Idaho’s 2026 grape harvest nears completion with lower yields in parts of the state

Idaho grape growers were nearing the end of the 2026 harvest on October 29, with yields below normal in some areas, according to information from growers published by the Idaho Wine Commission. The commission reported small, flavorful and concentrated berries, although one producer cautioned that it was still too early to assess the vintage as a whole.¹

A warm winter brought what the commission described as the earliest bud break on record. Spring hail struck the Sunnyslope Region, while summer heat accelerated development. Smoke from wildfires in Oregon later reduced sunlight during ripening, and cooler autumn weather extended the time that several varieties remained on the vines.¹

Yields were mostly lower in the Snake River Valley AVA, including the Eagle Foothills AVA, because of weather damage and decisions by some growers to reduce their crops. Lanae Ridge Vineyard also reported smaller-than-normal clusters. Koenig Vineyards said grapes had initially developed about 2–3 weeks ahead of a typical year before smoke and cooler weather slowed the season.¹

Conditions were steadier in the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA in northern Idaho. Clearwater Canyon Cellars reported consistently warm weather into October; its white-grape harvest began in the first week of September, followed shortly by red varieties, and the final estate-vineyard pick took place on October 2. Across the state, growers highlighted varieties including Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo, Chardonnay and Viognier for the 2026 harvest.¹