Idaho wine country has a gorgeous new addition, and I finally got to see it finished! A few months ago, I toured Gem 73 Winery while it was still under construction. I recently went back for the media preview and ribbon cutting, and it was so fun to walk through the rooms I’d seen before and see how everything turned out. We toured the space, watched the ribbon cutting and got to enjoy a little wine along the way.
Gem 73 is out in Caldwell’s Sunnyslope Wine Region, with 62 acres of vineyards and views of the Snake River Valley and Owyhee Mountains. The views were already a good reason to visit, but now there’s a beautiful tasting room and covered patio to enjoy them from too. I shared more of their story after my first tour, so this time I wanted to give you a look at the finished winery and a few things to know before you go.
Seeing the finished winery
The patio and the views were two of the things I was excited to see again. You’re looking out over the vineyard with the valley and Owyhees beyond it, and it’s beautiful. Now that the tasting room is finished, I can see bringing friends out here for an afternoon of wine tasting. It was fun to return after the construction tour and finally see the space ready for guests.
There’s also a private conference room, which is worth asking about if you’re looking for somewhere different for a team meeting. I’d reach out to Gem 73 directly about availability and how the room can be used.
What wines can you try at Gem 73?
Of course, we had some wine while we were there too! Greg Koenig is the winemaker, and the current lineup includes two 2021 Cabernet Sauvignons: one from Fraser Vineyard and one from Lanae Ridge Vineyard, the vineyard surrounding Gem 73. If you enjoy Cabernet, tasting those side by side would be a fun way to explore the difference between the two. The bottles are named for their vineyards, so you can keep track of which one you’d like to take home.
For white wine and rosé drinkers, there’s a 2024 Viognier and Tell Me More Rosé, a 2024 Sangiovese rosé. You can browse the current wine selection here before your visit, then ask what’s being poured when you arrive. I’d check the tasting options when you make your reservation so you know what’s available that day.
There’s a new vintage in the works too. The 2026 harvest at Lanae Ridge started September 1, their earliest start yet, and has now wrapped up. Weather made it a challenging season and the crop was smaller than usual, but the winemaking team was really happy with the grapes that came through. Those are now going into the 2026 wines, so there will be more to look forward to as the winery gets going.
A look behind the scenes
During the preview, we toured the production spaces and barrel room before watching the ribbon cutting. I’d gotten an early look at the property a few months before, so it was especially fun to be there for the opening and see the progress since that first visit. We got to explore the finished winery and see where the wine is made, which was a nice addition to spending time in the tasting room.
If you want to get more involved, they also offer hands-on winemaking classes. We didn’t take a class during this visit, but that would be a fun outing to plan with friends. Check with Gem 73 about upcoming dates and what’s included, and watch my preview Reel for a look around the space.
How to plan a visit to Gem 73 Winery
You’ll find Gem 73 at 21254 Chalk Hills Lane, Caldwell, Idaho 83607, in the Sunnyslope Wine Region. At the time of my visit, they were welcoming guests for scheduled experiences and reservations Thursday through Sunday. Their visiting page is the best place to begin, and you can call (208) 268-8053 with questions about tastings, tours or bringing a group.
I’d give yourself time to enjoy the space rather than squeeze it into a rushed stop between other plans. With indoor seating, a covered patio and so much vineyard scenery, there’s a lot to enjoy beyond a quick look at the bar. Keep an eye on @gem73winery for new announcements, and check the website before heading out for the latest visiting details.
Getting to see Gem 73 go from construction to its official ribbon cutting made this return visit special. It’s a beautiful addition to Idaho wine country, and I’m looking forward to seeing more people discover it. Save this post for your next Sunnyslope outing and send it to the friend you want to bring along!
XOXO,
The Boise Socialite
Hi, I’m Cait, the Boise content creator behind Boise Socialite. I love sharing hidden gems, local eats, and fun things to do around Boise. From cocktails and brunch to events and weekend adventures, Boise Socialite is your guide to discovering what makes this city so special.
