For wine vacations in the U.S., people often head to California’s Napa and Sonoma or other regions like New York’s Finger Lakes, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or Washington State’s Walla Walla. These are all great choices, but lesser-traveled wine destinations—like Idaho—can offer an enjoyable, intimate experience for curious wine lovers.

Best known for potatoes, Idaho is also gaining recognition for its growing wine industry. Its diverse landscape—spanning rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain backdrops—paired with a welcoming spirit and a vibrant scene of arts, entertainment, outdoor activities, and cuisine, makes it a uniquely appealing destination.

Vineyards and Views: Idaho’s Wine Scene

With volcanic soil, warm summer days, cool nights, and a latitude similar to Spain’s Rioja, Idaho produces lively wines with rich fruit flavors and distinct minerality. Most of Idaho’s wine is enjoyed locally, with only a small fraction making it beyond state lines. This makes visiting the region a rare opportunity to taste under-the-radar American wines.

The Snake River Valley AVA is home to over a dozen wineries producing Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Spanish varieties like Albariño and Tempranillo. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail offers an unpretentious wine-tasting experience, and you just might find yourself sipping a delicious Cabernet Franc while chatting with the owner winemaker about Idaho’s unique terroir.

Basque Culture and a Taste of Tradition

Boise is the capital of Idaho and has the largest Basque population outside of Spain and France’s Basque Country. The city’s wine scene is intertwined with its vibrant food culture and has a growing number of downtown tasting rooms, where wineries like Cinder and Telaya offer delicious pours.

The Basque Block is home to The Basque Market, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine alongside traditional pintxos (tapas). But the market’s real draw is its famous paella, prepared outdoors every Wednesday and Friday, rain or shine. The Basque Market also offers paella classes for those inspired to try their hand at making this iconic dish—an ideal pairing with Idaho’s food-friendly wines.

“We are well-known for our Basque catering,” says Tara McElhose-Eiguren, co-owner of the market with her husband, Tony Eiguren (in photo above). “Rain, snow, or shine, we prepare a paella from start to finish on our patio. Join us early to watch it being prepared, and enjoy some pintxos (tapas), croquetas, a glass of wine, or our frozen white sangria.”

Beyond the Basque Block, Boise boasts a variety of arts and entertainment options. Enjoy an evening at the Boise Philharmonic, catch a live performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, or browse the many local art galleries in the downtown district. Boise’s culinary scene is also growing, with farm-to-table businesses like Fork Restaurant. Boise also has a vibrant craft beer scene, with several breweries that offer tours and tastings: Boise Brewing, Payette Brewing Company, and Sockeye Brewing to name a few.

Outdoor Adventures with a Glass in Hand

Of course, no trip to Idaho would be complete without indulging in its great outdoors. Whether hiking around the breathtaking Shoshone Falls, mountain biking in the Teton Mountains, kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Redfish Lake, skiing the scenic slopes of Sun Valley, rafting down the Salmon River, or soaking in the mineral waters of Lava Hot Springs, there’s always a way to work up your appetite—and your thirst!

After a day of adventure, unwinding with a glass of Idaho Syrah in hand while watching the sun set over the mountains is an experience not to be missed. So, consider Idaho if you’re looking for your next wine destination. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation coexist, where paella is best enjoyed with a glass of local wine, and where winemakers are eager to share their craft.

Visit visitidaho.org and idahowines.org to plan your Idaho getaway.