Idaho is no longer just known for its potatoes, thanks to the unofficial queen of Snake River Valley Wine Region, Samantha Maxey. In just three short years, Samantha’s company, Snake River Wine Tours, has been voted a 2021 Top Ten Wine Tour by USA Today!
Moving from the Midwest to Marsing, Idaho in 2016 with husband and animal expert Corbin Maxey, Samantha’s passion for immersing herself into the local community took hold. With her prior experience in the fine dining and hospitality industry, Samantha enjoyed exploring the local wineries of the Sunnyslope Wine Trail and eagerly accepted a job at one of her favorite wine boutiques.
Over the next year, Samantha created personal Idaho wine country tours for family and friends, and quickly recognized the opportunity to turn her passion into a full-blown business. Taking that leap of faith in 2018, she launched Snake River Wine Tours with the purchase of their first Sprinter Van, and she quickly became an influential entrepreneur in Treasure Valley.
The company was expanding quickly when the pandemic hit in 2020. While it was a terrible blow for much of the tourism industry, business boomed for Snake River Wine Tours. Samantha united with local wineries to offer creative, safe, and fun outdoor experiences for people seeking a relaxing escape. Her resourceful thinking led to continued growth. By May 2021, they acquired new vehicles and added staff to reach more people seeking a unique Idaho experience.
These year-round customizable tours transport you in just 40 minutes from Boise in one of their luxury vans. Stocked with all the goodies to enjoy an afternoon sipping on a selection of local, award-winning reds and whites, you’ll enjoy good company and the picturesque views among four wineries.
Samantha attributes their success and growth to their “top notch” customer service. Guests enjoy not just a personal designated driver, but a great host, someone who’s both educated and funny. Samantha creates brand awareness for local wineries and continues her own wine education to create the best experiences for her guests. Her warmth and passion for her business shines through. Proof of her lasting impression is that the majority of her guests are repeat clientele, including three guests she recently welcomed back for their tenth tour!
Samantha sees the winery scene flourishing, and is proud to be an instrumental part of that growth. She recently started Snake River Charcuterie, a company that will offer delicious food on her tours and to the local wineries. “It’s so important to take a risk and do what you love,” she says, “Idaho wine industry is unlike any job or industry I’ve ever been part of. Everyone is just so welcoming and supportive.” That includes guests who want to be a part of this amazing experience in Snake River Valley Wine Region. Samantha says, "I could not imagine doing anything else.”
Snake River Wine Tours offer daily tours among the 15+ wineries along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. For more information, please visit: www.snakeriverwinetours.com
