Come Over October: An Invitation to Gather

There’s something special about October in Idaho. Not only is it a great time to visit the state, it’s truly the moment the land, the wine, and our people align. The vineyards hum with harvest. Leaves turn golden and red against bright skies. The air is crisp and inviting, perfect for lingering outside with friends around a fire pit, or gathering in a tasting room buzzing with conversation.

That energy, that sense of belonging, is what Come Over October is all about. This national campaign is more than just an invitation to drink wine. It’s an invitation to share it, to sit down with people you love, trade stories, and make memories that matter. And really, that’s what Idaho wine has always stood for.

Yes, we make world-class wines, but what sets us apart is how deeply rooted our community is in values that make people feel welcome. We're proud to be the kind of place where you can walk into a tasting room, meet the winemaker, and instantly feel at home.

A Taste of History

To understand Idaho wine today, it helps to know where we started. The modern Idaho wine era began in 1975, when the first vineyards were planted. Since then, three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) have flourished: Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills, and Lewis-Clark Valley. Together, these regions now power more than 65 wineries across the state, producing award-winning wines that continue to earn national recognition.

Want to bring that story to life at home? Try hosting a mini “Sip Through Time” tasting. Grab a bottle from each Idaho AVA, invite a few friends, and taste the differences for yourself. Make it playful—compare notes, guess which valley each wine came from, and celebrate the diversity Idaho offers in every glass.

Uncorking Culture & Full-Bodied Traditions

Wine has always been woven into human culture with rituals, meals, and celebrations. Come Over October calls attention to a deeper connection; that wine is part of how people gather, remember, share, and belong. In Idaho, those traditions connect deeply with our own cultural roots.

Take our Basque community, for example. Did you know our state is home to the largest Basque population outside of Spain? Their influence can be found in our food, festivals, and even in the grapes we grow.

Tempranillo, an Old World Spanish grape now thrives in our volcanic soils and has become one of our signature wines. This fall, open a bottle of Idaho Tempranillo, pair it with Basque-inspired dishes like lamb chops or chorizo, and raise a glass to the way culture, community, and wine weave us closer together.

Your Invitation to Idaho

Throughout October, wineries across Idaho are opening their doors and rolling out experiences that bring people closer together. When you plan your Idaho wine trip this month, you might enjoy:

• Seasonal tastings & fall-inspired flights 
• Limited-release bottlings that capture the moment
• Vineyard walks & harvest tours to experience the magic up close
• Community gatherings – bonfires, grape stomps and more!

Every experience is an invitation to step into Idaho wine culture firsthand, to meet the growers and winemakers, and to build memories with those you bring along.

Bring The Gatherings Home

Not making it out to wine country this October? You can still celebrate at your own table. Here are a few Idaho wine pairings to inspire your menu:

• Malbec & Mushroom Bruschetta
• Viognier & Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops
• Syrah & Greek Lamb Gyro

Whether you’re hosting a harvest dinner or a casual get-together, pairing food with Idaho wine is the perfect way to bring your loved ones together.

October only comes once a year, but the connections we make around the table can last for a lifetime. Idaho wine is proud to be part of the Come Over October movement, and we invite you to join in: open a bottle, gather your people, and celebrate the simple joy of sharing wine together.