Eagle Foothills AVA

Eagle Foothills
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2015[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofIdaho, Snake River Valley AVA
Climate regionRegion Ib[2]
Heat units2418 GDD[2]
Precipitation (annual average)14.8 in (375.9 mm)[2]
Soil conditionsgranite, volcanic material mixed with sandy, coarse and stony loams[1]
Total area49,815 acres (77.836 sq mi)[1]
Size of planted vineyards99 acres (40 ha)[3]
No. of vineyards16[4]
Varietals producedCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Riesling, Roussanne and Viognier[5]
No. of wineries1[4]

Eagle Foothills is the second American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the state of Idaho located in the southwestern region in Gem and Ada Counties. The area lies southeast of Emmett, north of Eagle and approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the city of Boise. It was established on December 28, 2015 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury as the first sub-appellation in the vast Snake River Valley viticultural area and the first appellation entirely within Idaho’s state borders. It does not overlap with any existing or proposed AVA.[1] Eagle Foothills lies at the north bank of Ancient Lake Idaho with its elevations ranging from 2,490 to 3,412 feet (759–1,040 m).[6] The area encompasses 49,815 acres (78 sq mi) with nearly 70 acres (28 ha) under vine with plans to add 472 acres (191 ha) and seven vineyards.[1] Its USDA plant hardiness zones are 7a and 7b.[7] Vineyard elevations are below 3,000 feet (914 m). The majority of viticulture activity is at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards with its 46 acres (19 ha) in center of the appellation.[8] The cool climate and relatively short growing season are suitable for growing early to mid-season varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Establishment of the Eagle Foothills Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2015–0006; T.D. TTB–131 Ref: Notice No. 150] RIN 1513–AC18 Final Rule). Federal Register. 80 (227). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 73658–73660. November 25, 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 28, 2024.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c "Proposed Establishment of the Eagle Foothills Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2015–0006; Notice No. 150] RIN 1513–AC18 Proposed Rule). Federal Register. 80 (71). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 19908–19914. April 14, 2015.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ "About: 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards". 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Welcome to the World, Eagle Foothills AVA!". Wine, Wit, and Wisdom. December 28, 2015. Archived from the original on March 16, 2021.
  5. ^ "Eagle Foothills Wine". Wine Searcher. 2016.
  6. ^ "Yet Another Giant, Ancient Lake". Wickersham's Conscience. June 11, 2017. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021.
  7. ^ "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map". United States Department of Agriculture. 2012.
  8. ^ "Eagle Foothills (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2016. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020.