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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Fri23Nov2018Sat24Nov201812 pm - 5 pmHells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
Holiday Open House & Wine Sale
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.