Vandals Uncorked wine club

Old Vine Chardonnay ’21 by Bitner Vineyards, Caldwell, Idaho

• Vandal connection: Amy Bitner '96.
• Tasting notes: Enticing aromas of stone fruit and citrus give way to vibrant flavors of fresh-cut pear, pineapple and a hint of butterscotch, all finishing with a refreshing, crisp lift.
• Pairing notes: Creamy New England clam chowder and jalapeno cornbread, grilled lemon-garlic shrimp or seared scallops, roast turkey with garlic mashed potatoes, buttery stuffing with sage and apple, caramel popcorn.

Menopause Merlot ’19 by Bitner Vineyards, Caldwell, Idaho

• Tasting notes: Opens with an enticing bouquet of ripe berries and subtle hints of violet. The plush palate reveals layers of cherry, raspberry and soft spice, all supported by medium tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.
• Pairing notes: Dishes featuring mushrooms and fresh herbs. Also Zucchini noodles in a garlic-infused red sauce, grilled chicken with thyme and vegetable skewers, herb-crusted pork tenderloin and mushroom risotto, spicy salami wood-fired pizza.

Estate Syrah ’22 by Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Lewiston, Idaho

• Vandal connections: Karl Umiker ‘00, owner/vineyard manager, Coco Umiker ‘04, owner/winemaker, Jace Younker ‘23 enologist.
• Tasting notes: Aromas of plum sauce, cigar box, lilacs, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks. Juicy tannins linger on your tongue and mingle with flavors of caramel, coffee and pomegranate.
• Pairing notes: Grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs and duck breast, Moroccan tagine (lamb or beef), mushroom risotto, smoked gouda mac and cheese, dark chocolate with seat salt or chili, aged Manchego, smoked cheddar.

The Wine Project ’22 (Petit Sirah/Petit Verdot blend) by Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Lewiston, Idaho

• Tasting notes: Aromas of black pepper, plums, black currants, violets and lilacs billow from the glass. Flavors of dark chocolate, olives and black cherries accentuate the grippy tannins and rich mouthfeel.
• Pairing notes: Smoked brisket, grilled ribeye, venison or elk tenderloin, beef or lamb tagine, Korean barbecue short ribs, mushroom and caramelized onion tart, eggplant parmesan, lentil and roasted beet stew, aged gouda and blue cheese.

A Toast to Best Friends White Blend ‘22 by Latah Creek Wine Cellars, Spokane, Washington

• Vandal Connections: Ronald Barnes ‘77 and Orville Barnes ‘51, College of Business and Economics; Cecil Hayter ‘55, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Marjorie Johnson Barnes ‘48, College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest from Pinot Grigio and sweet Papaya notes from Chardonnay. Features a creamy mouthfeel, with peach and lime harmonizing for a balanced, flavorful experience that lingers after each sip.
• Pairing Notes: Enjoy with fish, seafood, cream sauces, salads, pork, lighter beef meals and pasta. Owner Ellena recommends pairing this Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio blend with her brown butter and sage ravioli (recipe available at latahcreek.com).

Tempranillo ‘21 by Latah Creek Wine Cellars, Spokane, Washington

• Vandal Connections: Ronald Barnes ‘77 and Orville Barnes ‘51, College of Business and Economics; Cecil Hayter ‘55, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Marjorie Johnson Barnes ‘48, College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Tasting Notes: Old World earthiness with a stunning ruby red hue, revealing dark fruit and delicate leather notes as it breathes. Its silky-smooth texture is complemented by hints of fig and dark cherry, all entwined with a toasty earthiness that lingers on the palate.
• Pairing Notes: The perfect accompaniment to anything earthy, such as mushrooms or root vegetables, barbecue fare and lamb. Try Ellena’s Braised Root Vegetables recipe with barbeque beef (available at latahcreek.com).

Albarino ‘23 by Freja Cellars, Hillsboro, Oregon

• Vandal Connections: Anela Gianopulos ‘18, College of Natural Resources; Clayton Gianopulos ‘15, College of Science; Glen Caldwell ‘15, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.
• Tasting Notes: Light golden straw color. Hints of citrus and peach on the nose. Predominant fruit of Meyer lemon and a touch of green apple. Bright acidity and a creamy finish.
• Pairing Notes: Serve slightly chilled. Pairs great with summer fare and seafood.

Pinot Noir ‘16 by Freja Cellars, Hillsboro, Oregon

• Vandal Connections: Anela Gianopulos ‘18, College of Natural Resources; Clayton Gianopulos ‘15, College of Science; Glen Caldwell ‘15, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.
• Tasting Notes: Deep burgundy color. Bouquet of cherry, vanilla, forest floor. On the palate dark cherry, blueberry and black pepper. Full bodied with firm integrated tannins and bright lingering high palate finish.
• Pairing Notes: Drink now or age for another 5 - 10 years. Pairs well with beef, veal, poultry game (deer, venison).

2023 Pinot Blanc by Willful Wine, Vancouver, Washington

• Vandal connection: Rilie Krieg ’23, College of Natural Resources
• Tasting notes: Anjou pear, white peach and pluot underscored by a creamy texture and knitted together with laser-precise acidity.

2019 Estate Syrah by Basalt Cellars, Clarkston, Washington

• Vandal connection: Holly Jacobson Bonnalie ’06, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Tasting notes: Bold and lush tannins with aromas of butterscotch, tea and chocolate silk.

2018 Malbec by Latah Creek, Famiglia Vineyards, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley

• Vandal connections: Ronald Barnes ’77, College of Business and Economics; Orville Barnes 51, College of Business and Economics; Cecil Hayter ’55, College of Art and Architecture; Marjorie Johnson Barnes ’48, Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences
• Tasting notes: Begins with aromas of black cherry and raisin. Bright plum, blueberry and tobacco flavors with hints of dark roasted coffee and pomegranate.

DRY ROSE and DRY MOSCATO by Hat Ranch Winery, Caldwell

• Vandal connection: Bottling facility housed at the U of I Caldwell Research and Extension Center; College of Art and Architecture designed and helped remodel tasting room.
• Dry Rose tasting notes: This Provence-style rosé is light cantaloupe melon in color and has notes of rose petals and peach.
• Dry Moscato tasting notes: Fermented to dryness inspired by an old-world style, bursting with tropical fruit acidity. This floral and spicy wine flaunts versatility.

Cuvee, Ciel du Cheval and McBee Road Red Blend by Anelare, Benton City, Washington

• Vandal connection: Kahryn Campbell (owner) ’02, College of Business and Economics
• Cuvee, Ciel du Cheval tasting notes: This Rhone blend of 50/50 Roussanne and Viognier has loads of beautiful floral nuances to complement soft spice notes of nutmeg and allspice to finish with a touch of pears.
• McBee Road Red Blend tasting notes: Floral fragrance with big fruit and jam-packed with layers of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and more. Nice tannin and structure in this wine.

River Ranch Red Blend by Rivaura, Juliaetta

• Vandal connections: Gavin Hewett ’21, College of Engineering; Sheila Hewett ‘02, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences; Todd Hewett, parent of a former student
• Tasting notes: Features a lovely bouquet of cassis, black cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and damp earth. Dominant palate notes are of black cherry, black plum, blackberry, dried herbs, cacao and minerals. The finish echoes notes of cassis and damp earth.

Star Garnett by Indian Creek Winery, Kuna

• Vandal connections: Bill Stowe ’61, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Tammy Stowe McClure ’05, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Mike McClure '06, College of Science
• Tasting notes: Aromatic layers of dark fruit, baking spices and dark chocolate. In the mouth, bright fruity blackberry, black cherry and nuttiness. Medium-bodied and ample acidity, well-balanced with ripe fruit.

3100 Cellars

• Eagle, Idaho
• Vandal connections: Co-founder Marshall Minder attended U of I and co-founder Hailey Minder’s late grandparents were alumni.

3100 Cellars is Idaho's first and only sparkling winery, using 100% Idaho grapes to and a belief that the Idaho wine industry can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any great wine region of the world.

Anelare

• Benton City, Washington
• Vandal connection: Kahryn Campbell (owner) ’02, College of Business and Economics

This small production, premium winery strives to create wines that you would be proud to uncork with close friends and family to celebrate life.

Arabilis Wines

• Salem, Oregon
• Vandal connections: Co-founders Kenny and Allison McMahon are graduates of the Food Science program at Washington State University, which shares coursework with and at U of I.

Arabilis sources its grapes from distinctive vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and nearby regions. The winery’s close collaboration with dedicated vineyard owners is the starting point and crucial for its high-quality wine production.

Basalt Cellars

• Clarkston, WA
• Vandal Connection: Holly Bonnalie ’06, College of Science

Business partners Rick Wasem and Lynn DeVleming have one primary mission: produce highly awarded and respected wines from the finest vineyards in Washington State and local vineyards in the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.

Bitner Vineyards

• Caldwell
• Vandal Connection: Ron Bitner, former employee U of I Extension; Amy Bitner, former student

Established in 1981, family-run Bitner Vineyards in the rich, beautiful area of the Snake river Valley. The vineyards are defined by their LIVE (Low Input Vineyard and Enology) certified sustainable farming, hand-harvested grapes and patiently crafted wines.

Clearwater Canyon Cellars

• Lewiston
• Vandal Connection: Coco Umiker ’04, College of Science; Karl Umiker ‘00, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Clearwater Canyon Cellars is a well-established winery in a state-of-the-art facility surrounded by their Umiker Estate Vineyard. They are the fourth generation of their family to live and farm on the property. Their portfolio of vineyard relationships continues to grow and develop within the Lewis-Clark Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley. The approach to winemaking and viticulture at Clearwater Canyon is best summed up with the winery’s mission statement: To create spectacular wines through respect and love for our land, vines, growers, colleagues and customers.

Cold Springs Winery

• Hammett
• Vandal Connection: Senator William Ringert ’53, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Established in 1998, Cold Springs is part of the Snake River Valley Wine Region and boasts over 12 varieties of wine. The vineyard takes up 32 acres and they grow, produce and bottle all of their wines on site.

Colter’s Creek Estate Vineyard

• Vandal Connection: Mike Pearson ’87, College of Engineering

Nestled along the Potlatch and Clearwater Rivers, Colter’s Creek Estate Vineyards wines are carefully maintained to produce outstanding fruit. Their mission is to craft high-quality estate wines and wines showcasing fruit from the Lewis-Clark Valley and Snake River Valley AVAs, produce 100% of their wines, practice sustainable and responsible farming and create jobs to boost the local economy.

Coeur d’Alene Cellars

• Coeur d’Alene
• Vandal Connection: Kimber Gates, Friend of University of Idaho

Coeur d’Alene Cellars is a small, creative winery focusing on the fine art of wine since 2002. They produce 3,000 cases each year of ultra-premium wines made with finesse, nuance, balance and character.

Dauntless Wine Co.

• Forrest Grove, Oregon
• Vandal Connection: Paul Warmbier ’17, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Dauntless Wine Co. was founded by three Iraq war combat veterans — two Marines and one Corpsman. After years of service, the three founders felt that more could be done for the veteran community. But why wine? Winemakers agree that great wine is made in the vineyard, which at its heart is one of man’s oldest agricultural crops. As a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, Dauntless partners with the organization to assist Veterans in becoming farmers and agricultural leaders in their communities.

Freja Cellars

• Hillsboro, Oregon
• Vandal Connections: Anela Gianopulos ‘18, College of Natural Resources; Clayton Gianopulos ‘15, College of Science; Glen Caldwell ‘15, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences.

Established in 1998, Freja Cellars is dedicated to producing handcrafted, artisanal Pinot Noir wines of the highest quality made from its own estate vineyards, planted in 1988. Its wines are made in the classic Burgundian style with food and ageability in mind.

Hat Ranch Winery

• Caldwell, Idaho
• Vandal connection: Bottling facility housed at the U of I Caldwell Research and Extension Center; College of Art and Architecture designed and helped remodel tasting room.

Located in the heart of the Sunnyslope just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Hat Ranch Winery has been crafting Award Winning wines made exclusively from Idaho-grown grapes since 2011.

Hells Canyon Winery and ZHOO ZHOO Wine

• Caldwell
• Vandal Connection: Hadley Robertson ’04, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Leslie and Steve Robertson, Parents of Former Students

Hells Canyon wines are hand-crafted wines grown and estate-bottled in the beautiful Snake River Valley of Idaho. For thirty years, Steve Robertson and his family have been committed to cultivating a jewel of a vineyard, producing high-quality fruit that results in delicious and well-balanced wines. Hells Canyon Winery will become the first winery in Idaho to use solar power in its day-to-day operations, supporting their mission of family-owned and sustainably farmed.

ZHOO ZHOO is the second generation of wines established by the three daughters of Steve and Leslie. Their approach to winemaking is similar to their father's, with a cook’s perspective. Zhoo Zhoo believes in the simple pleasures of life and enjoying them with your loved one, your Zhoo Zhoo.

Huston Vineyards

• Caldwell, ID
• Vandal Connection: Jacob Alger ’22, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Mary Alger, ’89, ’99, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Huston Vineyards is an Idaho estate vineyard and artisan winery. Owners May and Gregg Alger are farmers, with fruit grown in one of their estate vineyards or another specially selected vineyard, which bring unique terroir components to their wines. Each site is carefully farmed and personally managed to ensure the premium quality of handcrafted, small lot varietal wines.

Indian Creek Winery

• Kuna
• Vandal Connection: Bill Stowe ’61, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Tammy Stowe McClure ’05, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Mike McClure '06, College of Science

Family-owned and operated, Indian Creek Winery truly believes in that old saying, “Work hard, play hard.” Bill and Mui Stowe have been working hard since 1982 to craft premium wines from the best grapes in the heart of Idaho’s Snake River Valley appellation. Second-generation Tammy Stowe-McClure and husband Mike stepped on board in 2005 to help continue the success of this growing winery.

Koenig Vineyards and Distillery

• Caldwell
• Vandal Connection: Andrew Koenig ’95, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Koenig Vineyards was founded in 1995 with the goal of hand-crafting small lots of fine varietal wines from the Sunny Slope District of Idaho’s Snake River Valley. They are committed to quality in the vineyards where responsible viticulture and low yields enable the harvest of exceptional grapes.

Koenig Distillery combines Old Word traditions with some of the Northwest’s finest ingredients to produce classic eau-de-vie fruit brandies, super-premium vodka and award-winning whiskey. For proprietor Andrew Koenig, the idea to establish a distillery in Southwest Idaho has roots in Europe where he spent some three years. Later, at home in Idaho, some of state’s finest fruit was being grown on the Sunny Slope, where long summer days, cool nights and the temperate influence of the Snake River create an ideal climate for growing aromatic fruit. Koenig set out to establish a small orchard near the river. Peach, apricot, plum, pear and cherry varieties, known for their particular flavor, were planted in 1995. Harvest from these plantings comprise the majority of Koenig brandies.

Latah Creek Wine Cellars

• Spokane, Washington
• Vandal Connections: Ronald Barnes ‘77 and Orville Barnes ‘51, College of Business and Economics; Cecil Hayter ‘55, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Marjorie Johnson Barnes ‘48, College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Founded in 1982, Latah Creek Wine Cellars began as a small family winery and has grown to become one of the top 100 largest wineries in Washington State. Its philosophy is to craft exceptional, award-winning wines and make them accessible to all at affordable prices.

Lindsay Creek Vineyards

• Lewiston
• Vandal Connection: Art McIntosh, parent of former student; Doug McIntosh ’81, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

“Taste our commitment” is Lindsay Creek Vineyards’ motto. It expresses their dedication to produce premium wine, open space, music and good times. The family agribusiness is owned by brothers Art and Doug Mcintosh and their wives Michelle and Brenda. Founded in 2007, they joined the list of impressive Northwest winemakers, planting the first crop of 150 sticks of grapes.

Monte De Oro Winery and Vineyards

• Temecula, CA
• Vandal Connection: Brian Allman ’80, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

"Great wines, Great vines, Great people.” Monte De Oro’s current wine selection reflects the interests of Monte De Oro’s family owners, whose goal it is to produce the best possible wine from grapes grown in the Temecula Valley. These wines are crafted in a style to showcase the true varietal character of each grape variety, balanced with the fruit-forward territory of the Temecula Valley and subtle influences from extended barrel aging in French, European and American oak barrels. Monte De Oro’s signature wines are elegant, balanced, well-structured and integrated, great with food or by themselves, and approachable in their youth but have a structure to improve for years to come.

Precept Wine

• Seattle, Washington
• Vandal Connection:
  • SVP National Sales: Taylor Hardman ‘09, College of Business and Economics
  • Director of Key Accounts: Amy Jacobsen ‘14, College of Business and Economics
  • Portfolio Sales and Marketing Manager: Maris Stilinovich ‘18, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
  • Territory Sales Manager: Zoie Brede ‘18, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
  • Associate Brand Manager: Taylor Caswell ‘17, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Precept Wine is the largest privately owned wine company in the Northwest. We’re seamlessly integrated to run our own vineyards, wineries, sales and marketing, world-class tasting rooms and hospitality.

Rivaura Estates Vineyards

• Juliaetta
• Vandal Connection: Sheila Hewett ‘02, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences; Todd Hewett, parents of a former student

Like a river, life itself ebbs and flows. Life yields to the forces of nature around it, gently bending and changing over time. As seasons pass, the edges smooth out to reveal a new configuration that leads to more opportunity. For more than 50 years, we have worked with the land and know, by heart, to support four successive generations of the Hewett family who’ve grown up along the banks of the Clearwater River near Lewiston. The river is a metaphor for our drive and determination. We work together out of profound respect for our shared history.

Split Rail Winery

• Boise
• Vandal Connection: Jed Glavin ’03, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Laura Hefner-Glavin ’03, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Split Rail Winery is propagated by the minds of a new generation of drinkers. We create wine that is spawned from whimsy and reticent of the soil that we stand upon. Let us bring the farm to your glass; bring Idaho soil to your lips. In its most basic sense, Split Rail Winery emerged from a fervent belief in supporting local agriculture and creating Idaho-centric products, exploring new wines and wine styles and an unfettered love for drinking, eating and debauchery.

Vine 46 Winery

• Lewiston
• Vandal Connection: Jeff and Barbara Ebel, parents of former students

Vine 46 is a boutique winery featuring an eclectic variety of red wines and a small sampling of white wines. The winery was created among a diverse group of individuals who came together to share a common passion — appreciation and exploration of great wines. True to our mission, vision and values, at Vine 46 we create original wines that are a bit unexpected allowing you to explore your personal favorites — possibly shared among the most unlikely of friends.

Williamson Orchards and Vineyard

• Caldwell
• Vandal Connection: Michael Williamson ’01, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Monica Williamson ’01, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences; Beverly Williamson-Mack ’02, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Williamson Orchards and Vineyards is a 4th generation family-owned and operated business that aims to produce the highest quality product and provide honest and knowledgeable service to our clients. We feel it is important to practice good business while serving as stewards of the land. We strive to use natural and organic growing methods whenever possible.

Willful Wine

• Vancouver, Washington
• Vandal connection: Rilie Krieg ’23, College of Natural Resources

Willful Wine has been making award-winning wine from the Willamette Valley and Walla Walla for 25 years. Its winemaking practice focuses on low-intervention methods and native yeasts that support the fullest expression of the fabulous grapes it works with.