Hells Canyon Winery
WELCOME TO
HELLS CANYON WINERY
Family Owned • Estate Grown
About Us
Hells Canyon Winery is now Solar Powered!
Hells Canyon Winery will become the first winery in Idaho to use solar power in its day-to-day operations. This puts the estate winery in the Sunnyslope area of Caldwell ahead of the solar curve in the Snake River Valley wine country.
“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.
The First Generation
Hand-crafted wines grown and estate bottled in the beautiful Snake River Valley of ldaho. For forty years, Steve Robertson and his family have been committed to cultivating a jewel of a vineyard, producing high quality fruit that results in delicious and well-balanced wines.
The Second Generation
The daughters of Steve and Leslie Robertson have created their own line of delicious wine. Winemaker Bijou Robertson approaches wine-making similar to her father, from a cooks’ perspective after getting her professional taste for food and wine at the Culinary Institute of America. Zhoo Zhoo believes in the simple pleasures of life and enjoying them with your loved one, your Zhoo Zhoo. Sister owned.
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.
SHOP OUR WINES
Hells Canyon Wines
Hells Canyon Owner/winemaker Steve Robertson trained as a chef at the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America in New York but found his true passion was as a grape farmer and producer of high-quality, small batch wines. A fourth-generation Idahoan, Steve found inspiration for his wines in the wild land and pioneer spirit of the mountain west.
Zhoo Zhoo Wines
Zhoo Zhoo In 2003, Steve’s three daughters, Bijou, Jocelyn and Hadley, launched Zhoo Zhoo Wines from their family farm vineyard. Fine art, women-focused labels paired with youthful and discriminating wines define the Zhoo Zhoo brand.
Hells Canyon Wine Club
Featuring Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines, Come Hell or Highwater Wine Club starts at just $46 a month! Each month we pick 3 wines, all you have to do is come pick ’em up! We can ship too, every month or quarterly. Print and fill out the registration form, then come and pick up your wine any weekend of the month. Plus, get a FREE glass of wine or featured flight when you pick up your club wines and discounts on the month’s featured wines and special events like Yoga at the Winery. In 2020, Wine Club members saved over $300 each!
Customize your wine club / Call with questions: (208) 477-4757
Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines are family owned, sustainably farmed, estate grown, solar powered, and award winning! The best kept secret on the slope since 1981.
Choose the Club that works best for you!
High Water Club 3 wines, $46 / month (best value)
Snake River Reds Club 3 wines, $66 / month
Hells Canyon Heritage Club 3 Reserve & Library wines, $106 / quarterly (Feb/May/ Aug/Nov)
Owyhee Mountains Vertical Club 3 wines, $176 per allotment (Feb/April/June/Aug/ Oct/Dec) Limited to existing Club members, opt in w/ availability
SIGN UP NOW
Contact Us
HELLS CANYON WINERY
18835 Symms Road
Caldwell, Idaho 83607
Get Directions
Ph: (208) 477-4757
Email: [email protected]
HOURS
Open Friday & Saturday: Noon-5pm
RESERVATIONS
ANNUAL EVENTS
Valentine’s Weekend Open House, Mother’s May, Holiday Open House: November, Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays in November are reserved for Wine Club Members.
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