One Of The Most Underrated Wine And Food Destinations In All Of America Is A City In Idaho

Idaho, the potato capital of the U.S. You would think it might be famous for its vodka, right? In a shocking twist, Idaho has recently been a rising star in wine production, specifically in Boise. Idaho is currently home to 65 wineries and eight cideries— and quickly expanding. Though the underrated city of Boise wouldn't be at the top of most lists for a wine-lovers vacation,  over 1,300 acres of vineyards can be found dotted throughout the area.

According to the Idaho Wine Commission, viticulture (the cultivation and harvesting of grapes) is one of the state's fastest-growing industries, and Boise is one of the best U.S. cities for wine tasting. After a pause in production due to prohibition, in 1970 wine grapes were once more planted in Idaho, this time along the Snake River Valley.

Today, the valley winds its way across southern west Idaho into Oregon, and is where most of Idaho's wineries are located. Extending over 8000 square miles, its desert climate is ideal for growing grapes meant for Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Spend a day exploring the more urbanized tasting rooms in nearby Garden City, or take an organized tour of one of the many wineries dotted along the valley. Wherever your adventures lead you, for wine lovers, Boise is an underrated city that can't be missed.

Visiting all 65 wineries would be a bit of a challenge, though not entirely impossible. For those looking to take the more urban wine-tasting approach, pay a visit to neighboring Garden City, just west of Boise along the river.

Here visitors will find a delectable range of tasting rooms. Many of these locations can be found on or near the Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile pedestrian path connecting Boise and Garden City. This area alone has more wineries, cideries, and breweries per square mile than any other spot in Idaho. 

Some of the more notable locations for sipping on fermented grape juice are Telaya, a full-production winery and tasting room that produces wines from Washington and Idaho, Cinder Wines, named after the volcanic cinder that is beneath many of the vineyards they work with, or Split Rail, a small-production winery that handmakes wines from fruit sourced from vineyards across the Pacific Northwest. For those who prefer hard ciders to wine, Meriwether Cider Company is also a fantastic option. Those who get hungry can take a break from sipping and head over to Chinden Boulevard to try some delicious Puerto Rican cuisine at Wepa Cafe, mouthwatering Italian Food at Caffe Luciano's, or tasty Mexican food at Taqueria Sol de Jalisco or Taqueria Las Brazas.

Located about 40 minutes outside of Boise is the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, part of the greater Snake River Valley Wine region. This area is home to 21 wineries and vineyards, perfect for a relaxing day trip from Boise through Idaho's wine country.

Rolling hills, picturesque views, and delicious wines attract visitors from all over to this underrated destination. If you're not looking to drive yourself around to different wineries, a day spent with Snake River Wine Tours is a great option. 

So, why Boise? Wine not? First off, the wine is exceptionally budget-friendly. For example, a tasting at Scoria Winery will only set you back $8.00. If that's not enough to get you excited, the wine is also not mass-produced. The wineries here are small and therefore aren't producing enough wine to distribute. Therefore, a visit to the Snake River Valley or one of the many tasting rooms in Boise is the best way to ensure you experience this unique variety of flavors.