When you think of wine, I’m sure Idaho isn’t the first, or even the last, place that comes to mind. It’s usually California, followed by Washington and some popular East Coast spots. However, while searching for things to do in South Idaho, we came across Idaho’s wine region hiding in plain sight.
In this post, I’ll share my experience tasting four Idaho-grown wines and what makes them special. We chose Telaya Wine Co., which has a tasting room in Garden City near the River Greenbelt. If you have time, you can also visit one of their vineyards near Boise, I’ve listed some top vineyards at the end of this article.
I don’t call myself a wine connoisseur. I’m more of a “let’s find out the science behind it” or “what makes it special” kind of curious person, which draws me to places like this. Plus, Abhi shares the same curiosity, so it made perfect sense to try wine on our last day when we were finally car-free and had hours to kill before our flight. You can read about my other wine tasting flights and tours in the USA here.
Story Behind the Name “Telaya”
We were intrigued by the name since it was new to us, so we asked our wine guide. She kindly explained that “Telaya” blends “Teton” and “La Playa”,two places the owners, Earl and Carrie Sullivan, love deeply.
Telaya Wine Co. Wines
Their flagship blend, Turas (Irish for “journey”), resonates deeply with the owners’ story. The grapes were originally sourced from Columbia Valley in Washington State, but in 2012, they switched to Idaho fruit,and never looked back.
They offer several award-winning wines, from their flagship Turas to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can check their full list of award-winning wines here.
What Makes Idaho Wine Special?
This was my first question when searching for wineries around Boise. After some digging, I discovered what makes this region unique: the volcanic terroir. Ancient lava soils in the Snake River Valley create mineral-rich, well-draining conditions that stress vines for intense flavors, think minerality, spice, and earthiness in grapes like Syrah, Tempranillo, and Riesling. High desert elevations (2,000–3,500 ft) and extreme day-night temperature swings (30–40°F) deliver ripe fruit flavors by day and crisp acidity at night, producing balanced, aromatic wines unlike those from warmer regions.
Our Tasting Flight at Telaya Wine Co.
We visited during summer, so the menu featured two tasting flights: a Summer Flight and a Rosé & Red Tasting Flight. We asked to customize our flight with wines from both lists, and the staff kindly accommodated us at no extra charge. Here are the four wines we ordered:
- 2023 Viognier – Block W-6 – had a fruity aroma with creamy stone fruit and floral notes. The wine was crisp, had a balanced acidity and fresh finish.
- 2023 Rosé – Emerald Slope – this was more like a juicy fruit bubble gum with citrusy flavors that’s dry yet mouthwatering. It had a unique vibrant minerality that tasted nice.
- 2021 Syrah – Lanae Ridge – this had notes of spice and more earthy notes with a leather-like body. It showcased the true depths of Idaho’s volcanic mineral magic.
- 2023 Carrie’s Select Chardonnay – had tropical buttery notes with zesty acidity making it fruit-forward and quite refreshing to be honest.
Overall Experience at Telaya Wine Co.
I loved the cozy outdoor patio seating with its stunning river view,and the best part? It had shade. You can sit inside, but I insist on choosing the patio.
The staff was friendly, walked us through the entire menu, and answered all our questions with patience. The cost was reasonable,four wines came to $30 with tax.
Overall, we had the best time sipping their delicious wines while soaking in the view. I’m glad we discovered Idaho’s booming wine scene to bring you this gem. If you’re visiting Boise or anywhere in Idaho, I highly recommend seeking out a local wine from the Snake River Valley.
