles of Riesling and took the voluptuous wine to bottle. Instead, it was James Nederend and his wife, … [Read more...] about Riesling ice wine by Koenig Vineyards rules Idaho judging again
Unique approach to ice wine leads to win for Nederend, Koenig Vineyards
CALDWELL, Idaho — There’s a rich tradition of exquisite dessert wines made with Williamson Vineyard Riesling at Koenig Vineyards, but it’s rare to see a multiple vintage expression of ice wine produced anywhere in the world, much less the Snake River Valley. This spring, the Koenig Vineyards nonvintage Riesling Ice Wine ($30) merited top awards at two Pacific Northwest … [Read more...] about Unique approach to ice wine leads to win for Nederend, Koenig Vineyards
Grenache, Veer Wine Project steer toward greatness
CALDWELL, Idaho — Perhaps the most buzz-worthy grape variety in the Pacific Northwest these days is Grenache, and in talented hands, the wines from that juicy red native to the Rhône Valley go beyond great. Last fall, a 2018 Grenache grown in the eastern end of the Columbia Gorge for Mount Hood Winery finished as the No. 1 wine of the 23rd annual Platinum Awards, a Great … [Read more...] about Grenache, Veer Wine Project steer toward greatness
Huston Vineyards: 2023 Idaho Winery of the Year
CALDWELL, Idaho — Gregg and Mary Alger can tell a winery story that many owners would cherish — plant vines, launch two brands, raise children and transition into a second-generation business. The founders each grew up as farm kids in the Snake River Valley, went to college and achieved success. Gregg helped build an office equipment business in Boise, decided to sell his … [Read more...] about Huston Vineyards: 2023 Idaho Winery of the Year