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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Fri14Feb2020Sun16Feb202012-5Hells Canyon Winery
Local wine sisters, the Zhoo Zhoo girls, will host their annual Valentine Open House at Hells Canyon Winery, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14th, 15th, & 16th, noon-5 pm.
Join us for wine tastings, sweet treats, and to pick up something for someone you admire! Specials from both wineries on bottle purchases. Entry is $10 ($5 Wine Club members)*. Bring your sweetheart/friends/family members for some delightful sippables and to find your favorite wine!
Truffles by Miss D'Arcy's Bakeshoppe for sample/sale
Kissing Booth Photo Op
Postcards to send as a secret admirer too! xoxo
*Tickets upon arrival, no reservation required
Facebook event listing HERE
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Sat04Apr20205:30 amHells Canyon WineryArt and Wine Night Saturday, April 4th 5:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of painting with Wine & Design and sipping at Hells Canyon Winery and Zhoo Zhoo.
Class and artwork: $35
Wine is not included in class price. Order your wine upon arrival!
Only 15 spaces available - Sign up today!More info and tickets HERE
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Thu07May2020Sun10May202012-5Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Wine Pickup Available Mother's Day Weekend
Pickup May 7th-10th 12-5:00
Our tasting room is still closed, but we can still provide wine-to-go!
Sip Sip Rose Special:
Buy 3 bottles of pink, get 1 bottle FREE. Zhoo Zhoo Redhead, $15 or Zhoo Zhoo 2018 Deep Pink, $18
May Merlot & Blends Special:
Purchase 2 or more bottles of Merlot or blends, receive $5 off/bottle!
Mix n' Match: Zhoo Zhoo 2016 Merlot, 2016 Claret, Hells Canyon 2014 Middle Fork Merlot
and 2016 Seven Devils Red, $25.Zhoo Zhoo Girl Tote Bag Collab with Studio GHappy Mother's Day! Treat Mom to the ultimate surprise tote!
Only $45 with any wine purchase ($67 value)
We can't get together for our annual Mother's Day event this year - but spoil her silly with our limited edition Hearts n' Treats Tote
Call or email your order or with questions: (208) 454-3300
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Tue26May20206:30 amVirtual via Zoom
We'd like to introduce you to three new wines and we want YOUR help writing the tasting notes! Featured Wines:
2016 Middle Fork Merlot ($25)
2016 LAVA/100 Black ($58)
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($35)
Pick up all three for $98 (regularly $118) and join us for a formal - virtual - wine tasting. Order for pickup now through Wednesday (5/27) and join us to study these un-released wines!Tasting Note Writing Party:
Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30-7:30.
We'll sample all three wines, you can sip just one or all! Zoom link will be added closer to the event or email info@zhoozhoo.com and we'll send it to you.Tasting note highlights: Where would you drink this wine? What food would you pair it with? Who would you share this wine with? Have the wine, and pen and paper at the ready!
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Sat11Jul202010-noonUn-Wined with Yoga
Join us for an outdoor 1-hour all levels vineyard-view-Vinyasa class led by Deb Oates of JustBreathe. Class will be followed by freshly baked croissants and a wine tasting of Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines.
General Admission: $18 // Wine Club Members: $15
Space is limited, social distancing on the lawn will apply, rsvp today!
Please arrive no earlier than 9:45 am.RSVP to,
Hadley: (208) 921-5145 (call or text)
Email: info@zhoozhoo.com
Winery: (208) 454-3300
