Hells Canyon Winery is now Solar Powered!
“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.
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.
Upcoming Events
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Sat13Jan2018Sun14Jan201812-5Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Join us on Saturday or Sunday for our first open weekend of 2018. Kick off the new year by enjoying warm red mulled wine, soup made by Chef Steve and specials to re-stock that depleted wine cellar! All tastings are FREE this weekend only! No reservations necessary, open to the general public.
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Fri09Feb2018Sun11Feb201812-5Hells Canyon Winery
Caldwell, ID – Roses are red, violets are blue, but the best Valentine gift is always Zhoo Zhoo! Local wine sisters, the Zhoo Zhoo girls, will host their annual Valentine Open House at
Hells Canyon Winery, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9th, 10th & 11th, noon-5Join us for wine tastings, sweet treats, and to pick up something for your sweetheart! Specials from both wineries on bottle purchases. Entry is $10 and includes a souvenir stemless wine glass ($5 Wine Club members). Bring your sweetheart/friends/family members for some delightful sippables.
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Sun13May201812-5Hells Canyon Winery
You are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful view, a glass of wine and friends and family. Join us on Sunnyslope on Sunday, May 13th, for a spring celebration of MOM!
The event will take place from noon - 5 p.m. The celebration will feature wine tasting, live music from Gabriel Hess Entertainment, lawn games, gourmet eats for purchase from Kanak Attack Katering and Il Segreto Wood Fired Pizza. Art vendors will be onsite including: Wine Country Gourmet Salts, Rustic Soul jewelry and JB Blowers Watercolor.
Seating is limited so bring a blanket or chairs. This event will SELL OUT, so get your tickets/reservation(s) today! $12 wine club members, $15 general admission, includes a souvenir glass and wine tasting. Advance tickets available HERE
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Sat30Jun201810:00 amZhoo Zhoo Winery
Breath in the vineyard view. Join us for an outdoor one-hour yoga class led by experienced yogi, Deb Oates of Just Breathe. Class will be followed by a formal wine tasting hosted by Zhoo Zhoo and Hells Canyon! Price includes class, wine tasting and light fare.
$18 General
$15 Wine Club Members
Call or email Hadley to RSVP
info@zhoozhoo.com or (208) 454-3300
Yogis can enjoy 15% off wine purchases!*bring your own mat and dress for the weather as the yoga class is outdoors.
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Sun19Aug201810:00 amHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
We'll stretch and breath through an 1-hour all-levels Vinyasa class with a gorgeous view of the Owyhee mountains, Snake River and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Following the class we'll enjoy a wine tasting of Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines. Class, wine, & snacks provided. Yoga by Deb Oates of justbreath, more info at www.deboates.com
$18/person. ($15 Wine Club Members) Pay at the door.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Class: 10-11 am.
Wine: 11 am - noon.
Bring a mat, blocks and extra mats available.
For more info or to rsvp, email Hadley at info@zhoozhoo.com
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Sun09Sep201812-2 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo ZhooStep by step instructions by local artist Ginger Lantz of Ginger’s Fine Art. Price includes supplies, instruction, your artwork to take home (actually paint WITH wine) snacks and one glass of wine! Only 10 spots available.
$35 general / $30 wine club
When: Sunday, September 9, 2018Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Place: Hells Canyon Winery, 18835 Symms Road, Caldwell, ID 83607
Contact: Hadley Robertson at info@zhoozhoo.com to rsvp!
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Sat22Sep201810:00 amHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
A 1-hour outdoor yoga class with a vineyard view will be followed by a wine social featuring Zhoo Zhoo Wine and Hells Canyon Winery vino. Yoga instructor Kimberly Azzarito will lead us through a Autumn Equinox Harmony Flow Practice.
$18/person ($15 wine club)Kimberly Azzarito, ERYT500, teaches yoga in an approachable way to every BODY. She empowers her students by weaving yogic traditions, stories, and myths with dynamic movement and alignment on the mat and opens the narrative between body, breath, and mind through authentic expression.
About the class:
Join us in celebrating Summer's end and the welcoming of Fall,
a balance of opposites embracing nature's dance of light and dark as we transition from the fiery, active yang rituals of summer to the reflective, incubating yin rhythm of autumn.An opportunity to reflect on your own harvest and fruits in gratitude,
to meditate on the what you'd like to let go of to conserve energy
and contemplate what seeds you'd like to gather and sow for the next season of growth.
*Please bring a journal or notebook and a mat if you have one.
*Prepare for outdoor weather, wear layers.questions or rsvp email: info@zhoozhoo.com
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Sun07Oct201812 pm - 5 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
SHINE the LIGHT, HARNESS the ENERGY, we're going SOLAR!
It's super SUNny on SUNnyslope so we're going to run the whole operation on an 18.88 kW Photo-voltaic system!Join us to celebrate this monumental conversion
SUNday, October 7th, from 12-5
Wine Tasting - Including NEW Zhoo Zhoo Nouveau
Food by Kanak Attack - Donuts by Lonny C
More info on going solar from RevolusunDress with FLARE: SUNglasses required! Wear yellow or gold.
$10/person, $5 wine club
more info? email Hadley, info@zhoozhoo.com
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Sat13Oct201811-2Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Savor the Grape Harvest! Come prepared for the weather and to stomp around in the vineyard: Boots, long shirt/pants, gloves, and hat recommended. Clippers will be provided (if you have some, please bring them).
We'll head into the vineyard to pick grapes for 2 hours (weather permitting) and then wander up to the patio for sips and savories.$10 wine club members
$15 general admission ($10 kids or DD)
Wine tasting and food treats provided
more info or to rsvp email: info@zhoozhoo.com (pay upon participation)
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Fri23Nov2018Sat24Nov201812 pm - 5 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
SAVE-the-DATE
Annual Holiday Open House & Wine Sale
November 23rd - 24th, 12-5
Wine Club Members only party -
Sunday, November 25th, 12-5Great sales, savories, sweet treats, and good cheer!
Our best wine steals and deals of the YEAR, join us! Admission includes stemless wine glass and wine tastings.
$12 General admission, $8 wine club
No reservation necessary.New and library wine tasting
Barrel tasting of 2017 Zhoo Zhoo Nouveau
Food Truck - Saturday onlyCan't make it to our event?! See our steals and deals here and send an email to info@zhoozhoo.com
to place your order!Sample and save on these wines, Friday-Sunday*, 12-5
BY the CASE:
BOGO: Buy 1 case Zhoo Zhoo 2010 Claret for $299, get 1 case 2016 Deep Pink FREE (save $217)
BOGO: Buy 1 case of Zhoo Zhoo Brunette for $180, get 1 case Redhead FREE (save $180)
PACKAGES:
6-Pack: Buy 1/2 case of LAVA/100 Black/Gold for $325 (wine club price: $300) (reg. $348) and receive 1 magnum - your choice black/gold- FREE (save $150)
4-PACK: Four pack Hells Canyon Heritage Series, $90 (mix n' match '14 Cab Franc, '14 Tartan Red, '11 Syrah) (reg. $120)
3-PACK Library Sale: 2004 Cabernet, 2004 Deer Slayer Syrah, 2004 Merlot for $169 (reg. $300) (wine club price: $149). Your choice of 3 '04 bottles.
2-PACK + glasses: His n' Hers: 1 ea 2014 Zhoo Zhoo Merlot and 2014 Middle Fork Merlot and a set of his n' hers stemless glasses $49 (reg. $60)
Zhoo Zhoo Nouveau: $23 (reg. $25), refills $20 through December 23rd
Signature stemless glasses: buy 5, get 1 FREE for $25Out of towner? Free shipping on orders $120 and over.
Specials valid through November 30th. Place your order and any comments here
*Sunday is open to Wine Club Members only.
