The Corkscrew Blog | Idaho Wine Commission

Top Southwest Idaho Wine Tours You Must Experience

Written by Idaho Wine Commission | Jul 8, 2024

Summer is the perfect season to explore the flourishing wine scene in Idaho! With its scenic vineyards, diverse wine varieties, and nationally recognized wine tours, Idaho has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

This blog will introduce you to several top Idaho wine tour companies within the Snake River Valley AVA, each offering unique experiences, breathtaking views, and delectable wine tastings. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Idaho’s wine country and book your visit today!

Top Southwest Idaho Wine Tours: Uncover the Best Vineyards and Tasting Experiences

The best way to experience Southwest Idaho’s award-winning wine country is by booking a guided wine tour with the industry experts. Southwest Idaho encompasses three wine growing regions including Western Treasure Valley and Sunnyslope, Eagle Foothills, and Boise & Garden City. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to indulge in some of the best wines of the region, Idaho wine tasting tours guarantee an unforgettable experience. Friendly and welcoming staff will ensure your visit fulfills all your desires!

Idaho wine tasting tours are an all-day affair and include transportation from your pickup to your drop-off location. By spending about an hour at each winery, you’ll get to savor the unique experiences and offerings of each destination.

These tours are perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette or bachelor parties, and reunions. They can help you make your life's special moments even more memorable!

Snake River Wine Tours

Snake River Wine Tours is a premier wine tour operator in Idaho, exploring the renowned Snake River Wine Region! Located less than an hour from Boise, this tour covers the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, also known as “the Heart of Idaho Wine Country,” as it’s home to over 15 award-winning wineries with unique tasting experiences.

With tours being offered all year round, you’ll have the chance to ride in style in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that can hold up to 14 guests. If you’re looking for a private wine tour, simply grab 10 wine lovers in your life and enjoy an exclusive wine tour experience. Groups of 9 or less will have a shared experience with other wine enthusiasts. 

During your Snake River Wine Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit four wineries, spending about an hour at each. There’s a reason it was voted the #1 Wine Tour in North America two years in a row by USA Today 10 Best! Book now with Snake River Wine Tours to find out why.

Idaho Wine Tours

Idaho Wine Tours offers a variety of tour options so you can diversify your experience or try something new! The Sunnyslope tour takes you to some of the oldest wineries in Idaho including Ste.Chapelle Winery, Hells Canyon & Zhoo Zhoo, Hat Ranch Winery, and six other options! With beautiful sloping vineyards, this tour experience is great for patio sipping and picture-perfect moments. 

The Eagle Foothills & Star Tour, only available on Saturdays, takes you to three wineries in the Treasure Valley including Sol Invictus Vineyard, Dude Dewalt Cellars, and 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards. This tour option immerses you in the exquisite flavors of the Eagle Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Last but not least, the third wine tour option through Idaho Wine Tours is the Boise Urban Wine Tour. While there are eight wineries to choose from, you’ll visit three esteemed wineries along the scenic Boise River Greenbelt to ensure you have time to enjoy each winery's delicious offerings.

Sunshine Wine Tours

Take a journey off the beaten path and explore the lesser known gems of the Snake River Valley! Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning, walking out your front door and jumping on a tour bus to begin the wine tasting adventure of your dreams. This can be your reality with Sunshine Wine Tours! Their tours are always private and offer pickup from your most convenient location, AKA your home.

Sunshine Wine Tours is celebrated for its friendly service and intimate wine-tasting experiences. Catering to small groups, this tour company emphasizes personalized attention with the goal to create an experience that is fun, memorable and unpretentious.

Your group will enjoy a customized wine tour with leisurely tastings at four different wineries throughout the day. While Sunshine Wine Tours tends to visit the smaller boutique wineries, there are about 18 wineries they frequently visit, and they may even take you to one of the larger establishments just so you can get a well-rounded look at what the region has to offer. The overall focus is on high quality wines and friendly, informative staff.

Wine Tasting & Pairing Experiences

Tasting Flights

Experience a range of flavors with curated tasting flights at each winery. These flights typically include a selection of award-winning red, white, and rosé wines, allowing you to explore the diversity of Idaho’s wine offerings.

Food and Wine Pairings

Many tours feature thoughtfully curated food and wine pairings, showcasing how different foods can enhance the flavors of the wines. While artisan snacks are typically included in the tours, you can purchase a charcuterie board or other small plates at the wineries if you please.

Exclusive Wine Releases

Be among the first to taste limited edition and exclusive wine releases. If you’re lucky, some Idaho wineries offer special tastings of new and unique wines that are not available to the general public, providing a truly exclusive experience.

Unique Features of Idaho Wine Tasting Tours

One unique feature of Idaho wine tasting tours is the frequent opportunity to meet the winemakers or winery owners. Many visitors appreciate the chance to engage directly with the passionate individuals behind the exceptional wines. This personal interaction enhances the experience, providing insights into the craftsmanship and dedication that go into every bottle.

Idaho's wine tours are not just about tasting exceptional wines; they also offer an opportunity to experience the state’s natural beauty and enrich your understanding of wine. From rolling hills to river valleys, each tour provides scenic vistas as you travel through Idaho’s picturesque wine regions. You’ll learn about different grape varieties, the winemaking process, and the history of Idaho’s wine industry while meeting some of Idaho’s amazing people and their one-of-a-kind creations.

Plan Your Idaho Wine Adventure

Embark on a memorable wine tour through Southwest Idaho this summer. Whether you choose Snake River Wine Tours, Idaho Wine Tours, or Sunshine Wine Tours, you are guaranteed an exceptional experience filled with delicious wines, stunning scenery, and enriching insights. Plan your visit and explore the vibrant wine culture of Idaho. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover why Idaho is becoming a top destination for wine enthusiasts!

If you’re looking for travel and accommodation options for your wine trip to Idaho, check out our Tour Brochure as well as our Boise & Garden City Itinerary, and Sunnyslope Itinerary. And be sure to sign up to become an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member so you can take all your purchased Idaho wines home with you!