While awaiting warmer temps and flower blooms, it’s time to mark your calendar for the ultimate celebration of Idaho Wine and Cider Month hosted by the Idaho Wine Commission. Returning June 9, 2024, Savor Idaho will transform the Idaho Botanical Gardens into a local wine mecca that is truly one of the best ways to enjoy and support local wine!
On my way to last year’s event, my notion that three hours was too much time to enjoy this event was quickly dashed when I arrived at this amazing wine community reunion. My senses were delighted by the sight of the various tents surrounded by people being served delicious local wine. The aroma of local food truck dishes and the sound of Boise’s own Red Light Challenge band strumming a pop-rock tune, lured me to the entrance. My taste buds didn’t have to wait long to join the party as I was greeted by familiar faces of the Idaho Wine Commission handing out glasses and wine bags filled with goodies!
Jim Thomssen of Great Northwest Wine Magazine enthusiastically doled out recommendations as my friend and I tried to decide which way to go first. I spotted a friend and local wine marketer who eagerly pulled me over to Holesinsky for our first sip on this warm summer day. “I’m a ham!” winemaker Neil Glancy introduced himself as he posed for a photo-op and poured the highly anticipated Unicorn sparkling rose into my glass! I sipped on this refreshing bubbly as Hip Hop Hooray owner Allison Miller lured me to her stand with bright pops of color to sample delicious and unique gourmet popcorn flavors. Huckleberry Lemonade was my favorite!
Between sips of wine, I explored the other local vendors and activities. Michelle Keener greeted me with hugs before we posed in front of her colorful Feeling Groovy VW tour bus. I found another friendly face amongst rows of easels set up under a tent back by the music, where you could get your creative jam on designing a painting of your choice for free, compliments of my favorite paint bar in town, Wine and Design Boise!
I was thrilled to reunite with Sam Maxey and her amazing Snake River Wine Tours as I snagged an adorable cork hat from this number wine one tour operator per USA Today! I also added some additional super-affordable cork goodies to my collection from another local vendor before looking for another spot to fill my wine glass.
Never waiting more than a minute or two in line, it was easy to make my way around to try some of my favorites as well as wine from wineries that were visiting from all the way up in the Lewiston-Moscow area, like the unoaked chardonnay from Colters Creek that was truly perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
The red, the wine and the rose, continued to flow into cups and there were cheers-a-plenty as we clinked and tipped our glasses to taste award-winning wines like Will Wetmore’s VEER Garnacha. Nearby, another great winemaker, Earl Sullivan of Telaya Winery, smiled in greeting as we approached his table and held out my glass for a ruby-red wine pour, that tickled my nose with hints of fruit.
Just before the end of the event, the camaraderie of the wine community really kicked in! Luminous gray clouds roll up over Table Rock, making for a dramatic photo backdrop before unleashing a surprisingly refreshing summer downpour. Winemakers tipped their bottles and welcomed us under the tents as we cheered, "Rain or shine, there will be wine!" I sipped a Coldsprings wine that tasted like liquid strawberry and indulged in a creamy, mouthwatering Morel mushroom toast married perfectly with the abundance of luscious wines.
Beneath the tents, there were no strangers amongst fellow wine enthusiasts. And after the final hugs, cheers, laughter, and pours, amongst members of this amazing Idaho Wine Family, my only regret was not coming to this event sooner. As a fellow Idahoan and lover of supporting local, I can proudly say this event is one not to miss!
