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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Sat11Feb2023Sun12Feb202312-5:00Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
VALENTINES OPEN HOUSE 2023
February 11th-12th, 12-5:00
Zhoo Zhoo Fam host our Annual Valentines WeekendRoses are red, violets are blue, but the best Valentine
gift is always ZHOO ZHOO!
Join us for wine tastings, treats, and to pick up something for someone you admire! Specials from both wineries on bottle purchases. Bring your sweetheart/friends/family for some delightful sippables and to find your favorite wine + get your photo in our kissing booth!
Reservations are recommended. Reserve today!
Sweetheart Featured Wine Flight : $12
True Love Reserve Wine Flight: $17
both flights include 4 wines + sweet treat + souvenir wine glass
Winery call/text: (208) 477-4757
Email: HERE
Book Online: HERE
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Fri12May2023Sun14May202312-5:00Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Mother's Day Weekend Rosé Release
Come try two new Zhoos: '22 Sweetheart (cab franc) and '22 Redhead (syrah). We'll have a special rosé flight and a rosé wine special in the shop. Sunday, May 14th join us for live acoustic guitar by Rich Campagna. Please make a reservation. Call/text: (208) 477-4757, Email: info@zhoozhoo.com or book online
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Sat12Aug20231-6:00The Center, Caldwell ID
Come taste wines from the Sunnyslope Region wineries in 1 place!
The annual Sunnyslope Wine Festival will be
held on August 12, 2023, from 1:00- 6:00 PM at The Center.
The Center is a beautiful new event facility in Caldwell,
adjacent to the rodeo grounds.
Local wineries, live music, food trucks, silent auction, and art vendors! AND The Center is air conditioned! We'll see you there ---
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Sat19Aug202310:30 pmHells Canyon WInery
Experience the ultimate relaxing morning here at Hells Canyon.
Deb Oates will lead us in an all-levels vinyasa yoga class on the lawn.
We'll then sip wine on the patio.When: Saturday, August 19th, 10:30 am
What: 1-hr yoga class followed by wine on the patio
Price: $20/general, $15/wine club (price includes class and 1 glass of wine)*
*class participants receive 15% off bottle purchases!
Please RSVP to Hadley HERE
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Sun20Aug202312:30 pmHells Canyon WInery
Join Hells Canyon Winemaker Steve Robertson and taste through the 3 featured Heritage club wines including Hells Canyon '21 Chardonnay Reserve, '20 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, and '04 Deer Slayer Syrah. Light food pairings will be served. RSVP today HERE as space is limited!
Members price: complimentary
Non-Members: $15/person*No reservations available until 1:30 due to tasting
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Sat04Nov2023Sun03Dec202312-5:00Hells Canyon WIneryNOVEMBER Holiday Wine Sale through DECEMBER 3rd - See Deals below!
Get excited, your holidays wine specials will start November 4th through December 3rd! Join us for tasting and super sales for an entire MONTH. Make your reservation today and enjoy a flight tasting, our famous Zhoo Zhoo cookie assortment and a souvenir glass. Tastings feature new wines and library vintages that are on special. Take advantage of our famous holiday BOGO deal(s) including: Buy 1 case '17 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve for $564 and get 1 case '21 Chardonnay Reserve FREE (save $504)!
See all the deals below!SATURDAYS & BLACK FRIDAY
$15: includes flight, cookie box & souvenir wine glass*
$20-$25: includes reserve wine flight(s), cookie box & souvenir wine glass*
*Pay at check out
Want to place an order for hold? Call/Text: (208) 477-4757 Email: HERE
WINE CLUB SUNDAYS
Members: choose your Sunday in November, make a reservation and come on down! Complimentary tasting AND soup by Steve. Additional savings for members on some Holiday wine specials! Not a member? Soup + croissant, $6
Sunday Reservation, email HERE
