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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Idaho’s wine grape crop rebounds

A sample of Idaho wines from the annual Idaho Wine Competition on Sept. 22, 2015, at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho. (Katherine Jones / Idaho Statesman)
A sample of Idaho wines from the annual Idaho Wine Competition on Sept. 22, 2015, at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho. (Katherine Jones / Idaho Statesman)

Some growers told the Capital Press that they won’t finish picking the remainder of the crop because they’ve already harvested plenty of grapes.

“Most of the wineries ran out of tank space,” said Ron Bitner, who owns Bitner Vineyards in Caldwell and let about 10-15 percent of his crop go to the birds. “I wish I could have got it all but I’m happy with what I got. I got more than I needed.”

Bitner said it wasn’t just an abundant harvest, but a flavorful one.

“All the numbers were good: acids, sugars, flavors,” Bitner said. “All the good things you want to have. It’s one of the best vintages I’ve had personally.” Read more.

Have to admit I'm partial to Washington wines, but I'm willing to be influenced. Do you have a favorite Idaho wine?



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.