Here in Caldwell, Idaho, we celebrate our award-winning wine and cider during June!
June is always a special month. The days are long, school is out, and many of Canyon County’s families return to the fields to begin harvesting early season crops or tend to the growing vines. It’s the perfect month to celebrate the wonderful wines that Idaho and the Sunnyslope region in Caldwell are known for and in 2009, Governor Butch Otter declared June Idaho Wine & Cider Month.
In total, the state of Idaho has over 60 wineries and in 2018 they produced over 160,000 cases of wine. That’s just over 1.9 million bottles! Out of the 1,300 acres of wine grapes planted in Idaho, the majority of vines are right in the Sunnyslope Wine Trail region, just a short drive outside of Caldwell.
In total, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail has 16 tasting rooms where you are guaranteed to find a wine that you will love. The latitude of the Sunnyslope is similar France’s Bordeaux and Rhone regions and as such, many similar grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah & Viognier grow well here. Wine varietals made popular by Spain, Italy, and South America also grow well in the Sunnyslope because of its elevation and dry climate. In recent years, farmers have planted Sangiovese, Malbec, Carménère, Albariño, and Tempranillo.
When you plan your visit to Caldwell during Idaho Wine & Cider Month, you can expect to see special celebrations in places like our local grocery stores, wine shops, tasting rooms, and estate vineyards. There are many ways to discover your new favorite wine such as wine and cheese pairing events, concerts, and farm to table dinners. Check out the Idaho Wine Commission’s calendar for more information about upcoming events.
Don’t think you want to drink wine in the hot weather? The Sunnyslope region also has a cider tasting room located at Vine & Branch Ranch. Stack Rock Cider creates alcoholic apple cider with Idaho apples. My favorite offering from Stack Rock is called Skinny Dip which has hints of lemon and basil and pairs well with pasta and a smoked tomato red sauce! Hard cider has a lower volume of alcohol than wine and tastes so good on a hot summer day.
June is a great time of year. New growth, new opportunities, new beginnings, and new experiences are all out there for you to explore in Caldwell, Idaho. Plan your trip to visit in June and let’s celebrate Idaho Wine & Cider together. Request your copy of the Sunnyslope Wine Trail map & brochure today!
Cheers to Caldwell grown wine & cider!
The Idaho Wine Ambassador
Jim Thomssen
