Idaho Wine Commission
In The News
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation – Proposal would move $140,000 from wine to hop commission
POCATELLO – Legislation is expected to be introduced during the 2021 Idaho legislative session that would take about $140,000 in existing annual funding from the Idaho Wine Commission and redirect it to the Idaho Hop Commission.
Winepress Northwest – Gleaming wines from the Gem State
With a history of abundant mineral and gem production, Idaho has long lived up to its nickname of the Gem State. It’s a name increasingly fitting for the wine world too, given the impressive “gems” Idaho is now producing in its three established American Viticultural Areas: Snake River Valley (2007), and Eagle Foothills (2015), and Lewis-Clark Valley (2016).
Winepress Northwest – Idaho’s 60 wineries building in quality
Mention Idaho, and most folks still probably think of potatoes. But there’s a dedicated group of grape growers and winemakers there who are working hard to make their state famous for its grapes as well.
NEWS BREAK – Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, & more USA states being transformed into world-class wine regions
No, Napa isn’t on the list. Your neighborhood may be, though.
If you’re looking for a reason to love your neighborhood just a little more than usual, good news — it may be one of the best wine-producing regions in the United States, and may even hold esteem with international wine lovers.
WineAmerica – Craft Beverage Tax Reform to be Made Permanent
WineAmerica has long taken a leadership role in advocating for the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), and it was recently announced that the essential tax benefits of CBMTRA will be made permanent as part of the year-end omnibus and COVID-19 relief package announced by Congressional leadership. The CBMTRA was initially enacted in 2017 and was set to expire on December 31, 2020.
Capital Press – Idaho Wine Commission drafts social-media legislation
The Idaho Wine Commission wants the 2021 Legislature to legalize social-media promotion of wine-related events at retail establishments such as grocery stores and restaurants.
CNN Business – How a small family-run cider business is still breaking even during a pandemic
Just surviving will be a huge success for most small businesses this year.And few expect to breakeven given all that’s happened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Yet Meriwether Cider in Boise, Idaho, is on track to meet that mark, thanks in large part to Covid-related federal assistance, according to Ann Leadbetter, who owns the business with her husband and two daughters.
VinePair – Idaho Is the Next American Wine Region That Deserves Your Attention
When considering the landscape of American wine regions, Idaho isn’t the biggest, the most specialized, or the oldest. Instead, the proper superlative may be that Idaho is America’s most up-and-coming wine region. As this small-but-mighty area grows in production and prominence, Idaho is proving why the state should be famous for more than potatoes.
Idaho News 6 – What you can expect from this year’s local wines; “A couple of varieties really stand out”
The vines have been cut, the grapes picked, and now Idaho’s winemakers will get to taste and see the fruits of their labor.
2020 Harvest Press Release for the Idaho Wine Industry
November 11, 2020 – As Idaho winemakers and grape growers wrap up the 2020 harvest season, excitement is in the air about what this year’s fruit yield will bring. Significant spring rainfall in Northern Idaho allowed for leafy vine canopies to form – and while heavy June rainfall and summer wildfires tested the resiliency of Southern Idaho vines, the grapes produced were balanced and picked at peak perfection.
The Seattle Times – 2020’s top 20 Northwest wines for under $20
ONE OF MY history professors at the University of Washington noted during a lecture, “People will always drink — in good times or in bad.”
Back then, I would have raised a toast to that observation with a can of Rainier. These days, it’s with a glass — or a can — of award-winning wine crafted with Pacific Northwest fruit.
The Seattle Times – The top 20 Northwest wines of 2020
BECAUSE 2020 IS the year of the pivot, here’s a different approach to our top Northwest Wine of the Year: reaching for something quite the opposite of a bold red — the DeLille Cellars 2019 Chaleur Blanc.
Idaho Press – Wine grape yields down but quality great
CALDWELL — With Idaho’s wine grape harvest well under way, yields are about average this year and maybe even down a bit, but quality looks great, according to vintners and vineyard owners.
Camas Prairie Winery wins big at San Francisco International Wine Competition
Camas Prairie Winery, North Idaho’s oldest winery, brought home a Double Gold Medal for their Raspberry Mead and Silver Medal for their Strawberry Mead at the San Francisco International Wine Competition held recently. The Double Gold Award designation is awarded to the very few entries that receive Gold medal ratings by all members of the judging panel. These are among the finest in the world. The Silver medal is outstanding in its category. They show refinement, finesse, and complexity. The are among the best examples of their particular category.
CellarPass – Discover the Majestic Snake River Valley Wine Region
For those that are adventure seekers and have passion for the outdoors, you are going to absolutely fall heals over head in the burgeoning Snake River Valley wine region, located just about 30 minutes from downtown Boise, Idaho.
Great NorthWest Wine – Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2014 Mourvèdre
The McIntosh brothers are fourth-generation farmers in the Lewis-Clark Valley who branched out a decade ago to create Lindsay Creek Vineyards in the historic Lewiston Orchards of Idaho’s Nez Perce County. They’ve learned about viticulture through Washington State University, and they lean on Washington for much of their wine program.
Idaho Press – Parma Ridge was voted the “Best place for a glass of wine” in the Best of Canyon County!
Check out the best of Canyon County!
Wine Business Monthly 2020 Wine Industry Leaders
Every year, Wine Business Monthly sets out to honor those who shape the way the wine industry operates or how people drink wine. With this leaders list, we’re showcasing men and women who are making a difference. It’s full of movers and shakers, and there are more than a few who are dissatisfied with the status quo.
Some of the influential people on this list are known to virtually anyone who follows the wine industry, while others are influential yet fly “under the radar.” All of them are leaders in the North American wine business.
Local winery fears the biggest impact from COVID-19 is still to come
CALDWELL, Idaho — It’s that time of year again–grape harvesting season for Idaho’s wineries.
Great Northwest Wine – Williamson Vineyards young Albariño rises to top of 2020 Idaho Wine Competition
The Williamson family has been looking for a distinctively different dry white wine to pour in their tasting room on Idaho’s historic Sunnyslope in the Snake River Valley.
Judges at the 2020 Idaho Wine Competition believe the Williamsons made a delicious decision when they planted the brilliant Spanish white grape Albariño. The Williamson Vineyards 2019 Albariño was voted as best of show, topping a field of 160 entries.