Idaho’s own wine country is in the Snake River Valley

If you want Idaho grapes, you go south. The Snake River Valley, west of Boise, is the state’s main wine-grape region. From Coeur d’Alene it is about seven hours by car.

Cinder Wines, Garden City

Melanie Krause grew up in Boise and learned winemaking at Chateau Ste. Michelle. In 2006 she and her husband, Joe Schnerr, started Cinder, named for the valley’s volcanic soil. The winery is in an old produce warehouse at 107 E. 44th St. in Garden City, minutes from downtown Boise.

Fujishin Family Cellars, Sunny Slope

Martin Fujishin grew up farming row crops across the river in Adrian, Oregon. He started Fujishin Family Cellars in 2009. The tasting room sits in the Sunnyslope wine district near Caldwell. Since 2024 he has also run the wine program at Walla Walla Community College.

Bitner Vineyards, Caldwell

Ron Bitner is a bee scientist. In 1981 a neighbor talked him into planting Chardonnay and Riesling on his 15 acres above the Snake River. Today Ron and Mary Bitner’s vineyard has some of Idaho’s oldest vines. 16645 Plum Rd.

Good to know

The Sunnyslope wineries sit close together. A day there pairs well with a night in Boise.

ESPOvineyard, the wine notebook these stories started from, is made by Accelerated Experiences LLC, Kcounty.Media’s parent company. No winery paid to be included. You must be 21 to buy or drink wine. Pick a driver.