The day after Thanksgiving has long been more than a shopping holiday for our family—it’s our tradition of slowing down, gathering loved ones, and tracing the Sunnyslope Wine Trail south of Caldwell/Nampa. What began as a way to extend the Thanksgiving spirit has grown into years of memories and introducing friends and family to favorite wineries and wines. I especially treasure the seasons our daughters tagged along as designated drivers, forming their own connections with the people that make these visits special.
“Relationships are what make this little industry go ’round,” Sam Maxey, owner of Snake River Wine Tours, told me. “It’s the memories you create and the experiences you want to share.” Black Friday is especially meaningful for her—it marks seven years since their first official tour. That sense of celebration, coziness, and community is exactly what we look for on our own post-Thanksgiving loop.
This year, we’re carrying on the tradition with Sam and her Wine Tours team, each of us sharing Sunnyslope favorites we’re equally passionate about–and two offer barrel tastings.
Scoria Vineyards
Named for the volcanic scoria vent onsite, Scoria’s estate fruit reflects that distinctive geology in the wine. Rachel offered tasting-room favorites: Scoria’s Rosé—dry, balanced, strawberry, sour cherry, grapefruit—great with charcuterie and bold cheeses; and their Petit Verdot that “tastes like Christmas”: plum, black cherry, cinnamon, clove alongside a rosemary-kissed roast. Winemaker’s favorite: the 2022 Petit Verdot. (Ours, too!)
Koenig Vineyards
Founded in 1995, Koenig still crafts small-lot wines a few miles from its tasting room. Michael (wine-club member turned staff) poured: the 2022 Dry Riesling–apricot, citrus, crisp finish–a Kabinett-style white that shines with spicy dishes or light appetizers; and their customer favorite, Koenig’s Cuvée (Zinfandel/Syrah/Sangiovese) which hits the holiday sweet spot–versatile for turkey, prime rib, or herby sides. My picks: Petite Sirah and the Dry Riesling Ice Wine—rare, weather-dependent, and so Idaho.
Kerry Hill Winery
Owner Mindy Mayer’s stewardship shows everywhere—from rehabilitated vines to habitat-minded grounds. For Thanksgiving-to-Christmas, consider the Malbec Reserve or winemaker collaborations: like the Sparkling Merlot Rosé (with 3100 Cellars) or Sam’s favorite, the Monarch Tempranillo (with Veer Wine). On a snowy day, Kerry Hill feels like stepping inside a snow globe—mulled-wine aromas, warm hospitality, and easy pairings for festive tables.
Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Few places feel cozier than Hells Canyon on a wintry afternoon—tasting in the barrel room with blankets by a cozy fire. The Robertson family’s story threads through Idaho wine history, and their beautifully made Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo Chardonnays and holiday-worthy reds like the Lava 100 or ‘20 Middle Fork Merlot are crowd-pleasers in a class by themselves. Our all-time favorite: the 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
As Sam noted, Sunnyslope is more than wine; it’s where community gathers. On the day after Thanksgiving, we raise a glass to traditions old and new—and to the people who make Idaho wine such a joy to share. What are your day-after-Thanksgiving traditions? If you're tempted to start a new one--fantastic. Hope to see you on the trail. SpokenWines.com