How To Pair Local Idaho Wines With Your Next Dinner Party

kateb65
Aug 5
2 min read

Whether you’ve just returned from a wine tour through the Sunnyslope Wine Trail or you’re looking for a reason to go, bringing the experience home can be as rewarding as the tasting room itself. Idaho wines are gaining national attention, and pairing them with the right food is a delicious way to celebrate our local wine scene.

Here’s how to create an unforgettable dinner party—Treasure Valley style—featuring wines from your favorite Western Mountain Wine Tour stops.

1. Start with What You Know

If you’ve been on one of our tours, chances are you’ve discovered a few new favorites. Pull out that bottle from Koenig Vineyards, Dunning Estates, or Kindred Vineyards and take note of the varietal. Is it a bold Syrah? A crisp Riesling? Start with what’s in your wine rack and plan your menu around it.

2. Match Intensity

A good rule of thumb when pairing food and wine is to match the intensity. Lighter wines (like Viognier or Pinot Gris from Huston Vineyards) pair well with delicate dishes like grilled fish or summer salads. Fuller-bodied reds (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo) call for richer foods—think steak, mushroom risotto, or roasted lamb.

Hearty Steak with Fuller-bodied Red Wine

3. Use Local Ingredients

One of the best things about Idaho wine is how beautifully it pairs with our local produce. In the summer, build your menu around what’s in season: peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, or huckleberries. Try a grilled peach and goat cheese salad with a glass of Snake River Valley Chardonnay—it’s a match made in local heaven.

4. Don't Forget the Cheese Board

Craft a locally sourced cheese board as a warm-up course or main event. Pick up some Ballard Cheese, a baguette from a local bakery, and seasonal fruit. Pair it with a dry rosé from Indian Creek Winery for a relaxed, social moment in your evening.

Wine with a Cheese Board is always a hit

5. Finish with a Flourish

Wrap up your dinner party with something sweet. A late-harvest Riesling or dessert wine from Bitner Vineyards pairs beautifully with fruit tarts, dark chocolate, or vanilla custards.

Bonus Tip: Haven’t Been on a Wine Tour Yet?

If you haven’t stocked up on local wines recently, a tour with Western Mountain Wine Tours is a great way to taste, learn, and bring home the perfect bottles for your next gathering. Choose between the scenic Sunnyslope Wine Trail or an urban Boise wine experience, all for just $115 per person. We also offer private tours for groups up to 27, and you can even swap a winery for a distillery on Sunnyslope tours.