Idaho Wine Travel Tips

Ready for a break from your never ending to-do list? Imagine a long weekend filled with warm weather, beautiful vineyard views, and crisp glasses of award-winning wine and cider. Idaho’s wine country is calling, and trust us, it’s worth the trip.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break from the daily noise, planning your first wine or cider tasting trip, or traveling for Savor Idaho, we’re here to help you make the most of your Idaho wine adventure.

Best Times To Visit Idaho Wine Country

Idaho wine regions are beautiful year-round and offer something special each season. Generally, late spring through fall offers pleasant weather for sipping on patios, enjoying winery picnics, and touring vineyards. The biggest wine and cider celebration of the year is on June 8th.

Savor Idaho is the state’s premier wine and food event held at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise. Over 30 Idaho wineries and cideries come together for an unforgettable day of unlimited pours, food trucks, local vendors, and live music in a stunning garden setting. It’s the kind of event worth planning a trip around! And it’s a great way to taste the wonderful variety and quality of Idaho wines in one place on one day.

June is officially Idaho Wine and Cider Month so it’s one of the best times to plan your trip. This month-long celebration shines a spotlight on our nationally recognized (and rapidly growing) wine and cider scene. Thanks to Idaho’s high elevation, volcanic soil, and diverse microclimates, we produce exceptional wine grapes and orchard fruits like apples, pears, and plums — the foundation for award-winning wines and craft ciders.

All month long, wineries and cideries across the state will be hosting 

• Special tastings and pairings
• Limited releases
• Pop-up events
• Discounts and promotions

Can’t make it in June? September and October are equally spectacular! 

During fall harvest season, the vineyards glow with fall colors and the air turns crisp; ideal for patio sipping, grape stomping, and cozying up by a fire pit. Many wineries offer harvest events where you can get hands-on with the winemaking process or simply soak in the seasonal charm.

Flights & Wine Travel Perks

Book your flights with Alaska Airlines and take advantage of their Wine Flies Free program. Mileage Plan members can check a case of wine, up to 12 bottles, for free when flying from participating airports. Let’s be honest, the best souvenirs come in bottles, and you’ll want to share your favorites with family and friends back home. 

The Boise airport is the best option for wine travel to Idaho’s Snake River Valley AVA, which includes the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, and Eagle Foothills AVA, which are both  just 30–45 minutes from Boise, making it a convenient and centrally located airport.

If you’re visiting Idaho’s Lewis-Clark AVA, you have several options, including the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) and the Pullman/Moscow Regional Airport (PUW). Each airport offers daily flights in and out of the area. Also available is the Spokane International Airport. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Spokane International Airport to Lewiston, Idaho.

Key Wine Regions to Explore

Idaho is home to three distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and more than 64 wineries and 8 cideries, each offering a unique expression of the state's rugged beauty, diverse terroir, and passionate winemakers. Here's where to begin your tasting journey:

Snake River Valley AVA

The Snake River Valley is Idaho’s largest and most established wine region located just 30-45 minutes outside of Boise. This high-elevation AVA stretches across over 8,000 square miles and is home to 85% of Idaho’s vineyards.

This wine growing region experiences a big temperature change from day to night which gives the grapes in this region distinct characteristics that can be tasted in each glass. With a similar latitude to many famous regions such as Southern France, and Rioja, Spain, you can expect bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and crisp Chardonnays.

If you travel along the western edge of this AVA, and you’ll find the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, a concentrated pocket of more than 15 wineries nestled in the Western Treasure Valley. This region is a text-book expression of what it means to be in the heart of Idaho wine country. It’s perfect for a day of wine touring, especially with a company like Snake River Wine Tours to drive you around in style. You’ll experience beautiful views of the Owyhee Mountains, sun-drenched vineyards, and laid-back tasting rooms.

Be sure to stop by Stack Rock Cidery at Peaceful Belly Farms where you can sip crisp cider, stroll through vibrant fields of pick-your-own flowers, and soak in the spirit of sustainable farming. This cidery and farm-to-fork café invites you to slow down and savor the moment. With over 180 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers growing on-site, every sip and bite reflects the care they pour into the land. It’s more than a visit—it’s a connection to the community, the soil, and the story behind what’s in your glass. Explore the must-visit wineries and cideries in this region.

Eagle Foothills AVA

The Eagle Foothills is the only AVA completely located within the state. It also holds the title of Idaho’s first sub-AVA, located within the larger Snake River Valley. Nestled in the foothills, the unique geographical conditions such as volcanic ash and granite-based soils and heavy rainfalls, give wines from this area unique depth and flavors. These conditions are perfectly suited for grape varieties such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

In addition to its noteworthy contributions to the Idaho wine industry, Eagle is a stunning must-see for outdoor travelers. The rolling hills and nearby Boise River provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing or simply strolling along the Eagle Greenbelt to explore nearby wineries. Wine tastings in this region feel more intimate, often hosted by winemakers themselves. Explore the must-visit wineries in this region.

Lewis Clark Valley AVA

The Lewis-Clark Valley is where Idaho’s wine story first began in the late 1800s. Nestled along the steep slopes of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, the vineyards here enjoy lower elevations and a warm, consistent climate, ideal for growing a diverse range of grapes. Expect rich, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, as well as bright, aromatic whites like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Northern Idaho is about a 5 to 6-hour scenic drive from Boise, and the journey is part of the adventure. The Lewis-Clark Valley offers a slower pace, small-town hospitality, and a chance to truly connect with the people and stories behind each bottle.

You’ll find about 10 boutique wineries in this AVA, many of which are family-owned and deeply rooted in the land. These tasting experiences often come with personal conversations with winemakers, intimate patio settings, and panoramic views of the surrounding river canyons. Northern Idaho is also home to three unique cideries including High Country Cider, CDA Cider House, and Summit Cider. Explore the must-visit wineries and cideries in Northern Idaho.

Pro Tips For The Perfect Trip

To make the most of your Idaho wine getaway, a little planning goes a long way. Be sure to book your wine tastings and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons like June and fall harvest. Don’t overlook the hidden gems either; some of the most memorable sips and stories come from the smaller, off-the-map tasting rooms. And while you're sipping your way through wine country, make time to explore Idaho’s booming cider scene.

Beyond the vineyards, Idaho is packed with adventure. Take a hike in the foothills, float down the Boise River, or unwind with a spa day. Wherever your travels take you, you'll find welcoming communities, breathtaking scenery, and a glass of something delicious waiting at the end of every day.

Other Idaho travel resources: Wine Folly Idaho Travel Guide, Visit Idaho, Visit Lewis Clark Valley, Visit Southwest Idaho, Sunnyslope Wine Trail.