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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Sat12Jan2019Sun13Jan201912 pm - 5 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Let's kickoff 2019! Join us for free Trio tastings and soup by chef and winemaker Steve. We'll be open Saturdays and Sundays starting this weekend.
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Fri08Feb2019Sun10Feb201912 pm - 5 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Join us for our annual Valentines Open House! We'll have a trail of wine tasting: mingle from the Lava/100 tasting room, to the Wine Lounge Bar and finish with some vintage tastes in the Wine Library. Sweet treats will be served up and you can fix yourself a s'more. Enjoy wine specials to gift to your special loved one!
$10 general public/$5 wine club
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Sun12May201912-5:0018835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
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 12th, for a spring celebration of MOM! The event will take place from noon - 5 p.m.
Featuring original tunes from Oliver & Whitaker, the One More Time Band, and gourmet eats from Kanak Attack and Off the Grid Pizza. Seating is limited so bring a blanket or chairs. Price includes souvenir glass and wine tasting. Artisan vendors onsite include: Studio G Calligraphy, Lustral Bathworks and Idaho Rustic Soul Jewelry!
$15 general admission.
$12 wine club members
The event will go on - rain or shine! Seating is primarily outside, dress accordingly!*Please no outside food, pets, or alcoholic beverages.
Tickets HERE -
Fri12Jul20196:00 am18835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
Un-Wined with Yoga - Friday, July 12th, 6 pm - 8 pm
FRIDAY NIGHT Restorative Yoga and FRIDAY NIGHT wine!
Un-Wined with yoga and set yourself up for a relaxing weekend! Join us for an outdoor 1-hour all-levels Restorative Yoga class led by Deb Oates of JustBreath. Class will be followed by snacks and a glass of Zhoo Zhoo wine.
Yogis receive 15% off bottle purchases.
$15/wine club
$18/general admission
*the class will be outdoors, please dress accordingly
please rsvp to Hadley at info@zhoozhoo.com
Pay at the event.
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Fri16Aug20197-10 pm18835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
ZHOO ZHOO PROM
A SWEET 16 Anniversary Party
Friday, August 16th, 7-10 pm
Wine, Dancing, Food, Photos!
$65/person, $55/wine club members, $40/DDHappy Sweet 16 to Zhoo Zhoo! We are so excited to celebrate and want YOU to party along in honor of our 16th year! Start shopping for your prom outfit or dust off your ruffles and cue nostalgia for this prom themed dance party.
The best thing about this Sweet 16? Wine will be served!Price includes: wine, anniversary stemless glass, food, photo, and sweet prom memories
High school prom attire encouraged, leave the chaperone at home!
A Designated Driver is recommendedMore INFO and TICKETS - HERE
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Sat24Aug20191-4:00 pm18835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
Enjoy a tasting with Hells Canyon Winery's winemaker Steve Robertson as we sample through a selection of library wines. Enjoy history in a bottle with sips of the 1999 Idaho Merlot Reserve, 2011 Syrah and the more recent 2014 Lava/100 Black.
Please rsvp to Hadley at info@zhoozhoo.com to reserve your spot.
$15/non-members. FREE/Wine Club Members. Space is limited, sign up today!
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Sat31Aug201912-5:0018835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
Get a flight of wine and pair with a flight of gourmet chicken wings from the local Fly Food Truck! Fly will be onsite and offering up a selection of chicken wings made with house-made sauces and rubs. Open to the public! More about Fly Food Truck HERE.
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Sat14Sep201910-noon18835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
The yoga studio with a view of the vineyard and Owyhee Mountains
Oudoor Yoga and Wine Tasting. Join us for our Fall session of all-levels vinyasa yoga with a vineyard view. Deb Oates will lead us in a 1-hour class and we'll then continue to un-wined with a wine tasting of Hells Canyon Winery and Zhoo Zhoo Wines. Class and Tasting:
$15 Wine Club members / $18 General Admission. Please pay at the event. Yogis receive 15% off wine purchases 🙂 -
Fri29Nov2019Sat30Nov201912-5:0018835 Symms Road, Caldwell ID 83607
Hells Canyon Winery hosts their annual wine sale and holiday open house, November 29th and 30th from noon- 5 pm. Follow the trail from the wine lounge, the winery, the LAVA/100 room and into the wine library, sample new release wines and older vintages as you go. Wines from Hells Canyon Winery and sister brand, Zhoo Zhoo will be served, as well as treats, or grab a bite from the food truck. End up in the wine shop where you can take advantage of the best wine prices all year including buy one get one free case specials. Tasting, treats, stemless wine glass included with admission:
FRIDAY - $12 general admission, $8 wine club and designated drivers (pay at the door)
SATURDAY - $10 general admission, $6 wine club and designated drivers (pay at the door)
SUNDAY - Wine Club MEMBERS ONLY party, 12-5:00.For more info see our Facebook event HERE
Further questions, or if you'd like to rsvp, email Hadley at info@zhoozhoo.com
