BOISE, Idaho — This year marks the 11th year for Idaho's Wine and Cider Month celebration. While many signature events have been canceled out of caution, there are still plenty of ways you can show your support for local wineries.
Moya Dolsby, Executive Director of the Idaho Wine Commission, says they've seen major growth over the past 11 years as there are now more than 60 wineries across the Gem State.
"Eleven years ago, I want to say we had 38, 39, so just to see the sheer growth, and people are getting creative. They're hosting special tastings. They're bringing in food trucks. It's more of an experience now, and it's just fun," says Dolsby.
Events like Savor Idaho had to be canceled for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as Idaho continues to reopen, you can now head to your favorite wineries.
"If there are patios, wineries are doing a great job of spreading people out so it's safe. They're cleaning everything like crazy. There are other options out there. Wineries are offering curbside pickup. You can even just go to your basic grocery store and pick up your local Idaho wine," says Dolsby.
Among the safety measures outlined in Stage Four of Idaho Rebounds, wineries, breweries, bars, distilleries, and nightclubs must establish protocols to maintain six feet of physical distance. That includes limiting occupancy, spacing out tables, spacing seating at counters and bars, and eliminating the use of waiting and standing areas. A full list of protocols can be found here.
"Wineries have always been super clean because basically they're a food processing facility because they're making wine," adds Dolsby.
If you'd prefer to sip your wine at home, there's a virtual series just for you. It's all thanks to a new partnership between Dairy West, Albertsons, and the Idaho Wine Commission.
"They're doing pairings each week. Two different Idaho wines with two different Idaho cheeses. It's really fun, and it's really easy to find in Albertsons. There's a big display so it makes it easy," says Dolsby.
The series also serves as a reminder that June is Idaho Dairy Month. Click here to check out the videos each Friday in June.
To keep up with everything Idaho wine-related, click here. You can also follow the Commission on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
