Word is spreading about the excellence of Idaho wines. Located on the Washington-Idaho border along the Snake and Clearwater rivers, the Lewis Clark Valley, established in 2016 and one of three AVAs in Idaho, is a hidden gem on the verge of being a sought-after destination for wine tourism.
“The vibe here is casual and approachable,” says Clint Hoiland, owner/operator of Twisted Vine Wine Tours. “It’s the way Walla Walla was 20 years ago.”
Where to taste wine
Grape growing in this region dates back to 1872, but prohibition halted production and it took several decades for vineyards and winemaking to get re-established. By the early 2000s, the number of local vineyards and wineries were growing — as was the reputation for bold, gorgeous wines, particularly reds.
Founded in 2003, Basalt Cellars, whose cozy tasting room is located in Clarkston, Washington, was among the first wineries to open the new era of winemaking in the valley. In fact, there are eight tasting rooms situated within a few minutes of each other in the adjoining downtowns of Lewiston and Clarkston. Click here for a map.
“It’s a small community in Lewiston and Clarkston,” says Michelle Peters, president of Visit Lewis Clark Valley. “The winemaking community is hands-on. You’re likely to meet the winemaker in the tasting room.”
The terroir of the region is unique as the vineyards in the AVA are bordered and buffered by the cooling influences of the Clearwater and Snake rivers.
“Bordeaux and Rhône varietals both grow incredibly well here,” says Hoiland. “Cab Franc is a grape that expresses the local terroir particularly well.” He also suggests tasting the Sauvignon Blanc from several different wineries to compare how each showcases the grape.
In addition to the downtown tasting rooms, wineries on estate vineyards are within an easy drive. Rivaura Estate Vineyard and Winery, 15 miles east near Juliaetta, Idaho, has a tasting room with a stunning view of the Clearwater River. Peters recommends timing your visit so you can watch the sunset with a glass of wine and plate of small bites in hand.
Winning awards
Wines from the Lewis-Clark Valley are racking up awards. In 2022, Sip Magazine named Rivaura as a “Winery to Watch.” Vine 46 was named 2021 Idaho Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine Magazine.
In 2020, Clearwater Canyon Cellars was named Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by the same publication Great Northwest Wine Magazine. The winery has been awarded 46 Platinum Awards by the Great Northwest Wine Platinum Awards, and co-owner Coco Umiker is winningest woman winemaker to date.
In 2020, Colter’s Creek Vineyards was awarded 2020 Idaho Winery of the Year.
After wine tasting, where to eat
Sustenance is necessary after a long day of tasting. Peters suggests Saute on 6th, located in Clarkston. Jollymore’s, Brava’s and Brock’s are all located in historic downtown Lewiston.
For a vineyard view, grab a table at Lindsay Creek Vineyards. Built-in the middle of farm fields, try their housemade hummus made from their own chickpea crop.
Keep your eye out for the local specialty — steak bites. Typically rib eye or top sirloin, these bits of beef are marinated a few days, breaded and deep fried. Concocted in the 1970s, the inventor is lost to time and rumor, but many claim to be the first to offer this local treat.
How to Get there and where to stay
The Lewis Clark Valley is a 5½ hour drive from Portland, Seattle, and Boise. Delta offers a direct flight from Seattle to Lewiston. It’s also a quick hop from the Spokane airport.
The valley is just 30 minutes from Pullman and Moscow, making it an excellent day trip for parents visiting their kids at Washington State University or the University of Idaho.
There are a variety of recognizable hotels at which to stay and plenty of AirBnB or VRBO options. Learn more here.
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