About
Visit the Wild West and meet Hells Canyon Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the Pacific Northwest of North America making wines that rival the best wines in the West. Yes, in Idaho!! A perfect terroir produces an intense, powerful, complex Cabernet Sauvignon, while over 40 year-old vines are the secret to a crisp, vibrant old world style Chardonnay. Meet a culinary chef turned winemaker after he and his wife traveled to France in the 70s, came back and planted, now, one of the oldest vineyards in Idaho.
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People
When Steve Robertson and his wife, Leslie, were at the Culinary Institute of America “the wine started to speak” and drew them to France. After a year of learning from some of the best, they came back to Idaho and started their own wine journey. Steve, and a small group of legendary winemakers in the state of Washington were the first to explore winemaking in the PNW. A perfect location was found in the early 80s overlooking the Snake River in SW Idaho. Daughters Hadley and Bijou have joined their parents in running this small but powerful boutique-winery making quality wines. The family believes in a modest, basic lifestyle enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Place
The first Hells Canyon vineyards were planted in 1981 above the banks of the Snake River in SW Idaho. Planted at 2,700 feet, or 823 m, in volcanic, loamy sand soils that are gently southward sloping towards the river provided a perfect terroir for Bordeaux grape varieties. The porous volcanic rock allows for rapid warming in spring providing a jump start to the season. The warmth of the river protects the vineyards from frost in both spring and fall further extending the season. Soothing breezes of the river temper the summer heat and drop the night temperatures. This allows Hells Canyon to grow their grapes to optimum maturity and vibrant acidity that are found back in their flavorful, complex wines.
Culture
Yep, Hells Canyon Winery is in Idaho where statehood was gained just 130 years ago. It’s that simple, rugged, down-to-earth way of life you can still find at Hells Canyon. The Robertson family were one of the early families to pioneer wine producing vineyards in the Pacific NW. A less-is-more approach in sustainable growing practices and an expansive solar system allow the winery to minimize their footprint. The original art on their wine labels reflect the family’s deep passion for Idaho’s habitat and wildlife conservation. Their philanthropic passion goes to entrepreneurship for at-risk and low-income women and refugee support programs.