I have been having so much fun researching wineries across the US. I realize how challenged my geography is and how few of these states I have actually visited. I have already covered Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Colorado which are certainly considered Western States but have yet to mention Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

Idaho thanks to its warm days and cool nights and diverse soil types grows a host of Vitis Vinifera grapes ranging from bold reds made from Syrah to crisp whites made from Riesling. Idaho has six wine growing regions. and three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills, and the Lewis -Clark Valley. While Washington and Oregon are more famous than Idaho, grapes were actually planted first in Idaho way back in 1864. Louis Desol and Robert Schleicher from France and Jacob Schaefer from Germany were the first to plant grapes in Idaho, bringing their knowledge from their home countries. As in so many parts of the country, Prohibition quashed their flourishing industry. It’s taken a while to come back but they have and here as in so many areas, wineries contribute jobs and tourism to their economy. These high elevation vineyards look very exciting and a place to really watch.

Montana also has its share of wineries, albeit on a smaller scale. They tend to grow American Hybrids that can resist the cold weather. Just like other states across the midwest, these cold varieties can withstand some of the cooler temperatures that the state is noteworthy for. They also make a lot of fruit wines from local wines.

Wyoming too has a number of wineries that produce wine from leading American hybrids which can withstand the cool temperatures as well as fruit wines. The wineries tend to be near the areas that are more well-known for skiing, riding, and the like. It’s another state where the industry is growing but there are limitations based on the weather. These high elevation vineyards are stunning visually it seems and the wine scene is a complement to more traditional industries. A visit to Jackson Hole can now include one to the local winery. i haven’t been out that way since I was in my teens. Maybe its time to go back.

I did not make it to write about all 50 states before the 250th celebration. I think I have now mentioned 35 out of 50 states. I will keep going throughout the week. I am a year long celebration person always.