Idaho honors the Year of Riesling, the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA’s 10th anniversary, and Savor Idaho 2026
BOISE, Idaho (June 2, 2026) – June is Idaho Wine & Cider Month, a statewide celebration of Idaho’s award-winning wines and ciders and the people who craft them. Throughout the month, wineries and cideries across the state will host special events, offer promotions, and welcome visitors to experience Idaho wine country during one of the industry’s most exciting years yet.
This year’s celebration highlights several important milestones for Idaho wine, including the Idaho Wine Commission’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of Riesling,” the 10th anniversary of the Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), and the return of Savor Idaho on June 7 at the Idaho Botanical Garden.
“Idaho Wine & Cider Month is an opportunity to celebrate not only the incredible wines and ciders being produced across the state, but also the people, places and history behind Idaho wine,” said Moya Dolsby, executive director of the Idaho Wine Commission.
To help Idahoans learn more about Idaho wine and cider, the Commission has created a list of Idaho Wine & Cider trivia questions that will be highlighted throughout the month on its social media channels and in winery tasting rooms hosting trivia nights.
“Many Idahoans are surprised at the rich and long history of winemaking in our state, the awards our wines are winning in international competitions, and how easy it is to have a great wine-tasting experience here,” said Dolsby. “We encourage Idahoans to learn more about the world-class wine that’s grown and made in their backyard by visiting one of the fabulous tasting rooms across the state this month.”
Wine & Cider Month this year recognizes 2026 as the “Year of Riesling,” one of Idaho’s longest-standing and most versatile grape varieties. Riesling has been grown in Idaho for more than 50 years and thrives in the state’s high-elevation vineyards and warm days paired with cool nights. Idaho winemakers produce Rieslings in a wide range of styles, from crisp and dry to floral and fruit-forward sweet wines, as well as award-winning Ice Wines.
This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, federally designated in 2016. Straddling the Idaho-Washington border, the AVA has a deep winemaking history dating back to the 1860s and is known for its dramatic canyon landscapes, diverse soils and balanced wines. Today, the region is gaining recognition as one of the Northwest’s most distinctive emerging wine destinations.
The centerpiece of Idaho Wine & Cider Month is Savor Idaho, the state’s premier wine tasting event, returning to the Idaho Botanical Garden on June 7. Guests can sample wines and ciders from across Idaho, meet winemakers, enjoy live music, purchase food from local vendors and explore the gardens while experiencing Idaho’s welcoming wine culture firsthand.
Additional highlights of Idaho Wine & Cider Month include the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Idaho Wine & Cider Competition, which recognizes excellence in Idaho winemaking and showcases the quality and diversity of wines produced throughout the state.
Visit idahowines.org to learn more about Idaho Wine & Cider Month events, including:
- “Lobby Hop” – June 4 with Idaho wine tasting stations at downtown Boise hotel lobbies
- Savor Idaho – June 7 at the Idaho Botanical Garden
- The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV), the premier professional society for grape growers, winemakers, and industry researchers, will host its national conference in Boise on June 15-18 at the Boise Centre
- Lewis-Clark Valley AVA 10th anniversary winery events and vineyard tours
- Winery and cidery discounts, live music, and special pairing events statewide. Check the IWC events calendar for more information.
Idaho’s wine industry dates back to the 1860s, when the first wine grapes were planted in Lewiston, Idaho. Today, Idaho is home to more than 70 wineries and cideries and three federally designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Idaho wines continue to earn national and international recognition for classic varieties such as Riesling, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Tempranillo.
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The Idaho Wine Commission markets, connects and promotes Idaho’s unique wineries, cideries and growers. With an ideal climate and geography for growing grapes, it’s no wonder that Idaho is home to more than 70 wineries and cideries. The land, the space, and the communal vibe gives permission to do things a little differently here. Dreams are more possible. Yes is more common than no. “Why not?” isn’t a rhetorical question, but a way of life. We take wine seriously, but never ourselves. And we’re always happy to share a glass with whoever shows up, just as they are. To learn more about Idaho wines and ciders, visit www.idahowines.org, or follow the Idaho Wine Commission on Facebook or Instagram, and Expect the Unexpected.
