Hells Canyon Winery is now Solar Powered!
“I think it makes sense for us, especially in Sunnyslope, because we get so much sun,” said Hadley Robertson, co-owner of Hells Canyon Winery and Zhoo Zhoo Wine.
She is part of the second-generation wave at the family-owned winery, situated on 39 acres at the corner of Chicken Dinner and Symms roads — about a mile from Lizard Butte. Her parents, Steve and Leslie Robertson, started making wine at this scenic spot in 1981. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword at the winery, which boasts a postcard-perfect view of the Snake River and looming Owyhee Mountains.
“We’ve always been into sustainable practices, so it ties into what we are doing here,” Hadley Robertson said.
“Solar is a great addition to our overall operation.”
She grew up in the vines, so to speak, and started the Zhoo Zhoo brand of wines in 2003 — along with her sisters Jocelyn and Bijou, affectionately known as the Zhoo Zhoo Girls. Without a doubt, these wine-focused sisters are rooted in the 21st century. But the concept of solar power is attractive to everyone in the family.
“I’ve always liked the idea of solar, but the younger generation really gets it. They understand the importance of things like solar,” head winemaker Steve Robertson said.
The 18.8 kilowatt photo-voltaic array system — installed by Revolusun — consists of 64 south-facing solar panels that harness the sun, even when it’s not shining. The fact that southwestern Idaho gets more than 200 cloudless days a year surely helps, and sunny days offer optimal conditions for energy production. The glistening, black panels on the edge of the property are patched into a newly installed, computerized control panel.
On The Sunnyslope
Hells Canyon vineyards were planted in 1981 on the sunny slope above the banks of the Snake River overlooking the Owyhee Mountains. Since then the Robertson family has been committed to cultivating a jewel of a vineyard, producing high-quality fruit that results in delicious, well-balanced wines. Hand-farmed and sustainably grown, Hells Canyon is the oldest wine grape vineyard in Idaho, made up of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and syrah varietals. Only estate grown grapes, fermented in traditional small oak barrels, are used in producing wines under the Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo labels. Steve and his family, the Zhoo Zhoo girls, invite you to join our family by visiting the Hells Canyon estate and by partaking in our celebrated, award-winning vintages.
Our terroir:
The climate, soil and elevation of Southern Idaho, and more specifically, a tiny area called Sunnyslope make for perfect wine country. High elevation (2,700 ft.) and the big Idaho sky provides just the right amount of sun, encouraging ripe, fruity flavors and cool nights during September encourage balanced acids and sugars.The protected Snake River Valley is influenced by marine air flowing from the Pacific along the Columbia and Snake Rivers which moderates the mountain climate enough for grapes. Ancient volcanic soils contribute to good drainage and trace elements and also allow for deep root penetration.
Upcoming Events
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Sat25Feb20175:00 pmHells Canyon Winery
$5 off for tasting for those dressed in costume!
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Sat18Mar20175:00 pmHells Canyon Winery
Enjoy a wine tasting Open House in honor of St. Patrick's Day. See more details here.
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Fri07Apr2017Sun30Apr201712-5 Saturdays & SundaysHells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
Each weekend in April come to the Winery to sample from a selection of our un-bottled wine. Bottling May 4 & 5.
Samples may include: Hells Canyon Bird Dog White, '14 Deer Slayer Syrah, '14 Tartan Red, Retriever Red, '16 Reserve Chardonnay and/or Zhoo Zhoo Redhead, '16 Deep Pink, Blonde.
Pre-Sale prices available through the end of April--order now!20% off 6 bottle & case purchases
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Sun07May20171-4Hells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of hands-on calligraphy. Lisa will be here to demonstrate and teach the art of calligraphy. The Haus of Zhoo Zhoo will host the class and have wine and apps on offer. $70 includes class instruction, calligraphy supplies and a glass of wine. Space is limited! Please call Hadley to pre-pay & reserve your spot. (208) 921-5145
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Sun14May201712-5pm18835 Symms Road Caldwell ID 83607
Caldwell, ID – You are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful view, a glass of wine and friends and family. Join us on Sunny Slope on Sunday, May 14th, for a spring celebration of MOM! The event will take place from noon - 5 p.m. The celebration will also feature live music from Kaleigh Jack McGrath and Michael Civiello, lawn games, various vendors and gourmet eats for purchase from Kanak Attack. Seating is limited so bring a picnic blanket or chairs. $12 wine club members and advance reservations or $15 day of the event, includes souvenir glass and wine tasting. Advance tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2937684
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Sun04Jun201710-noonHells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
A winning combination! Enjoy an all-levels, 1 hour yoga class taught by Deb Oats of Just Breathe and then a formal wine tasting of Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines.
Class and tasting are on us as part of Yoga-Awareness week and Idaho Wine month! Sign up by emailing info@zhoozhoo.com.
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Sat10Jun20171-4Hells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of hands-on calligraphy. Lisa will be here to demonstrate and teach the art of calligraphy. The Haus of Zhoo Zhoo will host the class and have wine and apps on offer. $70 includes class instruction, calligraphy supplies and a glass of wine. Space is limited! Please call Hadley for more information at (208) 921-5145, book online at https://www.studiogco.com/reservations/wine-calligraphy
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Sat15Jul2017Sat30Sep201711 am - noonHells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Featuring croissants and rose´
Enjoy a glass of Zhoo Zhoo Redhead (dry or off-dry) or 2016 Deep Pink Rose´ and your choice of Gaston’s Bakery chocolate, ham n’ cheese, or plain croissant for $10.Beat the heat with early Happy Hour!
Every Saturday & Sunday, 11-noon
Reservations are requested for 4 or more people so we can have enough freshly baked croissants. -
Sun23Jul201710-noonHells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
Yoga by Deb Oates from Just Breathe will lead us through a All-Levels Vinyasa class. Class 10-11 followed by a wine tasting and pastries, 11-noon. $15/person. Please bring a mat and couple ready to relax!
Enjoy 15% off your bottle purchases the day of the class
call Hadley to RSVP at (208) 921-5145
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Sat19Aug201710-noonZhoo Zhoo
Join us for a yoga class, wine tasting and treats! Let the beautiful view at Hells Canyon Vineyards, an all-levels vinyasa class taught by Deb Oates of Just Breathe and a wine tasting of Zhoo Zhoo wines be your recipe for Saturday relaxation! $15/person for class ($10 wine club) , wine tasting and 15% off bottle purchases.
Bring your own yoga mat
10-11 Class
11-noon WineRSVP to Hadley of Zhoo Zhoo at (208) 921-5145
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Sun20Aug201712-6Hells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
Pre-eclipse Party! Sunday, August 20th, 12-6
Wine tastings in wall-tents, teepee and trailer
Wine pairing with camp food
Live music by Kaleigh Jack McGrath
Marshmallow roasting
$20 pre-sale, $15 wine club includes food and wine tasting, $25 at the door
-A raffle will include MoonGlo and SunGlo by Zhoo Zhoo, 2 bottles of wine, SmashMallows n' more-TICKETS HERE:
http://zhoozhoototaleclipse.brownpapertickets.comdirect any questions to info@zhoozhoo.com
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Wed06Sep20176-9 pmHells Canyon Winery-Zhoo Zhoo
LAVA/100 RELEASE PARTY: Dress in your finest black and gold for the party of the year at Hells Canyon Winery. We chose the very best barrels from our 2014 Cabernet Franc and Merlot and crafted LAVA/100 Black. LAVA/100 Gold is a classic barrel-fermented Chardonnay, vintage 2016. Enjoy these new wines, and older vintages, paired with appetizers and dinner from Thomas Cuisine's Chef Jered Couch (formely of The Dish and 616). The passionate sounds of Portugese Fado-Kristine Nunes band-will set the stage for this beautiful, exclusive wine event.
Guests should plan on arriving by 6-6:30 pm for wine, cocktails and appetizers. Dinner at 7.
PRE-DINNER WINE TASTING: Steve Robertson, Hells Canyon Winery's winemaker will lead us through blind tasting of four vintages from regions around the world and four Hells Canyon Wines. Experience this informative and exciting tasting in our new LAVA/100 tasting room.
Tasting and small bites from 5-6 pm. Only 25 guests can be accommodated for this pre-dinner event so reserve now! TICKETS
What is LAVA/100?
At Hells Canyon we've hand-crafted a new, limited-production line of wines called LAVA/100. Our old un-grafted vines grow in volcanic lava soil are are watered by pure water from the Trinity Mountains. Chosen from the finest of our oak barrels, these limited production wines have intense fruit flavors due to small, high-character crop on the Lava/100 site.Pre-Tasting and Dinner TICKETS
This will be an outdoor event held on the patio and green space at Hells Canyon Winery. Please dress for the weather.
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Sat16Sep201710-noonZhoo Zhoo
Join us for an afternoon of self healing and enjoyment. Naomi Jones, Yoga Teacher and founder of Idaho Health and Yoga Awareness will be teaching. Begin with meditation on the beauty and simplicity of nature. Go inward and allow the mind to settle and quiet. Followed by gentle yoga postures to begin to awaken the physical body. Energize with sun salutations. Find balance and harmony as we open and breathe together.
Finish the afternoon with wine tasting from Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo and snacks. Relax and un-wined. Good vibes. Join us. $15.00 per person! Sign up today.
Meditation and Yoga Class 10:00 AM - 11:00
Wine Tasting with snacks 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMTickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-meditation-and-wine-tasting-an-afternoon-of-bliss-tickets-36667904690
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Sun01Oct20176-9 PMHells Canyon Winery
LAVA/100 RELEASE PARTY: Dress in your finest black and gold for the party of the year at Hells Canyon Winery. We chose the very best barrels from our 2014 Cabernet Franc and Merlot and crafted LAVA/100 Black. LAVA/100 Gold is a classic barrel-fermented Chardonnay, vintage 2016. Enjoy these new wines, and older vintages, paired with appetizers and dinner from Thomas Cuisine's Chef Jered Couch (formely of The Dish and 616). The passionate sounds of Portugese Fado-Kristine Nunes band-will set the stage for this beautiful, exclusive wine event.
Guests should plan on arriving by 6-6:30 pm for wine, cocktails and appetizers. Dinner at 7. Online tickets available through Eventbrite: here.
PRE-DINNER WINE TASTING: Steve Robertson, Hells Canyon Winery's winemaker will lead us through blind tasting of four vintages from regions around the world and four Hells Canyon Wines. Experience this informative and exciting tasting in our new LAVA/100 tasting room.
Tasting and small bites from 5-6 pm. Only 25 guests can be accommodated for this pre-dinner event so reserve now!
Call the Winery at (208) 454-3300 with questions or to purchase your tickets.
What is LAVA/100?
At Hells Canyon we've hand-crafted a new, limited-production line of wines called LAVA/100. Our old un-grafted vines grow in volcanic lava soil are are watered by pure water from the Trinity Mountains. Chosen from the finest of our oak barrels, these limited production wines have intense fruit flavors due to small, high-character crop on the Lava/100 site. These wines are only available at Hells Canyon Winery -
Fri24Nov2017Sun26Nov20175:00 pmHELLS CANYON WINERY
FRI-SAT 12-5:00 pm
Follow the trail from the wine lounge, the winery, the new LAVA/100 room and into the wine library, sampling direct from the barrel, new release wines and older vintages as you go. Wines from Hells Canyon Winery and sister brand, Zhoo Zhoo will be served, as well as sweet edibles. End up in the wine shop where you can take advantage of the best wine prices all year including buy one get one free case specials. The Scottish Highland Burgers Food Truck from Big Valley Ranch will be on hand while you work up an appetite! $10 for tasting, $8 for wine club members, includes tasting and souvenir stemless glass.
Sunday is an open house for Wine Club Members Only, 12-5, no charge