2014 Wine Year

Idaho Grape Growers and Winemakers Wrap up Successful 2014 Harvest. ?Extended summer ensures Idaho grapes are at peak ripeness for harvest

Many of Idaho's 50+ wineries are in the process of wrapping up the 2014 harvest season. While they are celebrating a successful year, it is also time to reflect on what this year's grape haul looks like and what future vintages will bring.

Many Idaho winemakers are pleased with this year's season. "This year's harvest was as close to ideal conditions as I've seen," says Joe Schnerr, co-owner at Cinder Wines. "We had a nice warm summer with perfect cooling of temperature that allowed for picture perfect ripening conditions for whites and reds."

Harvest for most wineries began in mid-September and ran through late-October. This regular season, winegrowers and winemakers are excited to see how the juice from this year's harvest turns out. "The summer was phenomenal for the grapes; a warm extended fall allowed the grapes to come to peak ripeness," says Maurine Johnson, winemaker at Ste. Chapelle Winery.

Idaho's leading varieties are Riesling, Viognier, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Two Idaho wineries will debut a sparkling wine this year, Coiled Wines and Crossings Winery. Bubbly fans can find these in the local tasting rooms.

"It was certainly an amazing growing season," says Dale Jeffers, vineyard manager at Skyline Vineyards, "We had a long growing season that started in the spring and extended into the fall. We couldn't have asked for more perfect conditions."