Taste your way through the day

Boise Urban Wine Itinerary

Boise Urban Wine Itinerary

Boise is the perfect jumping off point to explore Southwest Idaho’s wine region. The state has three American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and over 70 wineries and cideries, the majority of which are in the greater Boise area. The Snake River Valley AVA includes urban wineries and the Sunnyslope Wine Region, which stretches from Kuna to Caldwell. The Eagle Foothills AVA is located north of Boise.

In partnership with the Idaho Wine Commission and Southwest Idaho Travel Association (SWITA)

Know Before You Go

During your stay, enjoy a complimentary tasting* when you visit any of the participating tasting rooms by showing your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan membership and an inbound Alaska Airlines boarding pass (paper or digital) with an Idaho airport arrival. Create your own custom case of wine or take home one from any winery and check it for free on your returning domestic Alaska Airlines flight, courtesy of Idaho Wine Flies Free.

Don’t forget the packaging as well, as you’ll need to bring your wines safely boxed up to the airport for your flight home. Many wineries or bottle shops can provide you with materials they have on hand. Here are some tips.

Bring lots of water to stay hydrated between and during your tastings.

As always, please drive sober and responsibly during and after your wine tastings. There are several wine tour operators if you prefer to have someone else do the driving. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead!

Day 1: Morning

Breakfast – Fuel up for the day’s adventures at one of Boise’s favorite morning eateries. Bacon or Big City Coffee & Cafe both offer big plates of freshly made fare. We suggest the Benny Hill at Bacon or the Farmer’s Daughter at Big City. 

Explore Boise Downtown Landmarks and Businesses

Get a feel for the clean, accessible downtown by taking in some of the sites and shops. Suggested stops: 

Day 1: Afternoon

Lunch at The Warehouse Food Hall – 370 S 8th St.

Boise’s new food hall and culinary hub features 11 independently owned restaurants and two bars. Be sure to take a peek at the Treefort Music Hall next door, home to the wildly popular Treefort Music Fest. 

Urban Winery Tastings

After lunch, drive or walk/bike the Boise River Greenbelt to your pick of urban wineries. Many of the wineries offer food or charcuterie board options if you get hungry along the way. Find three possible itineraries below. Wineries marked with * offer a complimentary tasting when you show your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan membership and an Alaska Airlines boarding pass (paper or digital) with an Idaho airport arrival. Remember to buy an extra bottle or two to take home as part of the Alaska Airlines Wine Flies Free promotion. 

Downtown
Greenbelt/Garden City

Walk, bike, drive, or Uber to discover wineries further up in Garden City.

Walkable/bikeable: 

Driveable: 

Eagle Foothills

Venture north of Boise to wineries in the Eagle Foothills.

Day 1: Evening

Dinner – Enjoy your meal at a unique-to-Boise restaurant offering Idaho wines:

Hotel – Book your overnight stay at one of the hotels located in Boise’s walkable downtown. 

Buy local, sip local in Idaho

Idaho Wine Commission

Idaho is home to a fast-growing wine industry and fantastic wines.

LEARN MORE

Day 2: Morning

Breakfast at Sunshine Spice Cafe 

Four sisters, all refugees from Afghanistan, opened Sunshine Spice Cafe in late 2019. Their traditional baked goods, tarts, and Turkish coffees and teas quickly caught the attention of locals and media alike, garnering a 2022 James Beard Award nomination in the baker category.

If you’re just looking for a cup of coffee to get you moving, the city has you covered. Choose from one of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Boise.

Culture – Boise has the largest Basque population outside of Spain. Hit downtown Boise’s Basque Block filled with restaurants, bars, and a museum/cultural center. Sample from Ansots (a 2023 James Beard semifinalist, known for their chorizo), Leku Ona, the Basque Market (they make paella for a crowd out on the patio twice a week), and Bar Gernika.

Day 2: Afternoon

Urban Winery Tastings

Select another area of urban wineries to explore to round out your Idaho wine experience. 

  • Downtown
  • Greenbelt/Garden City
  • Eagle Foothills

Day 2: Evening 

Dinner – Explore the dining scene around Boise’s 8th Street Corridor or Hyde Park neighborhood

Performing Arts – Check local event calendars to find a show or live music at the Morrison Center, Boise’s premier performing arts venue, Treefort Music Hall, or one of Boise’s breweries or clubs.

Movie – BoDo Cinema, located in the same building as The Warehouse, is Boise’s newest upscale movie theater. Auditoriums feature luxury electric recliners, DLP projectors, and even some two-seater loveseat-style seats.

Nightcap – If you’re looking for a late evening drink, try:

Photo Credit: Christian Nafzger

Day 3 Morning:

Hike – Head out for a hike in the Boise Foothills, located just minutes from downtown. The Ridge to Rivers System offers over 190 miles of trails, including accessible options for hikers of all abilities. We suggest Camel’s Back or Table Rock trails for great views of the city. 

Before you leave town, make sure you have some bottles of Idaho wine to take home. If you forgot to grab some during your winery visits, stop by Hyde Park Fine Wines or the Boise Co-op, the city’s community-owned natural food store. 

 

Wineries marked with * offer a complimentary tasting when you show your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan membership and an Alaska Airlines boarding pass (paper or digital) with an Idaho airport arrival.

Boise
McCall