Caldwell, Idaho May 27, 2025
In the heart of Idaho wine country, Huston Vineyards is raising a glass to higher education. The family-run winery has partnered with the University of Idaho to create three exclusive wines that capture the spirit, tradition and pride of the Idaho Vandals.
Silver and Gold White is a Grüner Veltliner varietal, Tried and True Rosé is aGrenache Rosé and Brave and Bold Red is a robust red anchored in Syrah. All three pay tribute to the University of Idaho’s fight song and traditions.
This partnership began in the Fall of 2024 as Huston’s Winemaker Jacob Alger, a second -generation Vandal, sat down with the University of Idaho team and discussed their vision for the wine. According to Alger, “it soon became apparent that the project was more than a label, it was a legacy.” Jacob Alger earned his Food Science – fermentation degree from the University of Idaho in 2022, a cross-collaboration degree with Washington State University. He began winemaking upon graduation. The Vandal ties run deep as Mary Alger, Jacob’s mother, is also an alum, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at U of I.
As Jacob Alger presented the wines to the U of I team, he knew what varietals would best suit the shared vision for the label. The white and rosé varietals had to be well balanced with bright acidity and intense fruit, signature characteristics stemming from the terroir of the Snake River Valley. For the white, Silver and Gold, Alger chose Grüner Veltliner, which Huston was the first to plant and produce this varietal in Idaho, tying to the innovative spirit of Idaho’s first University and only land grant school. For the Rosé, Tried and True, he went with a Provence style, anchored in Grenache, a similar style to his 2023 Idaho Rosé of the year as awarded by the Idaho Wine Competition. The Brave and Bold blend, anchored in Syrah, encapsulates some of the best varietals that the Snake River Valley offers.
“The University of Idaho gave so much to our family,” says Jacob. “From education to lifelong friendships and connections, this project feels like bringing something full circle—combining our passion for winemaking with our Vandal pride. Wines for Vandals by Vandals.”
Huston Vineyards, a second-generation farming family, has a history of crafting World-Class award-winning wines emphasizing the terroir of the Snake River Valley. It is located in Sunnyslope near Caldwell Idaho.
Follow at @hustonvineyards
