When conversations start across the country about Idaho I am sure that the topic of Idaho Potatoes comes up at one time or another in those conversations. I'm sure this makes sense since so many commercials and articles have been written about that awesome crop that put Idaho on the national map.
Something else has been brewing in Idaho since immigrant wine-makers from France and Germany as far back as 1872 recognized that Idaho is a wonderful environment for wine grapes. Dry summer weather and fast draining volcanic ash soils at elevations up to 2,800 feet provide healthy growing conditions.
Most of the vineyards in Idaho are planted close to the Snake River that runs through southern Idaho. The flow of air over moving water draws off heat in the summer and spreads a moderating humidity in the winter.
Ste. Chapelle Winery of Caldwell Idaho discovered long ago what 15 other major wineries have since discovered over the past several years. Ste. Chapelle Winery was founded in 1976 and is named after the beautiful La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris which was built by King Louis IX as the court chapel during the 13th century.
Creating over 150,000 cases of wine per year, Ste. Chapelle Winery is the undisputed king of Idaho Wineries. Those cases are distributed throughout the United States, Europe and many Pacific Rim countries. Ste. Chapelle Winery has an exclusive contract to the state's larges vineyard, Skyline which consists of 375 acres of beautiful vineyards. Ste. Chapelle Winery produces a wide array of fine varietals including Merlot, Riesling, Ice wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Winemaker Chuck Devlin works closely with the University of Idaho and the USDA experimental vineyard located at Parma, Idaho. They are constantly experimenting with new grape varietals and clones for the future.
Summers at Ste. Chapelle Winery are amazing with spectacular settings. Concerts from Blues to Jazz to Classical to Jydeco, it has something for everyone. The grounds are amazing complete with a beautiful gazebo that is host to many weddings. The main building is host to many corporate gatherings and live bands will play there year-around. They also market Idaho products from a gift store open daily.
So now you have it. The next time the conversation of Idaho comes up you can now add St. Chapelle Winery and Idaho's growing wine industry to your topic of conversation. Oh and don't forget to order your wine. I have ordered wine and had it shipped directly from Ste. Chapelle Winery over the years. They are wonderful to work with.
My related posts:
- Boise River of Idaho
- Caldwell Idaho
- Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge - Nampa, Idaho
- Canyon County Idaho ranks 39th in the Nation for growth between 2000-2006
Take a photo tour of Ste. Chapelle
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Marketed By: George Tallabas - Boise Idaho Real Estate Agent - Associate Broker
with RE/MAX Advantage, Canyon Counties #1 Brokerage in sales and listings
specializing in Boise Idaho Real Estate and Southwest Idaho Real Estate.
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