Happy Idaho Wine & Cider Month!

It's one of our favorite times of the year. June marks the start of Wine & Cider Month — our homegrown celebration of Idaho libation.

As wineries all over the state reveal their new spring releases, June is the perfect time to taste and explore the unique flavors that exist because of Idaho's distinctive terroir.

And just as the world we live in has changed significantly this year, our wine month celebrations have had to change, too. But there are lots of ways to celebrate and support the industry we love. Here are just 5 ways to enjoy Idaho wine and cider all month long.  For even more opportunities, check out these other ideas and events.

1. Virtual Happy Hour wine and cheese pairings

June isn't just about wines and ciders. It's also Idaho Dairy Month! So, we're pairing up with Dairy West and Albertsons Grocery to celebrate that most classic of all famous pairings: wine and cheese.

For the month of June, every Friday we'll present a Virtual Happy Hour with two new wine and cheese pairings you can try at home. Each video features two wine connoisseurs and two cheese mongers from Albertsons, who walk you through delightfully delicious ways to pair Idaho wine with cheeses from around the region.

The videos will be posted on the Unbottled Facebook page and to the social media accounts for Idaho Wine Commission and Albertsons. 

To help you with your shopping, Albertsons' Broadway and Market Street locations will have in-store wine and cheese displays featuring the pairings from each video.

2. Go on a wine trail or tasting tour

One of the best ways to get to know Idaho wines is by going straight to the source and visiting a winery yourself. For that, there's nothing better than exploring a wine trail or booking a tasting tour — where you can visit several wineries over the course of day or weekend.

Two popular options carry you through Snake River Valley, the heart of Idaho wine country.

The Sunnyslope Wine Trail, located just an hour from downtown Boise, boasts 15 wineries and vineyards, where you can sip, savor and shop the best selections from the Snake River Valley AVA. Sunnyslope winds through vineyards, orchards and acres of some of the most scenic farmland in the Northwest. Just don't forget to pick up your boxed lunch at the Orchard House along the way.

While it's easy enough to drive yourself, we recommend getting a driver to carry you through the region.

For the full VIP experience, Snake River Wine Tours will carry you and up to 13 of your friends along the wine trail in style. With door-to-door pick-up and drop off options, you can safely enjoy all the wonderful wines of the region with none of the worry.

Book now through June 30th and SRWT will take 10% off reservations for parties of 10-14 people. (Valid reservation dates June 1-Dec. 31, 2020.) Tours can be customized for a one-of-a-kind wine tour experience perfectly tailored to your individual wine preferences.

3. Wine and bike the Greenbelt

Grab a little exercise and exercise your love of Idaho wine along the Greenbelt and Garden City. Start your adventure at Boise Co-op, where you can pick up picnic essentials for a midday nosh. Then begin your trek. Follow the signage to for side trips to restaurants, bars and small parks. Around 43rd street is where the wineries are most concentrated. Choose from Cinder Wines, Split Rail Winery, Telaya Wine Company, Meriwether Cider Company — among many others.

4. Shop at Boise Co-op and save

With two convenient locations and a 15% discount on Idaho wines and ciders all month long, Boise Co-op is an easy way to support a variety of local businesses and stay safe. Curbside pickup, in-store shopping and delivery options are available.

5. Grab a glass and a good deal at A New Vintage

Located in Meridian, A New Vintage Wine Shop has 3-packs of Idaho wines for $60 (shipping not included). Owners Harry and Ilene, who have experience tending and managing bars, are experts behind a tap. For Idaho Wine Month, they're pouring a variety of Idaho wines by the glass at the store's wine bar.