Wine lovers know that great wine starts in the vineyard. In Idaho, wineries are taking that commitment one step further—ensuring that their winemaking not only produces exceptional wines but also protects and preserves the land for future generations.
Many Idaho wineries are family-owned and operated and are leading the way in sustainable viticulture. Let’s take a closer look at how these eco-conscious wineries are making a difference.
Located in the Sunnyslope area, Hells Canyon Winery is Idaho’s first winery to use solar power in its day-to-day operations. The 18.8 kilowatt photovoltaic system consists of 64 south-facing solar panels which harness the sun, even when it’s not shining.
With over 200 cloudless days a year, Southwestern Idaho provides optimal conditions for solar energy production. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, Hells Canyon Winery minimizes its carbon footprint while continuing to produce high-quality wines.
Hand-farmed and sustainably grown, their estate-grown grapes including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, are fermented in small oak barrels under the Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo labels.
Indian Creek, a family-owned and operated winery just 30 minutes outside of Boise, is dedicated to growing Idaho estate wines in an organic and sustainable manner. Their 20 acres of organically grown grapes benefit from meticulous irrigation, canopy management, and organic soil practices, all aimed at producing exceptional, food-friendly wines.
Holesinsky Winery has embraced organic farming for more than two decades, creating wines that are as clean and natural as the land they come from. As the only USDA Certified Organic Winery in the state, The Holesinsky family has proudly committed to a strict no-synthetics philosophy—no glyphosates, no chemical fertilizers, and no harmful pesticides or fungicides ever touch their vineyard. Instead, they rely on the richness of their environment to nurture healthy vines.
That environment just so happens to be one of the most unique in the region. The vineyard is rooted in silica-rich volcanic soil, packed with rhyolite, basalt, and breccia rock, all shaped by ancient lava flows and the massive Lake Bonneville flood. This rare soil makeup, along with loam that’s naturally high in potassium, gives their grapes a signature profile: vibrant acidity balanced by an unusually high pH. It’s a distinctive combination that sets their wines apart and contributes to their fresh, expressive flavor.
In fact, this same region—the Hagerman Valley—was once famous for growing some of the nation’s best watermelon in the early 1900s. Today, it’s producing some of Idaho’s most memorable wines, thanks to sustainable farming and the Holesinsky family’s deep respect for the land.
3 Horse Ranch Vineyards in the Eagle Foothills also chose natural growing methods to cultivate strong, flavor-packed grapes while minimizing environmental impact.
As a family-run vineyard, they opted for natural methods to grow grapes and tend their vineyards through hand-pruning, individual vine training, and hand-harvested fruit. This allows them to avoid herbicides and pesticides while ensuring the integrity of their soil, vines, and final product. Their estate-grown wines are made with 100% naturally grown grapes which are harvested by hand.
By prioritizing organic and sustainable farming methods, these wineries are helping to preserve Idaho’s land and resources for generations to come.
Indian Creek’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop with organically grown grapes! They’ve also planted five acres of pollinator gardens, providing essential food and habitats for bees and butterflies that support vineyard health and biodiversity. And they’re not the only Idaho winery providing healthy habitats for our buzzing friends!
Dr. Ron Bitner, an internationally recognized bee biologist, has spent over 50 years studying bees and vineyard management. With more than 700 bee species calling Idaho home, he’s dedicated to giving back to these fuzzy essential workers. Bitner Vineyards leads the way in bee-friendly farming, creating a thriving habitat where pollinators and vines flourish together—because a healthy vineyard starts with a healthy ecosystem.
Kerry Hill Winery is also certified in Bee-Friendly Farming. Their owner Mindy Mayer owns several McDonalds and was inspired to create a “McHive”, also known as a bee box in disguise! As bees pollinate their habitat area, they help plants grow and eventually return nutrients back into the soil. As flowers and other plants succeed, they draw in bugs that are predators to vineyard pests, allowing vineyard workers to intervene less to protect the vines.
Kerry Hill Winery believes sustainability extends beyond grape growing. They’ve carefully designed their landscape to attract and nurture pollinators, owls, bats and raptors—providing them with native plants, flowers and shelter. This approach, certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, fosters stronger vines and healthier grapes, creating a healthy ecosystem that leads to a more sustainable vineyard.
Named after the breed of Irish Kerry Hill sheep that they raise on their property, Kerry Hill winery’s woolly companions naturally graze and maintain the vineyard, reducing the need for mechanical mowing and synthetic fertilizers. By integrating animals into vineyard management, Kerry Hill supports soil health and creates a more sustainable growing environment.
Several Idaho wineries are setting a high bar for sustainability through respected third-party certifications.
Bitner Vineyards was the first in the state to earn the sustainable LIVE certification (Low Input Vineyard and Enology), which promotes environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing. Today, 3100 Cellars and Kerry Hill Winery also proudly carry this certification, demonstrating their shared commitment to restoring and maintaining natural vineyard ecosystems.
Working to restore natural systems into Idaho viticulture, 3100 Cellars is also proud to hold this title. Their commitment to improving environmental conditions throughout all stages of the wine growing process is also evident with the Salmon-Safe certification.
Salmon-Safe in winegrowing focuses on reducing vineyard runoff, water quality protection, and enhancement of native biodiversity on vineyard sites. Kerry Hill Winery and 3100 Cellars are also proud to hold these two certifications.
In addition, Bitner Vineyards and Kerry Hill are Salmon-Safe Certified, a designation that focuses on reducing agricultural runoff, protecting water quality, and promoting biodiversity on vineyard sites. This dual certification underscores their efforts to create wines that are as sustainable as they are delicious.
Idaho’s winemakers are proving that sustainability and great wine go hand in hand. As you raise your next glass of Idaho wine, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting wineries that are dedicated to sustainable viticulture.
Want to sip sustainably? Visit these eco-friendly Idaho wineries!