Each year, the month of June brings a special kind of anticipation to Idaho’s wine and cider lovers. It’s when vineyards, cider houses, and curious connoisseurs come together to celebrate Idaho Wine and Cider Month — and for me, that always means one thing: Savor Idaho.
Within hours of receiving the email from the Idaho Wine Commission, my husband and several friends are already coordinating how many tickets to buy, add the charcuterie or the VIP upgrade. Experience has taught us that this event can sell out—and for good reason. Held at the scenic Idaho Botanical Garden, it offers a tasting journey through more than 30 Idaho wineries and cideries, all in one unforgettable afternoon.
Moya Dolsby, Executive Director of the Idaho Wine Commission, says the month-long celebration reflects Idaho’s expansive and diverse wine and cider regions. “Some places devote just a weekend to their wine. But Idaho is a big state — with six wine regions and award-winning vintners and pommelliers spread across the map — so a whole month is needed to experience all we have to offer.”
This year’s theme, “The Year of Tempranillo,” highlights a bold, old-world grape with roots in Spain’s Rioja region — and an exciting future here in Idaho. “Tempranillo is thriving here as both a grape variety and wine varietal,” Moya adds. “It’s one of the top grape varieties planted in Idaho, and 21 wineries now produce it. Our high-elevation vineyards share a latitude with Rioja, and Tempranillo is especially well-suited to our hot, dry summers.”
Kay Hansen of Vizcaya Winery agrees. “We were among the first vineyards to plant Tempranillo in the state, and now it’s one of our most celebrated wines. Our estate-grown Tempranillo has won three platinum awards in the Northwest — a testament to our vineyard site and the five clones we cultivate.”
Boise’s strong Basque heritage adds another layer of cultural significance, especially with the return of the international Basque Jaialdi festival this year. For many, the connection between Spain and Idaho through this varietal makes the 2025 theme especially meaningful.
While Idaho’s wine scene continues to flourish, its cider makers are also capturing attention — both locally and nationally. Molly Leadbetter, owner of Meriwether Cider Co., says the craft cider movement quickly developed roots in community. “When we first started, there wasn’t any cider in Idaho. We knew we wanted to build something here — in a place we loved, among people who care deeply about craft beverages.”
Idaho’s local fruits play a starring role in Meriwether’s flavor profiles. “We’ve used quince from Symms Fruit Ranch, herbs and botanicals from Purple Sage Farms, and rhubarb from the Idaho Botanical Garden. The collaborations are so fun — and meaningful.”
Though Meriwether isn’t attending Savor Idaho this year, Molly is quick to praise the Wine Commission’s inclusivity: “They didn’t know anything about cider when we started, but they embraced us right away. They even changed it from ‘Idaho Wine Month’ to ‘Idaho Wine and Cider Month.’ That level of support means everything.”
Seasonal favorites are part of the charm. This June, Meriwether is releasing its much-loved Raspberry Rhubarb Pie cider, along with a playfully themed “Yellow Stockings Cross Gartered” blend — a nod to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Twelfth Night. With ingredients like mango, turmeric, lemon, and carrot, it’s sure to be as bright as it is bold.
Beyond the tastings, Savor Idaho offers live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and even sip-and-paint classes — all set against the lush beauty of the Idaho Botanical Garden. “Savor is the showcase of Idaho’s Wine and Cider Month,” says Kay Hansen. “We love sharing our Spanish varietals and hearing firsthand how much people enjoy them.”
Many wineries and cideries offer special events throughout June. Vizcaya, for example, runs a “Stamp Out Wine Month” card, rewarding guests with progressive discounts for visiting each weekend. Others offer unique pairing dinners, vineyard picnics, and hands-on workshops.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious to explore, Idaho Wine and Cider Month is the perfect time to savor the state’s local flavors and breathtaking landscapes.
LEFT: Jan and Tammy de Weerd of Spoken Wines. RIGHT: Moya Dolsby, Idaho Wine Commission
Fast Facts — Idaho’s Wine & Cider Scene (from Moya Dolsby)
$314 million in statewide economic impact (2022)
Visitors spent $173 million on wine tourism in 2022
Six unique wine regions across the state
Idaho’s “patio season” invites outdoor experiences with scenic vineyard and orchard views
Savor Idaho gathers 30+ wineries and cideries for a one-day tasting event
2025 spotlights Tempranillo—a varietal thriving in Idaho’s high-elevation vineyards
Over 21 wineries produce Tempranillo
Innovative offerings: sparkling wines, Pét-Nat, Verdejo, Nebbiolo, and more
Free wine shipping for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members flying from Idaho
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