WINE AND SUNSETS

After years of neglect, the vineyard of cab franc that is now part of Rolling Hills Vineyard produces award-winning wine. The Pasculli family diligently worked to revitalize and enrich the soil for continued sustainability.

Vineyards in the Eagle Foothills

By Darby Tarantino

In my years of travel and wine exploration, I’ve always believed in the road less traveled, and in the words of the great Robert Frost, it has made all the difference. The Eagle Foothills AVA, (American Viticulture Area) a sub-AVA of the Snake River Valley, with its unique terroir and high desert terrain, probably isn’t first on your list of wine destinations. In fact, it might just be the “wine” road less traveled in Idaho, but it is not to be missed.

Start your Eagle Foothills wine adventure with Dude DeWalt Cellars, which offers unforgettable views and tantalizing varietals, including their estate Tempranillo—and, if the name itself isn’t cool enough, wait until you hear the story.

PHOTO BY KAREN DAY

Founders Johanna and Trae Buchert, a husband and wife team, grew up in eastern Washington. Trae, a food industry engineer, and Johanna, a deputy prosecutor, both viewed wine as a passion, but set their sights on other careers. After visiting the wine countries of Argentina and Australia, everything changed. They began making wine at home in 2011, then finally, with encouragement from wine-loving friends, decided the time had come.

Dude DeWalt opened for business in early 2020 right before the pandemic, but a little Covid wouldn’t slow them down. They’ve grown exponentially in the last three years, winning accolades from many of the country’s most prestigious competitions, including a recent gold medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for the 2019 Sheepdog Red; a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.

The gulch where Dude Dewalt winery sits was named for Clarence “Dude” Dewalt, a sheep foreman who was stabbed during a fight over a woman. Today, the winemakers hope to embody the bold spirit of the land and pioneers who came before.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUDE DEWALT

Feeling charitable? Their Thin Blue Line Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional and Dude DeWalt donates $5 of every bottle of this top-tier, cellar-worthy wine to local law enforcement. Pop in and discover the mountaintop oasis of Dude DeWalt and enjoy some remarkable wines.

Just up the hill from Dude DeWalt lies another Eagle Foothills gem. 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, founded by Martha and Gary Cunningham, was initially a 1,500-acre horse ranch—the vineyards came later, when they convinced their childhood friend and veteran Napa Valley winemaker to move to Idaho and make their wine. Expect the unexpected here, as you arrive to grazing cattle, a tasting salon surrounded by lush green grass, and a neighborhood of birdhouses welcoming you down the gravel drive.

PHOTO COURTESY OF 3 HORSE RANCH VINEYARDS

Once you arrive, prepare for the intoxicating aromas of pan-seared crab cakes, steak frites, and escargot, because 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards also has a full-service restaurant, which serves food so delicious that it begs for a Michelin Star. You could easily spend the day whiling away long after lunch service has ended, sipping wine and imagining yourself in a bygone era.

Besides estate-grown Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and many others, 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards is growing Pinot Noir. They’re one of only two wineries in Idaho to attempt this thin-skinned, temperamental varietal, which might seem counterintuitive, said Winemaker and General Manager Corey Sprott, whose tenure includes stints at Robert Mondavi and Rombauer wineries.

Corey Sprott, the head winemaker at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, knows wine. A Napa High School grad, he also holds a BS in Fermentation Science from University of California at Davis, and has made wine with and for Robert Mondavi Winery, William Hill Winery, Rombauer Vineyards, Napa Cellars, The Wine Group and The Ranch Winery.

PHOTO COURTESY OF 3 HORSE RANCH VINEYARDS

Pinot Noir typically thrives in cooler coastal areas, and exposure to Idaho’s extreme summer sun could prove detrimental. But as Sprott points out, because of the sun’s direction during peak growing season—and the vineyard’s proximity in its own little valley on the ranch—it’s quite hidden from the harsh sun, making this the ideal place to grow Pinot Noir. Look for their inaugural vintage of Pinot Noir soon!

How Rolling Hills Vineyard got its name is no secret—nestled in the foothills of Eagle among acres of sprawling Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Syrah vines, the Pasculli Family brings a lifelong passion for wine to fruition in southern Idaho. While their vineyard estate is not open to the public, they’ve opened an urban tasting room in Garden City until they can welcome guests to a future estate property in the foothills. But while you wait, you won’t miss the feeling of the open country and expansive hills in the tasting room, which is the epitome of less is more, offering the same charm and sophistication as the estate. It’s cozy too, and visitors should come prepared to experience hospitality at its finest level. Check out the stylish display of wines adorning the perimeter of the room and the collection of silver spittoons holding court behind the bar.

Rolling Hills Vineyard founders Lori and Mark Pasculli carry on a tradition of wine-growing begun by owner Lori’s grandfather.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD

Winemaker and owner Mark Pasculli prides himself on excellence, which has become the family motto. Rolling Hills Vineyard is, at its heart, a family affair. Mark’s wife Lori and their three grown children all play key roles in the operations at Rolling Hills Vineyard.

“One thing is always constant,” Pasculli said. “Quality is key when producing wine. Along with customer service and presentation, these will stand the test of time.” This standard of quality shines in every bottle at Rolling Hills Vineyard; one sip and you’ll see.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD

Try their beautifully balanced unoaked Chardonnay or the 2020 Azzurro, a Bordeaux-style blend with Merlot, estate Cabernet Franc, and Malbec—or my favorite, their Mascot Blue blend, which benefits Idaho animal shelters. Order a cheese and charcuterie board, made with locally-sourced cured meats and served with a plentiful selection of dried fruits, nuts, vegetables, crackers—which perfectly complements the wine! Don’t miss the upcoming event nights, featuring classic movie favorites, trivia, and even a cigar and wine night!

With their grown children, the Pascullis manage their vineyard and Garden City tasting room as a family.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD

With winery experiences like these and the entire summer ahead of you, get out there and explore the extraordinary wines and hospitality of the Eagle Foothills’ wineries. Until then, drink well, love often, and stay enlightened. I’ll drink to that!