Hi Everyone, our website will be under under construction for a couple of weeks. For events information please "Like Us" on Facebook and take a look at the events section for upcoming events.  

Happy New Year! From Bitner Vineyards

 If you are out and about wine touring on Saturday, December 31st, visit Bitner Vineyards. Sophia, the Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Italian Truffle Dog, will be out on our truffle orchard (Truffière) and visit around 3:00 pm. This is a dog specialised in finding truffles on any type of ground whatever, the only breed recognised as having this ability. It is an ancient breed for retrieving from water, known from the 16th Century in the Comacchio valleys and the Ravenna lagoons, which became widely distributed as from the 19th Century in the plains and hills of Romagna with the specific role of truffle hound.

See you today!

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/potatoes-idaho-emerges-wine-destination/story?id=14988221

ABC NEWS post - Beyond Potatoes: Idaho Emerges as Wine Destination

Tractors still dot the fruit-and-nut themed roads (plum, pecan, apricot) of Canyon County's Sunny Slope, but these days party-themed limousines and weekend wine tourists are also in evidence.

Their quarry is a cluster of mostly small wineries with an increasingly big reputation.

"We have eight wineries within 10 miles, which is enough for a two-day trip," said Ron Bitner, who recently opened a small bed-and-breakfast at his hilltop winery overlooking the Snake River south of Caldwell.

Expand your search across Ada County and into Washington and Owyhee counties, and the Treasure Valley boasts more than half of the state's 43 wineries, a tally that has nearly quadrupled since 2002, when Idaho had 11 wineries.

That's a fraction of the explosive growth seen earlier in Oregon and, especially, Washington. They rank third and second among all states in number of wineries, eclipsed only by behemoth California. Idaho comes in at No. 22, tied with New Mexico, in Wine Business Monthly's most recent ranking.

But Idaho has been easing its way up that list in a steady expansion that has continued through the Great Recession, said Moya Shatz, executive director of the Idaho Wine Commission.

"We're actually doing pretty darn well if you consider how the economy's doing," Shatz said. "We get calls every week from people wanting to start a winery or plant a vineyard.

Wine Tasting: There's An App for That Watch Video

Wine Tasting Tips Watch Video

Red, White, and Green Wine Watch Video

"The growth is manageable, and it seems like people are happy."

An economic impact study conducted by Boise State University in 2008 found that Idaho's wine industry contributed about $73 million to the state's economy and 625 jobs, Shatz said. She doesn't expect to commission another such study until around 2015, she said, but "I think our numbers have increased."

At Bitner Vineyards south of Caldwell, an old tractor shed has morphed into a tasting room with an expansive deck to make the most of views that glide across grapevines and other crops to the Snake River, Lizard Butte and beyond.

Bitner bought the hilltop site, which includes a steep south-facing slope, for the view in 1981. He didn't think the five acres would be suitable for crops.

"I didn't know what to do with the steep slope," he said. But Ste. Chapelle's first winemaker, Bill Broich, was building a home downhill from Bitner and offered an idea.

"He said, 'This is a world-class site for Chardonnay,'" Bitner recalls. "I said, 'Cool. What's Chardonnay?' "

Three decades later, Bitner fully appreciates the vineyard virtues of the land he lucked into. An entomologist and international expert on leaf-cutter bees, he immersed himself in a second vocation. He recently completed a term as president of the Winegrape Growers of America.

In 1995, Greg Koenig, among the first in a new wave of Idaho winemakers, approached Bitner to buy some grapes. Soon Bitner was enlisting Koenig to make wines under the Bitner label. Their first vintage, a 1997 Cabernet, won a gold medal in New York in 1998.

"Then we knew we were on to something," Bitner said.

Bitner's steep slope protects his grapes from cold and frost, allowing him to keep fruit on the vine late into Idaho's relatively short growing season. That allows the sugars to develop, he said, producing luscious, fruit-forward wine.

"I honestly wouldn't trade these spots along the Snake River, including mine, for any in the country," he said.

Beyond potatoes: Idaho emerges as wine destination

MARSING, Idaho – Tractors still dot the fruit-and-nut themed roads (plum, pecan, apricot) of Canyon County's Sunny Slope, but these days party-themed limousines and weekend wine tourists are also in evidence.

Their quarry is a cluster of mostly small wineries with an increasingly big reputation.

"We have eight wineries within 10 miles, which is enough for a two-day trip," said Ron Bitner, who recently opened a small bed-and-breakfast at his hilltop winery overlooking the Snake River south of Caldwell.

Idaho’s wine industry is gaining ground

Tractors still dot the fruit-and-nut themed roads (Plum, Pecan, Apricot) of Canyon County’s Sunny Slope, but these days party-themed limousines and weekend wine tourists are also in evidence.

Their quarry is a cluster of mostly small wineries with an increasingly big reputation.

“We have eight wineries within 10 miles, which is enough for a two-day trip,” said Ron Bitner, who recently opened a small bed-and-breakfast at his hilltop winery overlooking the Snake River south of Caldwell.

Expand your search across Ada County and into Washington and Owyhee counties, and the Treasure Valley boasts more than half of the state’s 43 wineries, a tally that has nearly quadrupled since 2002, when Idaho had 11 wineries.

After more than 40 years as a bee biologist Ron was notified that he has been selected by Purdue University as the 2011 John V. Osmun Professional Achievement Award in Entomology. Ron and Mary will be attending the Award Ceremony in October in West Lafayette, Indiana. In addition to the Ceremony, Ron will be giving a lecture “To Bee or not To Bee, the adventures of a Purdue Bee Biologist” and along with Mary will be attending the homecoming football game between Purdue and Minnesota. This is quite an honor from a great school. 

Cultivate your appreciation of great wine March 7 through the 11, 2011 during the 48th National Wine Week. Explore a selection of wines from your favorite wine shop and enjoy a glass in appreciation of all the great growers and winemakers.

"Attention all HOT women! Bitner Vineyards wants you to calm the daily drama of hot flashes, mood swings, and hairy toes with a glass of Menopause Merlot and then laugh yourself silly as Idaho author Elaine Ambrose reads from her humorous book titled Menopause Sucks. Readings begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5 at Coyotes Fine Wines in Caldwell. Special package cost for a bottle of wine, chocolates and an autographed book: $34.95. That's one HOT deal! Find more information at www.bitnervineyards.com  or www.elaineambrose.com".

New Year's Eve party @ Coyotes Fine Wines, 217 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell. Call 208-4593-9463 for last minute reservations. $15/person includes appetizers, champagne and party favors. Bring in the new year New York time! Festivities begin at 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. See you there!

On October 14, Ron and I took over the management of the Coyotes Wine Bar and Shop in downtown Caldwell.  We are committed and excited to be a part of rebuilding this once vibrant community.  We have changed things abit and will be focusing on marketing not only our own label, but having aleast two labels from all of the Idaho wineries (now numbering 42).  Giving exposure to many of the great wines now coming from our state is one of our goals.  Not afraid of competing with other wines we will also have a variety of Northwest wines and a selection of international wines including many of the wines that Ron enjoyed while working on his bee projects downunder in Australian.  A selection of Northwest Microbrew beers is also being offered and coming soon a selection of light appetizers and desserts.  Lonnie Schott will be our manager and comes to us with a wealth of experience having had his on wine shop in Seattle. Come join us for a nice glass of wine while enjoy the spectaculare Chrismas light show along the banks of Indian Creek.  Hours:  Wed-Thurs 3-8pm; Friday-Sat 1-9.

This was our 27th year of harvesting grapes here at Bitner Vineyards and was the lastest harvest ever for our stellar reds.  We finally reached the needed sugars for our flagship Cabernet sauvignon grapes and were harvested in mid-November.  We had to drop about a ton of fruit per acre to do so, but the long hang times resulting once again in intense red berry flavors as the grapes were pressed down at the Koenig production facility.  Can hardley wait to taste the finished product in two years time.  We are also are doing a new blend for our bag in the box "The North End Boxer" which will be a blend of our riesling, chardonnay and voignoir grapes  we think you will really enjoy.  Should be available by valentines day.

Guess who will be at Bitner Vineyards on Sunday, September 26th? Gino's Classic Cars!! There will be 30 cars cruising to the winery around 2:00 PM. Come and enjoy the afternoon with a picnic while sipping a glass of  Bitner Vineyards wine and checking out the classic cars. Free Admission!!

Festa is an annual fall event hosted by the Sunny Slope Wine and Food Trail to celebrate the year's harvest. Wine tasting, live music, delicious foods and various festivities will fill the valley. Bring a friend, and spend the day and celebrate the bounty. Sunny Slope's Wine and Food Trail participants are Bitner Vineyards, Davis Creek Cellars, Fujishin Family Cellars, Huston Vineyards, Koenig Vineyards, The Orchard House, Robison Fruit Ranch and Williamson Orchard & Vineyards.

Bitner Vineyards is releasing 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Merlot/Petit Verdot. 25% off case sale. Book Signing by photographer, Paul Hosfros and author, Alan Miniskoff of their book "Idaho Wine Country", 4:30-6:00 PM. Music by Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats, 6:00-8:30 PM, admission $10 per person and receive one complimentary glass of wine. Bitner Vineyards will be open on regular hours 12 noon to 5 PM. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy music and the sunset's glow over vineyards.

Bitner Vineyards will be at the Chocolate Bar, 805 W Bannock St, Boise on July 1st from 6:00 PM.  You will be tasting a variety of our wines that will be paired with their gourmet chocolates. Hope to see you there!!

This is a wine event you won't want to miss. Featuring "A Good Year" with Russell Crow.  Show casing three local wineries and nine wines. The price for admission is $18 per person which includes the movie price and 3-4 ounce glasses of wine. The Northern Lights Cinema Grill has a delicious selection of food. We encourage you to have dinner at the theater for the "total experience".

Get ready for Bitner Vineyards music event this Saturday, June 5th on the deck. Music with Jonathan and the Billy Goats.  They will perform from 7 to 9 PM and the fee is $10 per person. With admission, you will receive one complimentary glass of wine. So bring your picnic baskets and enjoy the sunset with music at "The View".

What a great event with 35 attendees! Lonnie displayed a new way of grilling on the Barbie using heated marble tile. He grilled shrimp, chicken wings, tri- tip & pizzas paired with seven northwest micro brews.

If you missed this one, the next beer tasting will be July 18 at Bitner Vineyards, on the deck, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. This event will consist of beer tasting of lagers and pilsners. Check out our Website on events for other events.

When: May 13, 2010

Where: Coyotes Fine Wines on the Creek, 217 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID

Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM

Fee: $18/person

Limited seating, so call and reserve your spot at Coyotes at 208-455-1870. Gather your friends and enjoy this educational class.

This class will introduce the new wine drinker on how to taste wine (swirling, smelling, tasting and savoring),  understanding basic wine varietals, blends and wine lingo. The Class centers around the beginner wine drinker getting comfortable around wine and not being intimidated when selecting and buying wine or drinking wine. This is a vary hands on approach class and involves experimenting with tasting wine, glassware and asking questions.

On Sunday, April 18th, "A Wine Night at the Movies" presented by Bitner Vineyards, was our first fun event. The movie that was featured that night was "Bottle Shock". This event was hosted by Northern Lights Cinema Grill  located on the backside of the Karcher Mall in Nampa. If you have not been to the cinema, take in a movie one night and enjoy the elegance of the spacious theatre seating and gourmet foods.

Participating wineries that night were Fujishin Family Cellars, Koenig Winery, Vale Wine Company and Bitner Vineyards.

Hello from Bitner Vineyards!

We have a variety of events and educational classes beginning the month of May through December. Check out our Event Calendar and choose what interest you and register by calling 208-455-1870 to reserve your spot on the patio. Remember, there is limited seating.

 In the summer months, June through August, we have scheduled an evening with music on Saturdays 7:00-9:00 pm. Picnic baskets are welcomed. Sit and enjoy a glass of Bitner Vineyards ' wine and welcome the evening with wonderful music.