Idaho Gems Aren’t Only Found In Dirt

Idaho is famous for potatoes, right?

Well, there also happen to be 18 wineries spread throughout the Gem State. And while there’s no danger of them overshadowing the spud anytime soon, their numbers have steadily been growing over the years.

One of the newest entries is in our neighborhood - the Pend d’Oreille Winery in Sandpoint. This small operation is run by a husband-and-wife team, Stephen and Julie Meyer.

Using fruit mostly from the Columbia Valley, but also from Idaho, the winery produces a range of varietals and blends.

Its first release of reds caught the attention of judges at regional competitions. The ‘95 merlot won a gold medal at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival. A ‘95 cabernet franc picked up a silver at the Northwest Wine Summit, while the reserve red (called L’Oeuvre) and the ‘95 cabernet sauvignon earned bronze awards.

The ‘97 harvest marked the winery’s third crush, and with each year, production has expanded. An Idaho pinot noir is also now available, as well as the winery’s chardonnay.

That white is the only Pend d’Oreille varietal I’ve sampled. I found it pleasant and clean, a good food wine, but nothing particularly special. However, I have heard good things about the reds, especially the merlot.

Unfortunately, the wine isn’t easy to find in Washington. It’s on the list at Beverly’s in Coeur d’Alene and at several Sandpoint eateries, but if you want to purchase bottles, the best bet would be to stop at the winery and try before you buy.

The winery, located just out of Sandpoint on Baldy Industrial Park Road, is open for tours and tasting by appointment. To make arrangements, call (208) 265-8545.

For a brochure listing all the Idaho vintners, call that state’s Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission at (888) 223-WINE.

While we’re in Sandpoint …

There’s a new shop on Sandpoint’s main street specializing in upscale wines, fine cigars and gourmet foodstuffs.

The Wine Sellers is operated by Jack Eaves and his wife, Paula, who recently settled in North Idaho looking to “simplify our lives,” he said.

The Texas natives have had long careers in the restaurant business including operating the highly regarded City Cafe in Dallas between 1985 and 1992, where they were honored with awards for their list by The Wine Spectator.

The inventory at The Wine Sellers is international, with selections from Chile, Spain, Australia and California. Eaves is looking to expand his Northwest options as business grows.

One of the best reasons to stop by is the eight wines Eaves keeps on a Cruvinet tap system so customers can sample before they buy.

Also, he just started a monthly “club” where members pony up bucks for three specially selected bottles. The club’s categories, which break down according to cost, are “best buy” for $30, “cellar select” for $55 and “cellar’s choice” for $95 a month. Here’s a look at the initial offering in the best buy category: the ‘96 Beringer sauvignon blanc, a ‘96 shiraz from Rosemount and the Santa Ema merlot from Chile. That’s a good mix.

The Wine Sellers is located at 206 N. First Ave. The phone number is (208) 265-8116.

I’ll drink to that

January marks the anniversary of the advent of Prohibition. Those old gangster movies might make speakeasys and bootlegging look kind of fun (“Some Like It Hot” is my fave depicting that era). But can you imagine living for 13 years without being able to legally enjoy a glass of wine with dinner?

Prohibition lasted from 1920 until 1933 and effectively derailed the blossoming wine industry in Washington. Citizens, however, were allowed to produce up to 200 gallons of homemade wine or beer, so vineyards continued to be planted.

Fledgling wineries were wiped out, but more people were drinking wine as an alternative to hard liquor.

I probably won’t be toasting the anniversary of Prohibition, but look forward to hoisting one on the date it was repealed: Dec. 5.

Gadget alert

There’s a newfangled cork on the market that might make the traditional bottle opener obsolete.

The Kwik-Kork, invented by a Canadian named David Hojnoski, works without a corkscrew. Instead, you yank on a plastic tab that pops up out of the bottle stopper.

Sounds nifty, but so far no stateside wineries are interested. And the few European producers that use it are not available in the U.S.

I’m still hoping vintners will get a clue and fill those handy box containers with better wines. Then, we’ll just have to fuss with the spigot.

, DataTimes MEMO: Grapevine is a monthly feature of IN Food. Write to: Grapevine, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call 459-5486, fax 459-5098 or e-mail to lesliek@spokesman.com

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Leslie Kelly The Spokesman-Review