Eagle Foothills AVA

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. 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). 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. Its USDA plant hardiness zones are 7a and 7b. 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. The cool climate and relatively short growing season are suitable for growing early to mid-season varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.