Wine Region

On its way to the Columbia River and beyond to the Pacific Ocean, the great Snake River of historic and geologic fame winds its way west across southern Idaho, through the town of Homedale, then sharply turns north and continues in that direction for a few hundred miles, marking the border between western Idaho and eastern Oregon. Like so many other great rivers of wine-growing regions around the world, the Snake creates a micro- climate that has demonstrated its suitability for grape growing, despite its higher elevation and arid landscape.

Not only does the river provide irrigation water for otherwise dry lands, but the air currents it creates from its flowing water mass help temper the extremes of winter and summer temperatures. Is it any wonder the majority of Idaho's wineries are scattered throughout Idaho's Snake River Valley. The long-term growing of vineyards and growth in the number of local wineries turning those grapes into wine is what set the stage for what is now Idaho's first appellation, the Snake River American Viticultural Area.  Homedale is in the heart of this up and coming wine region. With over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms within just a few miles, Homedale is a great jumping-off point for your wine tasting tours. The local economy is also poised to benefit from this growing industry.