Venturing into the “wild west” of winemaking, Kathryn “Kat” House moved to Boise, Idaho in 2010 to pursue her dream of having it all with a wine-focused life and a family. Her first year in Idaho was spent as a wine production consultant for various wineries and educator across Idaho while raising her son, Kellen.

At the start of harvest 2011, while 8 months pregnant with her second child, Kat was approached with the opportunity to purchase a wine laboratory. Fulfilling her life-long dream of owning a business, Kat and her family took the plunge into entrepreneurship, and she became the owner, enologist, and principal wine educator for the business. Between harvest analyses, caring for a toddler and a newborn, and learning the ins and outs of running a small business, that left little time for sleep. But as they say, no rest for the wicked!

Over the past decade our wine courses have become known across Idaho as the premiere wine education classes in the state.  This demand and the need for customized wine experiences and a customer-focused wine shop propelled us to envision a new space for wine customers in the Treasure Valley.  Thus in 2023 we found the perfect space for our expanded vision.  And Kat? Well, she continues to be one of the few who loves what she does: raising two amazing kids and a husband all while teaching, learning, and creating unforgettable wine experiences for others. While it’s not always easy, it is always an adventure!

The Idaho wine industry is one of the most promising emerging regions in the United States. With high viticultural potential, skilled winemakers, and fantastic community support, the quantity and quality of wines produced in the past twenty years has increased tremendously. House of Wine is proud to be a part of this revolution by working together with our colleagues to grow the Idaho wine industry into nationally, and internationally, competitive wine destination.

Yet, while we champion our local cause, it’s not our only love as the world of wine is broad and wide. We strive to grow our business to educate and serve local and national wine drinkers as they learn about our favorite beverage. There is nothing quite like falling in love the first time and with wine, you can do it again and again. With so many unique varieties and regions, there’s a wine (or 10) for everyone’s palate. Please join us on the path to wine enlightenment!