PHOTOS BY GUY HAND
HOUSE OF WINE
By Darby Tarantino
Spend a little time drinking wine in the Treasure Valley and the name Kat House is sure to come up. This master wine maven is something of a household name in Idaho, which isn’t surprising. She’s been educating locals and wine professionals for years and is the only WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust, highly revered wine certifications) educator in Idaho. When rumors started circulating last spring that the Kat House would be opening the “mothership” of all things wine in downtown Boise, called (what else?) House of Wine, we couldn’t believe our good fortune! The Treasure Valley, home to the Snake River Valley AVA and sub-AVA Eagle Foothills, is undoubtedly a burgeoning wine region with new wineries, wine shops, and tasting rooms popping up on the regular. What sets House of Wine apart from the rest, though, is the elevated level of education that House brings with her, a vital necessity ensuring that Idaho’s wine country continues to grow with education at the forefront. House moved to Idaho in 2010 after completing her Master's Degree in horticulture and viticulture from the University of Washington. She opened her own wine laboratory shortly thereafter and began working as owner/enologist and wine educator for the business. Demands for her public and private wine classes continued, which led her to expand House of Wine into a much-needed wine shop and tasting space in downtown Boise. With this new endeavor, House said it’s her mission “to empower connection through exceptional wine experiences— where the wine connects and the stories unfold.” Her shop’s
layout, while not uncommon in large cities like New York and Boston, is a first for Idaho. Wine is cataloged progressively by style, rather than the typical region or varietal. Aptly named Wine Guides lead shoppers to confidently explore wines based on their palate preference, identifying choices similar to what they already know and love. If you enjoy Chardonnay, you might be guided to try a fuller-bodied white Rhône from France. Each wine in House’s shop tells a story. You’ll learn where the grapes were sourced, how the wine was produced, and the history of the winery’s family. Talk about connection! House of Wine offers unique experiences for every skill level. Reserve one of their Fundamentals of Wine courses, designed for every level of experience, or enjoy a private guided flight of the day’s hidden gem wines. Add a cheese and charcuterie pairing that supports Life’s Kitchen, a local nonprofit teaching culinary skills and more to underserved teenagers. Looking for that special occasion splurge? Check out their two temperaturecontrolled cellars brimming with rare and hard-to-find wines from around the world. Wherever you are on your wine journey, Kat and her team of seasoned Wine Guides at House of Wine are ready to help. I guarantee you’ll leave with a deeper understanding and connection to each wine you’ve encountered. Until then, drink well, love often, and stay enlightened. House of Wines is located at 1008 W. Main Street in downtown Boise. Reservations for wine classes or tasting flights can be made by visiting houseofwineco.com. www.idahomemagazine.com
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