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2026 is The Year of Riesling in Idaho

Posted by Idaho Wine Commission on January 6 2026

If you’ve ever wondered what grape helped define Idaho as a noteworthy wine region, this is your answer. Pop the cork and cue the celebratory clink because 2026 is officially The Year of Riesling in Idaho! 

 

Riesling isn’t just another grape here. It’s one of the backbones of Idaho’s vineyards, a quiet overachiever that’s been thriving in our soils since the late 1970s. And now, it’s stepping into the spotlight.

All year long, the Idaho Wine Commission will be highlighting this versatile white wine with opportunities to swirl, sip, and fall in love with Riesling across the state — from Savor Idaho to Idaho Wine & Cider Month and surprise moments in between.

2 glasses of Idaho riesling Women drinking idaho Riesling at Savor Idaho Idaho Riesling in wine glass

So let’s raise a glass to the wine varietal that’s about to become your new obsession.

Why Do Riesling Grapes Thrive in Idaho?

Riesling is a cold-hardy grape that originated in Germany’s Rhine Valley in the 15th century, so it’s basically built for dramatic temperature swings. Idaho’s climate mirrors that vibe: hot summer days followed by cool nights with temperatures dropping to 20–30 degrees. That diurnal shift slows the ripening just enough to lock in acidity and develop delicate, layered flavors.

Idaho Riesling grapes being harvested Idaho riesling grapes on vine in Idaho Vineyard Idaho riesling grapes in vineyard

Idaho’s climate results in aromatic Rieslings with flavors ranging from crisp apple to sweet peach, and a minerality that reflects the volcanic soil of the region.

Idaho Vineyard with Riesling vines

Riesling in Idaho benefits from:

✔️ Volcanic soil → minerality and complexity
✔️ Cold winters → ideal for dormancy and Ice Wine production
✔️ Warm days + cool nights → aromatic intensity and balance

Riesling just gets Idaho. Or maybe, Idaho just gets Riesling!

Unique Idaho Riesling Varietals

Riesling was one of the first grape varieties planted in Idaho after Prohibition, and for the last 50 years, winemakers and growers have kept it front and center. Why? This grape offers a versatile flavor profile that invites creativity and experimentation. Some Idaho winemakers even admit they never make Riesling the same way twice, and that’s the beauty of it. Each vintage is a fresh interpretation: a new expression of place, weather, technique, and imagination.

Idaho riesling bottles of wine

In Idaho, you’ll find many unique Riesling varietals:

  • Dry styles with crisp acidity and bright aromatics
  • Sweeter versions layered with peach, honey, and citrus
  • Low Alcohol By Volume (ABV) options that are refreshing and sessionable
  • Ice Wine: a rare dessert wine made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. Idaho’s Riesling Ice Wine has earned top awards at the Idaho Wine Competition.

 Idaho Riesling is rich with range, alive with character, and always evolving… and that’s what makes this wine so exciting to explore.

Where To Taste Idaho Riesling

One of the best things about Idaho Riesling? It’s incredibly accessible. You can find Idaho Riesling at Albertsons, the Boise Co-Op, local bottle shops, or head straight to the source and taste it where it’s made at over 20 wineries across the state.

Man smelling glass of Idaho riesling Man tasting Idaho riesling

Because Riesling comes in such a wide range of styles from bone-dry and crisp to luxuriously sweet, and even sparkling — it’s an ideal entry wine, making it easy for beginners to discover a version that fits their palate. Here’s where to start your tasting journey:

Dry and Off-Dry Idaho Rieslings

Bright, refreshing, and food-friendly, these Idaho Rieslings showcase acidity and aromatic lift. 

Classic Idaho Rieslings

True-to-style expressions that highlight Idaho’s terroir and vintage character.

Sweet and Semi-Sweet Idaho Rieslings

Approachable, aromatic, and endlessly versatile.

Late Harvest & Dessert Wine Idaho Rieslings

Rich, concentrated, and indulgent — save these for dessert (or skip dessert entirely).

Idaho Riesling Blends

Creative interpretations that show how beautifully Riesling plays with others.

Sparkling & Portable Idaho Rieslings

Because Riesling is just as fun on the go, or with bubbles!

Full list of wineries serving Idaho Riesling: 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, Bitner Vineyards, Buckhorn Vineyards, Cinder, Coiled Wines, Cold Springs, Free Dog Wines, Holesinsky Vineyard + Winery, Indian Creek Winery, Koenig Vineyards, Lindsay Creek Vineyards, Proletariat Wine Co., Sawtooth Winery, Snake River Winery, Sol Invictus Vineyard, Ste. Chapelle, Sweetbriar, Two Bad Labs Vineyard, Veer Wine Project, Williamson and Y Knot.

Consider this your invitation to taste broadly, compare styles, and discover just how much range one grape can offer in the Gem State.

Idaho Riesling Pairings

Riesling’s natural acidity makes it especially food-friendly. Its bright acidity helps cut through richer dishes, while subtle sweetness (in off-dry or sweet styles) complements heat and savory flavors.

Idaho riesling food truck pairing

Need a place to start? Try these delicious Idaho Riesling pairings:

  • Spicy fish tacos
  • Baked brie with apricot chutney
  • Spicy candied bacon
  • Soy and honey glazed salmon

From the vineyards to the tasting rooms to your dinner table, Riesling is Idaho’s past, present, and future, and 2026 is the year we celebrate all of it. Cheers to the Year of Riesling — may your 2026 be crisp, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.

 
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