As Idaho’s autumn air turns crisp and golden leaves crunch underfoot, there’s no better time to savor the flavors of our land—and the people who make it unforgettable. Across the Boise Valley, wineries and chefs are redefining what it means to put Idaho on the table.
Kerry Hill Winery: Purpose and Place
Tucked along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, Kerry Hill is a haven for those seeking wines with both character and conscience. Its Reserve Malbec is crafted by an Oregon Willamette Valley winemaker from the oldest Malbec vineyards in Idaho. The result? A deep, harmonious wine with notes of spice and dark cherry, as rich and warming as an Idaho sunset. Pair it with brisket and roasted Idaho potatoes for a meal that feels like fall itself.
Named the “2020 Idaho Winery to Watch,” Kerry Hill is more than a winery—it’s a sanctuary. Certified LIVE, Salmon Safe, and Bee Friendly, the estate reflects Owner Mindy Mayer’s dedication to sustainability and stewardship. Owl, bat, and bee habitats support native pollinators, while a whimsical project called the “McHive”—a miniature bee sanctuary designed like a McDonald’s—nods to her playful advocacy for biodiversity and her past as a McDonald’s franchisee.
Another gem from Kerry Hill is their sparkling Merlot Rosé—perfect with game meats, another Idaho fare. This is a flavor-packed collaboration with Hailey Minder of 3100 Cellars, crafted using the traditional ‘méthode champenoise.’ It’s a vibrant expression of two women in wine redefining what’s possible in Idaho.
3100 Cellars: Where Sparkling Wine Meets Wild Water
If you haven’t yet visited 3100 Cellars, don’t wait. Nestled in the Eagle Foothills AVA, 3100 is Idaho’s first winery dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines made in the traditional champagne method. Inspired by Idaho’s 3,100 miles of whitewater, winemaker Hailey Minder and her husband Marshall craft wines that pulse with energy, movement, and a profound sense of place.
A tasting here isn’t just about wine—it’s a thoughtfully curated experience. Expect unexpected and delightful pairings, like their sparkling Malbec paired with chocolate cherry caramels, or the award-winning Whitewater Chardonnay paired with bacon-wrapped dates and blue cheese—flavor and texture playing in perfect harmony.
Wine Meets Its Match at Chandlers
We experienced these incredible pairings firsthand at Chandlers—Boise’s benchmark for wine and culinary culture. Home to one of Idaho’s most extensive wine cellars with over 700 selections, Chandlers is nationally recognized by Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for its legendary wine list.
Recently, Executive Chef Manny Martinez and Wine Director Devin Zendel joined forces with 3100 Cellars, crafting pairings that let both wine and food tell a seasonal story—see the sidebar for the details.
Savoring the Season
Whether you’re hiking along the Boise River, winding down Sunnyslope’s Chicken Dinner Road, or simply sipping your favorite Idaho wine on a sunny porch, the season offers more than just flavor—it offers connection. A sensory invitation to explore a place where land, story, and craft converge.
This fall, follow the flavors. Discover the people and places that are putting Idaho on the table—one glass, one bite, one golden leaf at a time.
Chandlers’ Perfect Pairing: 3100 Cellars Whitewater & Idaho Caviar
Caviar and the Classic Method sparkling wine (the traditional méthode champenoise) is one of the world’s most timeless pairings. The salty richness of Chandlers’ white sturgeon caviar from Idaho Springs is beautifully balanced by the fine, creamy bubbles of 3100 Cellars’ Whitewater Chardonnay—often considered the noblest grape for sparkling wine. At the same time, Whitewater’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the blini (small, savory pancakes) and complements the tangy crème fraîche (a cultured cream). It’s Idaho. And it’s unforgettable.
