A Dinogo’s Guide to the Snake River Valley in Idaho

Since earning the nickname the Gem State, Idaho has attracted fortune-seekers drawn to its untapped potential. During the initial six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state experienced the largest population influx in the nation.

Boise, the capital, has led this growth, accompanied by a spike in housing prices, as remote workers migrated from the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest seeking more space, affordable rent, and a quieter life. These new residents brought capital and interest, building upon the area's charming character. Boise is vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming, while the nearby foothills and Boise National Forest provide immediate access to nature. Additionally, a dynamic food scene thrives here, driven by a strong Basque community and chefs gaining national acclaim. And then there's the wine—exceptionally good wine.

Idaho is still considered a newcomer on the U.S. wine landscape. The first grapes in the Pacific Northwest were planted in Lewiston in 1864—long before statehood—but it wasn't until 2007 that the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recognized the Snake River Valley as Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA). This valley, over a thousand miles long, was formed more than 4 million years ago and overlays the ancient Lake Idaho bed that defines its boundaries. The AVA spans southwestern Idaho, where the highest concentration of vineyards and wineries is found, extending into parts of eastern Oregon. Covering 8,000 square miles, it far exceeds the size of Napa and Sonoma, which together occupy only 2,500 miles with 34 AVAs.

The establishment of this designation placed Snake River alongside more renowned wine regions, arriving just in time. Recently, winemakers have relocated from California to lend their expertise to this emerging area, while many Idaho natives among the vintners cultivate land passed down through generations. Overall, the Idaho wine scene feels refreshingly straightforward and relaxed compared to the highly polished environments in California and Oregon.

Though the winemaking scene in the Snake River Valley is relatively young, the vintners compensate for their inexperience with ambition and enthusiasm. There’s a refreshing lack of pretentiousness, and instead, you'll discover a wealth of truly delightful wines. Here’s your guide to the best places to drink, dine, and stay in this exciting new wine region of the nation.

Essential Tips Before You Visit

Basque Block: Boise boasts one of the largest Basque American communities, with roots tracing back to 19th-century immigrants. Indulge in chorizo, pintxos, and paella at downtown's vibrant Basque Block.

Boise: While you might say “Boy-Z,” the correct pronunciation is actually “Boy-See.”

Sunnyslope Wine Trail: Wine enthusiasts should kick off their journey with this selection of 17 wineries and vineyards, located about 30 miles west of Boise, winding through Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell.

Ste. Chapelle: As the first winery in Idaho to open after Prohibition, Ste. Chapelle sparked the region’s wine industry when it launched in 1975. It continues to thrive today, receiving awards and national acclaim.

Huckleberry: This tiny fruit is Idaho’s state fruit, appearing on menus throughout the area. Resembling a blueberry, huckleberries are sweeter than tart, especially when baked or cooked. Keep an eye out for huckleberry salad dressings, ice cream, cocktails, and glazes for meats.

Potatoes: Long before grapes, you likely associated Idaho with this staple crop, and rightly so. The state produces 13 billion pounds of potatoes annually, with russets making up 90 percent of that harvest.

Fry Sauce: This delightful blend of ketchup and mayo is the perfect dip for crispy fries. In Boise, it’s known by a more sophisticated name than Heinz’s “mayochup.”

Syrah, Viognier, Riesling: While grape growers cultivate various types, syrah, viognier, and riesling shine in Idaho, which shares the same latitude as France’s Rhone Valley and Spain’s Rioja. With California’s vineyards increasingly threatened by wildfires, Idaho is becoming a reliable source for varietals like chardonnay and merlot.

Garden City: Just across the river from downtown Boise, Garden City is emerging as a hub for small wine producers, including some that craft some of the finest wines in the area. You can reach it in about 10 minutes by car from downtown Boise.

The Greenbelt: This cherished urban pathway marked its 50th anniversary in 2019. The paved trail winds along the river, linking downtown Boise to Garden City, featuring numerous wineries, restaurants, and green spaces along the way. While it attracts tourists, it’s also a favorite among locals who fish or glide by on bikes and scooters.

Where to enjoy a drink

The Snake River, which lends its name to the region, provides plentiful water, while its ancient volcanic soil creates rich, well-draining grounds that allow grape growers to have grMytour control. The cold winters help the vines to go dormant, naturally eliminating pests and diseases, while the mix of dry conditions, warm days, and cool nights achieves a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness in the fruit. Together, these factors result in exquisite, precise wines that are definitely worth exploring.

Sunnyslope: The stunning tasting room at Koenig Vineyards is a must-see. Enjoy the spacious patio or challenge a friend to life-size chess while savoring their dry rosé, a delightful mix of sangiovese and merlot, or a cabernet sauvignon rich in vanilla and cherry notes. Afterward, climb the front tower for scenic vineyard views. Next door, Sawtooth Winery and Ste. Chapelle, both featuring winemaker Meredith Smith, offer picturesque tasting rooms with unique wines not found elsewhere. Don’t miss the Trout Series at Sawtooth and the Panoramic and Treasure Valley Series at Ste. Chapelle. For a lively atmosphere, hop over to Hat Ranch, where you’ll see an assortment of hats decorating the fence posts, a playful nod to the winery’s name. Winemaker Tim Harless also crafts wines for the Vale Wine Company, available for tasting on-site.

Garden City: Winemaking duo Carrie and Earl Sullivan founded Telaya Wine Co. to collaborate creatively (Earl previously worked as COO in pharmaceuticals, and Carrie was a veterinarian). Their tasting room has become a favorite along the Greenbelt, with every patio table buzzing with wine lovers (and their pets) enjoying the lively atmosphere. Try the 2020 Aman II “Clash,” a delightful blend of Idaho-grown gruner Veltliner and viognier with hints of tangerine and tropical flavors. On cooler days, cozy up by the fire pits while savoring the winery’s Turas bottling, a balanced blend of earthy, fruity, and spicy notes. For those who appreciate pet-nats and innovative wine styles, Split Rail Winery is a must-visit, where you might catch a Spaghetti Western playing while enjoying eclectic tunes. Winemaker Jed Glavin uses local grapes and creates unique wines, often finishing them in concrete eggs and sandstone vessels. Lastly, Cinder Wines owner and winemaker Melanie Krause named her winery after the Snake River Valley’s volcanic soil, offering a spacious tasting room with options for wine and chocolate pairings indoors and outdoors.

Buhl: At the eastern edge of the Snake River Valley AVA, Holesinsky Vineyard & Winery produces outstanding rosés and a smooth, rich pinot noir. The atmosphere is youthful and vibrant, with regular wine-themed events such as outdoor movie nights, yoga sessions, and an annual harvest party featuring live music and food trucks.

Boise: Caldwell’s Scoria, managed by Sydney Nederend, who began planting vines at just 21 in 2014 on her family’s century-old, volcanic-rich land, has built a solid local reputation for exceptional grapes. If visiting the vineyard isn’t feasible, their Boise tasting room is a sleek spot where relaxed locals linger over chardonnay and estate merlot. Coiled Wines has its production in Garden City, but the downtown tasting room offers a vibrant setting where you can enjoy small plates, happy hour deals, and a friendly atmosphere.

Where to dine

Boise: As the largest city in Idaho, Boise serves as the hub of the state’s culinary landscape. Take a look at Kin, where the tasting menu offers a contemporary take on fine dining, starting with a cocktail hour in the lounge before diving into a seasonal five-course experience with optional wine pairings. The ambiance at Trillium, located within Boise’s Grove Hotel, features white subway tiles, plush velvet seating, and expansive windows. Here, you can enjoy dishes like locally sourced bison meatloaf or a smoked trout Cobb salad topped with huckleberries, complemented by a classic Manhattan or a selection from the Idaho wine list. The Wylder is known for its pizzas crafted from a 50-year-old sourdough starter, alongside delicious veggie sides such as cacio e pepe street corn, and exceptional cocktails.

For those craving the classic meat and potatoes, Chandlers is a must-visit steakhouse next to Hotel 43, famous for its Snake River Farms American wagyu and the acclaimed 10-Minute Vesper cocktail, chilled to perfection in an ice bath. Alternatively, local gem Barbacoa Grill focuses on open-fire cooking with a touch of drama—think made-to-order guacamole and filet mignon flambéed with cognac. At Boise Fry Company, you can personalize your fries by choosing the type of potato and cut (the curly yam fries are a standout), and they offer a diverse burger menu featuring options from bison to vegan.

Taco enthusiasts have two fantastic choices. At the Funky Taco, sample the crispy, panko-breaded cauliflower tacos along with fried rice nuggets topped with shaved fennel, pickled cucumber, homemade mayo, and chile crisp. Meanwhile, Madre Boutique Taqueria showcases chef John Cuevas’s creative approach to tacos, with unique options like sweet and sour carnitas and al pastor topped with blue cheese and mojo.

While Boise is known for its meat dishes, Lemon Tree Co. serves up some of the finest plant-based sandwiches in the area, including a massaman curry banh mi with yams and mushrooms, as well as an artichoke cheesesteak. Before making their way to Idaho, Kibrom Milash and Tirhas Hailu ran a restaurant at the Shimelba refugee camp in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. Now, they offer traditional East African fare at Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean, where the veggie plate served with injera is among the city’s top meals.

A visit to Boise isn't complete without exploring the Basque Block. The Ansotegui family of Ansots Basque Chorizos has been a staple in Idaho for over a century. Their chorizo plate is essential, especially when enjoyed alongside patatas bravas, marinated peppers with anchovies, and a glass from their diverse selection of Spanish wines. At The Basque Market, you can find Basque ingredients and wines, as well as expertly crafted pintxos and large pans of paella served on the patio every Wednesday and Friday at noon. Don’t miss Bar Gernika’s corner patio for a refreshing beer and the renowned Boise lamb grinder.

Start your morning at Guru Donuts, where you’ll find treats with crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors, including gluten-free options made from Idaho potato flour. Ā Cafe offers hearty scrambles and Acme Levain toast topped with avocado and veggies or rich butter with homemade fruit compote. For expertly crafted coffee, visit Neckar Coffee for cappuccinos, cortados, and pour overs; their house-made oat and buckwheat granola with einkorn berries and white miso is a must-try. Certified Kitchen and Bakery is celebrated for its sandwiches on soft English muffins made from a 52-year-old sourdough starter. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the patio at Diablo & Sons Saloon, where you can savor chimichurri steak salad, crispy chicken sandwiches, or oyster and bacon tacos alongside a glass of Idaho wine.

After dinner, treat yourself to the STIL (an acronym for Sweetest Things in Life), which offers homemade ice cream featuring a delightful range of traditional and dairy-free flavors. Be sure to try their boozy options like honey bourbon and red sangria. Pastry chef Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas runs the charming Janjou Pâtisserie, where you can indulge in croissants, fruit tarts, and flan parisien.

For a change of pace from wine, visit the Modern Bar for delicious snacks and inventive cocktails, such as Midnight to Midnight (a fusion of Italian amaro and pineapple daiquiri) and Iceberg Slim (a refreshing blend of gin and macadamia nut). Take a hidden elevator to Press & Pony (instructions are provided upon reservation) for signature cocktails like the Turn Off Your Blinker, featuring rye, grapefruit, raspberry-rhubarb oleo-saccharum, Peychaud’s bitters, and cherry.

Garden City: If you need a bite while exploring the Greenbelt, Push & Pour offers a compact yet powerful menu of sandwiches, coffee, and more. The iconic Stagecoach Inn has remained largely unchanged since 1959 and is famous for its crispy hand-breaded prawns, prime rib, and steak and beans.

Caldwell and Meridian: On your way to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, make a stop at Amano. This restaurant, inspired by chef-owner Salvador Alamilla’s roots in Michoacán, Mexico, and Southern California, offers dishes like mole coloradito and braised lengua tacos, all served on house-made tortillas from heirloom Oaxacan corn. Their drink menu features a delightful mix of agave spirits and local Idaho wines. Alternatively, try Grit, where you can enjoy American comfort food like lemon-brined fried chicken and bacon-jam grilled cheese on sourdough. Although Epi’s is outside the Basque Block, it has proudly served Basque cuisine west of Boise for two decades, thanks to sisters Christi and Gina Ansotegui. Seasonal specials like crab toast or solomo—baked pork loin topped with pimentos and garlic chips—are always a hit.

Twin Falls and Hagerman: A day trip southeast of town is well worth it for the stunning views (and a visit to Holesinsky Vineyard in Buhl). For a memorable meal with panoramic scenery, grab a patio table at Elevation 486, where the menu highlights steaks, chops, and fish from local sources, alongside Idaho wines and spirits. Snake River Grill is famed for its alligator bites and Idaho sturgeon.

Where to picnic

One of the highlights of visiting Boise is immersing yourself in the surrounding natural beauty, and you don't need to venture far from the city to do so. Pick up breakfast or lunch to go, along with a bottle from your favorite winery, and head to one of these picturesque spots to enjoy your meal outdoors.

Idaho Botanical Garden: Situated in the Boise foothills, this vibrant 15-acre garden showcases stunning plant life, artistic sculptures, and a tranquil meditation garden featuring a koi pond.

Camel’s Back Park: This 11-acre park offers various trails, and a brief uphill hike rewards you with panoramic views of the city.

Esther Simplot Park: Enjoy a bike ride or walk along the Boise Greenbelt to Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond, where you can swim, paddleboard, and kayak.

Table Rock Trail: Save this exposed 3.7-mile hike for a cool, clear day when you can enjoy a refreshing breeze and breathtaking views of Boise and the surrounding landscape.

Shafer Butte Loop: For those with a car, take an hour's drive north into the Boise National Forest to experience this picturesque 5.2-mile loop.

Where to stay

Boise boasts several charming boutique hotels that capture local character. The Grove Hotel (from $169 per night) features spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms, an extensive fitness center with a lap pool, and one of the best dining experiences in town at the lobby restaurant Trillium. Expect warm hospitality and cozy, inviting rooms at Hotel 43 (from $188 per night), which is linked to the popular steakhouse Chandlers (who can resist steak and martini room service?). Modern Hotel and Bar (from $93 per night) is a stylishly renovated Travelodge with a minimalist midcentury aesthetic, a fantastic complimentary breakfast, and some of the best cocktails in the area.

Amanda Gabriele is a passionate food lover, cook, martini enthusiast, and vintage glassware collector. She shares her insights on food, drinks, and travel, and you can catch her adventures on Instagram @amandameatballs.