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
Event Information:
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Fri01Nov2024Sun01Dec202412-5:00Hells Canyon WInery
NOVEMBER - Holiday Open House - Every Weekend
Our Annual Holiday Open House is on now, November 1st through December 1st! Join us for tasting and super sales for an entire MONTH. Make your reservation today and enjoy a flight tasting of 4 wines, and our famous Zhoo Zhoo cookie assortment! Tastings feature new wines and library vintages that are on special. Take advantage of our famous holiday BOGO deal(s) including: Buy 1 case of Zhoo Zhoo '21 Claret for $348 and get 1 case Zhoo Zhoo Brunette FREE (save $252)!
See all the deals below!BLACK FRIDAY & SATURDAYS
$15: includes flight & cookie box
$20-$25: includes reserve wine flight(s) & cookie box
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!
Sunday Reservation, email HERE
*Priority Seating for Wine Club Members, walk-ins accepted upon availabilityONLINE RESERVATIONS 
Here are those famous Hells Canyon & Zhoo Zhoo annual wine specials! You can check everyone off on your gift list! Can't make it in before December 1st? Give us a call and we'll hold or ship your order. (208) 477-4757 or email Hadley HERE 
WINTER HIDEAWAY WINE-2004 MERLOT RESERVE
Our 20-year anniversary special, Winter Hideaway, BUY 6 bottles for $285 ($270/wine club) and enjoy this wine for $47.50/bottle, regularly $130/bottle! Sample in our Sweather Weather wine flight.
Tasty Note:
"Red currant and cardamom on the nose and flavors of black cherry and clove. A bright citrus orange finish. "Serve with savory pork roasted with apples and onions. #SweaterWeather #SpiceisNice
NOVEMBER WINE CLUB: READY FOR PICK-UPHELL OR HIGH WATER: Hells Canyon '16 LAVA/100 Black ($98), Zhoo Zhoo '21 Snow Bunny ($24), '22 Sunny Hunny ($21)
SNAKE RIVER REDS: Hells Canyon '16 LAVA/100 Black ($98), '20 Cabernet Franc Reserve ($42), Zhoo Zhoo'21 Snow Bunny ($24)
HELLS CANYON HERITAGE: Hells Canyon '14 LAVA/100 Black($108), '18 Cabernet Franc Reserve ($72), '18 Middle Fork Merlot ($59)
see below for upcoming tasting details.HERITAGE WINE CLUB TASTING
Saturday, November 16th, 11:30-1:00
Taste through the 3 wines featured in November's Heritage Club release with winemaker Steve Robertson. Complimentary for members (ALL Membership types), $20/general. Please RSVP 48 hours in advance, limited seating, make your reservation today. Email Hadley HEREInterested in joining wine club?
Inquire HERE today!
HOLIDAY CORK BONUS
During the Holiday Wine Sale, when you spend $100 or more, get rewarded with a holiday cork coupon coded for BIG discounts to be used Saturday, December 7th - Sunday, February 9th!* Reach into the stocking and choose a cork good for 50% off purchase(s) or a FREE bottle of wine valued up to $30!
*corks will NOT be valid Valentines weekend 2025 so use them before then!
FALL/WINTER HOURS
NOVEMBER 1st-30th
Black FRI & SAT, 12 -5
Sundays Wine Club members ONLY, 12-5
DECEMBER 1st-22nd
SAT & SUN, 12-5:00
DECEMBER 21st: closed for private event
Holiday CLOSURE: December 27th-January 11th
MEMBERS ONLY DAY: Sunday, January 12th
