To say that Idaho has some beautiful landscapes would be a huge understatement. However, few people realize that Idaho is a grape-growing powerhouse, or that our wine industry is booming – naturally acidic soil, the product of a volcanic past, makes for delightfully complex flavors! Fortunately, our sprawling vineyards are also often sitting next to some gorgeous tasting rooms.
Located in the heart of the Palouse in North-Central Idaho, the Colter’s Creek Estate is isolated from both Moscow and Lewiston by the rolling hills, but the combination vineyard, winery, tasting room, and restaurant makes it an ideal day trip destination – and the perfect place to sample some delicious award-winning Idaho classics.
In 2007, “a love of Earth & wine” led Mike and Melissa to purchase an abandoned vineyard in Juliaetta, Idaho.
Fed by the nearby Clearwater and Potlatch Rivers, as well as Colter’s Creek - which flows right past the vineyard - the varying shades of the surrounding hills results in dynamic grape flavors that burst with complexity.
Colter’s Creek
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winer/Facebook
Colter’s Creek even has a bit of history to it.
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook It was named by Lewis and Clark to honor John Colter, a reliable tracker and trusted member of their expedition. Colter went on to become a true mountain man and an enduring American legend.
His is most renowned for a single epic story of survival. While trapping along the Missouri River, John Colter was met by a band of Blackfeet warriors, stripped naked, and forced to flee for his life. After seeking refuge from his trackers under a beaver dam, surviving on breadroot alone, and spending 7 days naked in the blistering sun, Colter arrived at Lisa’s Fort some 300 miles later. He had endured the unimaginable, and his legend lives on today.
Here, you’ll find award-winning wine classics, like the Koos-Koos-Kia and Syrah - all of which are produced from grapes straight from the vineyard.
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
The Winery and Restaurant is also a haven for delicious Idaho cuisine.
Colter’s Creek Tasting Room/GoogleMaps
Colter’d Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Mike himself orchestrates the deliciousness in the kitchen.
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
But you’ll also find tempting gifts…
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Tour opportunities…
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
And refillable bottles - a key to Mike and Melissa’s sustainable goals.
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Everything is sorted, pressed, and aged on site.
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook Later, the trimmings are used as compost for next year’s batch. Awesome!
And the surrounding beauty is undeniable!
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Colter’s Creek Tasting Room and Restaurant/GoogleMaps You can visit the tasting room at 308 Main Street. Juliaetta, ID 83535. Or, visit the Colter’s Creek website to make restaurant reservations, learn more about wine selections, or get more info about vineyard tours.
Beautiful scenery and liquid gold in a bottle? Start planning your getaway now!
Even for the non wine-drinker, the wind swept hills of the Palouse are such a lovely place to visit this time of year – and a delicious meal is always in season!
Colter’s Creek
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winer/Facebook
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
It was named by Lewis and Clark to honor John Colter, a reliable tracker and trusted member of their expedition. Colter went on to become a true mountain man and an enduring American legend.
His is most renowned for a single epic story of survival. While trapping along the Missouri River, John Colter was met by a band of Blackfeet warriors, stripped naked, and forced to flee for his life. After seeking refuge from his trackers under a beaver dam, surviving on breadroot alone, and spending 7 days naked in the blistering sun, Colter arrived at Lisa’s Fort some 300 miles later. He had endured the unimaginable, and his legend lives on today.
Colter’s Creek Tasting Room/GoogleMaps
Colter’d Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Later, the trimmings are used as compost for next year’s batch. Awesome!
Colter’s Creek Tasting Room and Restaurant/GoogleMaps
You can visit the tasting room at 308 Main Street. Juliaetta, ID 83535. Or, visit the Colter’s Creek website to make restaurant reservations, learn more about wine selections, or get more info about vineyard tours.
Where’s your favorite place to visit in this region?
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