The first time I stepped into Cinder’s tasting room in Garden City, they weren’t alone. Their space was shared with Telaya and Coiled Wines—the urban pioneers of a young wine region—humble and full of promise. What really struck me was the spirit of collaboration. From the beginning, Cinder signaled that Idaho wine wouldn’t be a solitary pursuit—it would be a shared story built on partnership and community.
Nearly two decades later, that spirit still defines them. Founded in 2006 by winemaker Melanie Krause and husband, Joe Schnerr, Cinder helped pioneer the urban-winery movement just minutes from downtown Boise. “Collaboration today is bearing fruit,” Joe says. “We appreciate giving back to the community and supporting local businesses.”
That community mindset shows up in many forms—from relationships with local restaurants and suppliers to the annual Washington State University alumni celebration that doubles as a toy drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County. “The tree comes right before Thanksgiving,” Joe laughs. “Bring a toy and you get a complimentary glass of wine—it’s a win-win.” For him, it’s more than holiday fun. “Those kids live in our community,” he says. “The Club does a phenomenal job providing great places for kids. We try to shine a little light on it.”
That generosity grows from Cinder’s earliest days of sharing space. Joe recalls, “We shared expenses, cross-marketed, watched our kids grow up…worked long hours.” Those experiences taught humility, empathy, and the value of lifting others. Today, that philosophy extends to their custom-crush program, where Cinder helps emerging wineries make and bottle their own labels. “It’s their vision, their label, their wines,” Joe says. “We execute their vision and deliver that into bottles.”
When asked how he defines success, Joe doesn’t hesitate. “How about paying your bills without compromising your morals? Is that a good definition of success?”
He’s equally direct about Idaho’s momentum. “Wine is really tied to place,” he says. “You can’t make world-class wine just anywhere. You have to discover those places and reflect them.” At 2,300 feet in a high-elevation desert, Idaho’s Snake River Valley is producing wines with distinctive character. “We’re just beginning,” Joe adds. “Future generations will carry on this work—it’ll be something Idaho will be proud of.”
That pride is resonating nationally. Food & Wine notes Idaho is “quietly producing wines that rival its Northwest neighbors,” and Forbes has spotlighted the state as one of America’s most promising emerging wine regions.
If Joe had one wine to tell their story, it would be their Viognier. He laughs, “Red-wine drinkers say, ‘I don’t drink white.’ I pour Viognier and they go, ‘Oh, I’d drink that.’ It’s got weight and plenty of aromas and flavors.”
During the holidays, Cinder Wines continues to embody what first defined Idaho’s urban pioneers—working together, supporting neighbors, and lifting others as they grow. In this season of gratitude, Cinder reminds us that the best gifts are shared—around a table, under a twinkling tree, and in the spirit of giving that makes Idaho shine.
Cinder Winery blends art and science under the guidance of winemaker Melanie Krause. Named for the Snake River Valley’s volcanic soils, Cinder produces Syrah, Viognier, and Tempranillo that embody Idaho’s bold character. To learn more about their wines, visit Cinder at 107 E. 44th Street, Garden City, or explore online at cinderwines.com.
Tammy de Weerd is a contributing writer for Boise and Meridian Lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of SpokenWines.com