A Tour of Idaho Wineries

The state of Idaho was the 43rd state added to the union on July 3, 1890. Since then the state of Idaho has gained popularity for having some of the most beautiful mountains and state parks. Most of us don't know much about Idaho except for it being famous for potatoes. Over the years the state of Idaho has also become known for being the home of quite a few great wineries. Although Prohibition virtually wiped out the Idaho wine industry in the late 1800's, it came back stronger than ever in the twentieth century.

Idaho wine is known for its cool climate white varietals like Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer as well as a few red wines such as Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are several wineries located in the state of Idaho. Listed below is a tour of some of the great wineries that this wonderful state has to offer.

Ste Chapelle Winery

The Ste Chapelle Winery was the first commercial winery and it was founded in 1976. The Ste Chapelle overlooks the Snake River Valley and it has become the 5th largest winery in the Pacific Northwest. This winery is open 7 days a week and they offer tours by appointment. Although the Ste Chapelle Winery is known for its award winning Riesling that has rich sweet flavors with a tropical aroma, you can also enjoy everything from Chardonnay to Merlot. Most of the wine can be purchased for under $50 a bottle and even less if you're a wine club member. To learn more about this amazing winery and all of its award winning wines go to www.stechaplle.com

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards

The 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards is located in Eagle, Idaho and it was founded in 2003 by Gary and Martha Cunningham. They offer a large variety of red and white wines with the favorite being their 2007 Reserve Merlot. This is a full bodied red wine with a blackberry and cherry aroma with hints of chocolate and it has a velvety finish and it sells for $20 a bottle. To learn more about this great bottle of wine and more go to www.3horseranchvineyard.com

Coeur d'Alene Cellars

The Coeus d'Alene Cellars was founded in 2002 and it's located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They are known for their delicious 2005 Stillwater Creek Syrah. The Stillwater Creek Syrah sells for $36 a bottle and it has a deep red color with floral accents and blackcherry and raspberry flavors. To learn more about the wines produced at Coeur d'Alene Cellars, go to www.cdacellars.com

Bitner Vineyards Winery

The Bitner Vineyards Winery is located in Caldwell, Idaho and it was founded in 1981 by Ron and Mary Bitner. Although their first plantings were Riesling and Chardonnay, In 1995 they began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and their amazing Shiraz.. If you enjoy dessert wines, then you must try the Shiraz Red Dessert Wine. This is a port style wine that's full bodied and very rich in flavor with a fruity taste and its priced at $25 a bottle. Another great addition to the Bitner Vineyards Winery is their Bed & Breakfast, scheduled to open August 2009. To learn more about this beautiful place and all that it has to offer, go to www.bitnervineyards.com

Fraser Vineyard

The Fraser Vineyard is located in Boise, Idaho and it was founded in 2003 by Bill and Bev Fraser. The Fraser Vineyard is known for their award winning Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that's priced at $25 a bottle. The flavors are cherry and raspberry with a toasty oak aroma and hints of mocha. To learn more about the Fraser Vineyard and its delicious wines, go to www.fraservineyard.com

As you can see, the state of Idaho has a little more than potatoes to offer. To learn more about the state of Idaho and it's many attractions, go to www.accessidaho.org