Snake River Valley Wines

Southwest Idaho’s vineyards may be younger than those of old-world Europe, but this region is widely acclaimed for its wines and breathtaking views. You won’t find any stuffy tasting rooms, either — many welcome kids and host events with live music and food trucks. So come see, and taste, what’s so special about the wine country in this friendly corner of Idaho, just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise.

Famici Wine Company

21026 Hoskins Road, Caldwell

Awarded 2024 Idaho Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine Magazine, Famici Wine Company produces small-batch, hand-crafted wines using grapes from its estate vineyard and nearby areas. The winery draws its inspiration from “friends who feel like family,” reflected in its name, which combines the Italian words for family (famiglia) and friends (amici).

You’re going to love: the views, patio, selection, friendly staff

Hat Ranch Winery

15343 Plum Road, Caldwell

In a nod to its pioneering heritage, the Hat Ranch Winery name honors the 1902-era Wyoming homestead owned by the owner-winemaker’s grandparents. The wines made here, from Idaho-grown grapes, are certainly worth a hat tip. Hat Ranch also purchased Vale Wine Company in 2014 and continues to make wines under the Vale label. 

You’re going to love: the welcoming staff, tasting room gallery featuring work from local artists, patio with views

Huston Vineyards

16473 Chicken Dinner Road, Caldwell

The unpretentious farm setting at Huston Vineyards is the perfect starting point for a day trip to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. Named for the historic town that once served as an agricultural hub for farmers transporting fresh fruits and vegetables, Huston invites visitors to enjoy its line of table wines, private reserve wines, and Snake River Valley series. Upon arriving at Huston’s tasting barn, you might be greeted with a friendly tail wag from one of the winery’s four-legged family members. 

You’re going to love: the farm setting, history, Chicken Dinner table wines

Koenig Vineyards

21452 Hoskins Road, Caldwell

Southwest Idaho charm meets old-world sophistication at Koenig Vineyards, a winery renowned for its traditional European winemaking methods and locally grown fruit. (Each of Koenig’s wines has been grown, fermented, aged, and bottled within a few miles of its tasting room and production facility.) Big, bold reds are its signature, but don’t snooze on Koenig’s unique ice wines. 

You’re going to love: the Tuscan-themed tasting room, terrace, fountain, and picnic lawn

SCORIA Vineyards

12639 Walker Lake Road, Caldwell

Located along a steep-sided volcanic vent overlooking the Owyhee Mountains, SCORIA Vineyards is named for the distinctive red volcanic rock found throughout the site. Near the vineyard is SCORIA’s Caldwell tasting room, where visitors can enjoy flights, tastings, and charcuterie boards. 

You’re going to love: the Bordeaux varietals, contemporary space, knowledgeable staff

Bitner Vineyards

16645 Plum Road, Caldwell

From its tasting room perched above the Snake River Valley in Caldwell, Bitner Vineyards is creating a buzz in Idaho’s wine country and beyond. A pioneer in sustainable practices, Bitner promotes bee-friendly farming and is the first vineyard in the state to be LIVE certified and Salmon-Safe certified. (You wouldn’t expect anything less from a bee scientist turned winemaker.) Bitner is a members-only winery, but non-member reservations are available online when made in advance.

You’re going to love: the intimate patio, views, individualized tasting experience

Dunning Estates

19937 Vino Lane, Caldwell

Say howdy to Dunning Estates, a self-proclaimed “western winery” situated on historic farmland overlooking the Snake River Valley. Dunning has come a long way from a dirt floor and Holsteins, transforming its old milking parlor into a beautiful tasting room with a view. In operating a farm-centric, family-owned winery and tasting room, the Dunnings proudly work the land they live on — and warmly welcome visitors to their idyllic home.

You’re going to love: the western ambience and “The Slope,” Dunning’s 1978 horse trailer turned farm stand

Fujishin Estate Winery

17543 Allendale Road, Wilder

From its prized, full-bodied reds to its crisp whites, Fujishin Estate Winery is known for bringing lesser-known grape varieties from the vineyard to the glass. Since 2009, Fujishin has focused on diversity, producing small-lot, sustainably grown wines from the Snake River Valley AVA. Fujishin’s sister brand, Free Dog Wines, is an ode to more non-traditional styles and is only six miles east of Fujishin on ID-55.

You’re going to love: the light-filled tasting room, views of the valley, diverse selection

Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo Wine

18835 Symms Road, Caldwell

Sustainably farmed and estate-grown since 1981, Hells Canyon Winery is more like heaven for those who appreciate award-winning vintages. Despite being the oldest wine grape vineyard in Idaho, Hells Canyon has embraced the 21st century, using solar power for every part of the business — from farming to producing its fruit. Hells Canyon’s sister label, Zhoo Zhoo Wines, has further diversified the family’s wine business. 

You’re going to love: the views, rustic charm, patio, and hospitable staff

Indian Creek Winery

1000 North McDermott Road, Kuna

The eclectic and welcoming Indian Creek Winery is just outside the city of Kuna. Enjoy tastings, vineyard and winery tours, and community events in the lovely Shangri-la gardens (weather permitting). With a commitment to sustainability, Indian Creek makes wines that are both acid-driven and food-friendly.

You’re going to love: the gift shop, events and live music, charcuterie boxes

Kerry Hill Winery

17264 Kerry Hill Lane, Wilder

This estate vineyard and boutique farm is named after the Irish sheep its owner raises on the property — animals that are surely living the good life. While Kerry Hill Winery focuses on producing beautiful, nuanced wines, it also prioritizes respectful farming practices that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. The landscape was designed to attract pollinators, owls, bats, and raptors, and Kerry Hill is Salmon Safe certified and LIVE certified.

You’re going to love: its idyllic setting, gorgeous views, variety of events featuring live music and food trucks

Kindred Vineyards & Winery

21452 Hoskins Road, Caldwell

Come for the wine, but stay to dine at Kindred Vineyards & Winery. This family-owned operation is one of the newer wineries in the region but already has a dedicated following of kindred spirits who appreciate its high-quality wines and wood-fired pizzas. Kindred also offers beer, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages.

You’re going to love: its relaxing atmosphere, family welcome, wood-fired pizzas, onsite Airbnb

Parma Ridge Winery

24509 Rudd Road, Parma

A visit to Parma Ridge Winery is both wine and cuisine. Parma Ridge’s winemaker is a chef by trade, and the winery offers a full bistro menu that complements its selection of estate wines, which are made with hand-harvested grapes from its 9.5-acre vineyard in the Snake River Valley. 

You’re going to love: the views, cuisine, beautiful vineyard space

Sawtooth Winery

19348 Lowell Road, Building C, Caldwell

The tasting room at Sawtooth Winery is laid back yet cozy. The ambiance lends itself to long conversations and celebrations, with a patio overlooking steep sloping hills that were once rich pastures. Sawtooth’s high-quality, high-value wines are made from grapes grown on its 70-acre estate and 400-acre vineyard, which also provide fruit to some of Idaho’s most acclaimed winemakers.

You’re going to love: the expansive views, comfortable ambience, premium tasting-room exclusives

Ste. Chapelle Winery & Tasting Room

19348 Lowell Road, Caldwell

As the state’s largest and oldest winery, Ste. Chapelle Winery & Tasting Room is the grandfather of Idaho’s wine scene. Since 1975, Ste. Chapelle has made wines for diverse palates, ranging from its top-tier reserves to canned spritzers and spiked seltzers. The winery has easily found its groove as a community mainstay, bringing events and live music to its sprawling grounds atop a grassy knoll overlooking the picturesque Sunnyslope region. 

You’re going to love: the diverse selection, frequent events, canned wines, gorgeous views

Veer Wine Project

1904 East Chicago Street #D, Caldwell

At Veer Wine Project‘s Caldwell Winery + Cellar Door, guests can taste award-winning wines without the intimidation factor. Veer was named 2024 Idaho Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine, which is no surprise to its loyal supporters known as “veerdos.” While a new tasting room has opened in Garden City, Veer’s Caldwell space is open for wine tastings. 

You’re going to love: the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.

Vizcaya Winery

8987 South Greenhurst Road #1105, Kuna

Vizcaya Winery specializes in unique varietals produced from estate vineyards in neighboring cities of Meridian and Kuna. Vizcaya began growing tempranillo and other varietals in 2004, initially providing grapes for other wineries before venturing out on its own.

You’re going to love: the cozy tasting room, patio, Happy Hour Fridays

Williamson Orchards & Vineyards

14807 Sunny Slope Road, Caldwell

The grapes grown on the site of Williamson Orchards & Vineyards have helped create some of Idaho’s best wines, thanks to its slope, soils, and exposure. Since 1909, several generations of the Williamson family have cultivated this land, now prized as one of Idaho’s most important vineyard sites.

You’re going to love: the diverse wines, welcoming tasting room, farm charm ambience