Idaho Wine Industry Fact Sheet
Who: Overview
The Idaho wine industry is small but growing
with all the natural resources for producing great wines. The water,
the climate and soils create great wines for the dinner table, with
ripe fruit and good structure.
Idaho Wine Industry Overview:
Prior to 1920, Idaho had a budding wine industry near
Lewiston, but it was halted by prohibition. The revival of the Idaho
wine industry started with Ste. Chapelle in 1971 and grew slowly
through the 70’s and 80’s. With the recognition of the
Snake River Valley (SNV) American Viticulture Area (AVA) growth of
the Idaho wine industry has been exponential.
- Idaho wineries aim to produce a delicious product that becomes
incorporated into consumers’ healthy lifestyle.
- The majority of Idaho vineyards are located in the SRV AVA in southwestern Idaho. Vineyards can also be found in the Lewiston area as well as southeastern Idaho.
- As of April 2009 Idaho had 38 wineries, 1600 vineyard acres, and a very promising wine growing region.
Idaho Fast Facts
- 38 Wineries
- 1600 Acres
- 225,000 cases produced
- 3,300 tons harvested
- 600ft-3000ft elevation
- 73 Million Dollar Economic Impact in 2008
- Provides 625 Full-time Jobs
- Snake River Valley AVA Approved April 2007
Leading Varieties:
White: Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo
AVA Information:
Snake River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) was approved in April 2007, encompassing 8000 square miles with 1600 vineyard acres currently planted. SRV AVA overlays the ancient Lake Idaho, the shoreline creating it’s natural boundaries.
Vineyards within the AVA have in common:
Soil – Lake bottom sediments and volcanic remnants. These well draining soils give growers control over the growth of the grapevine.
Climate - Intense summer growing season
with 16 hours of sunlight. Daytime temps in the 90s and nighttime
temps in the 50s. Daytime temps lend themselves to ripe, fruit-forward
wines, cool night temps conserve tannins and acid, providing wines
with great structure.
Water – Directly
below the originating water sheds of the Rocky Mountains. The proximity
to water gives the potential to have sustainable vineyards for generations
to come.
The SNR AVA has good company with the great growing regions of the world in terms of latitude, elevation and growing season. Climate conditions are very similar to AVAs in the Columbia Valley in Washington State. Elevations (1500-3000ft), and latitudes (43 rd parallel), are comparable to those in the high mountain deserts of the famed Rioja region in Spain.
Looking to the Future:
- The Idaho wine industry is just starting its second generation of vineyards, fine-tuning the match between microclimates and grape varieties to optimize wine quality and diversity. Economics/Tourism
- Growing number of wineries and vineyards
History:
- 1872 Grapes were planted in the Clearwater Valley by 2
Frenchmen and a German
- Received National Exposure and many awards
- Industry was booming
Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission
Mission Statement:
The Idaho Wine Commission (IWC) is the unifying organization for the vintners and winegrape growers of the Gem State. The IWC is a marketing, promotions andeducational organization dedicated to improving the business climate for its members”
*Information provided by Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission
