Weekend Wine Itinerary #1
Friday:
Check in to the luxurious Hells Canyon Grand. Start out your afternoon at Jovinea to taste an amazing array of unique varietals. Take some time to walk and explore the other downtown shops located in vibrant downtown Lewiston. Take a breather from shopping to stop in at Hops & Vine for a local glass of wine, beer, or handcrafted cocktail with small bites. Wind down at Brava’s for dinner for their local favorite…3 variations of bite-size steak paired with a glass of local Clearwater Canyon red wine. Cap off the evening next door at Brock’s Smirking Goat for some handcrafted libations and live music.
Saturday:
Stop by Bumper Crop Coffee in downtown Lewiston to kick off your day and warm up with a handcrafted espresso along with a breakfast burrito or sandwich. If you missed some shops yesterday, this is the perfect time to explore some more. When lunch time rolls around make your way to the outskirts of Lewiston to Lindsay Creek Vineyards to taste wine paired with local flavors. Order the hummus plate made from chickpeas grown in the field right outside or the fresh baked bread using the proprietor’s Harvest Ridge Organics & Milling flour, also grown on site. A short 10-minute drive away is Two Bad Labs Vineyard & Winery where you’ll love the wine, and the laid-back vibe. Don’t be surprised if an impromptu jam session starts up.
Wrap up at Seasons Bites and Burgers nestled in Morgan’s Alley in downtown Lewiston for your choice of SIX different bite size steak options paired with a local wine. Or choose their sister restaurant next door, Old Town Sushi, for hand rolled rolls that are just as delicious as they are beautiful.
It's time to head back to the Hells Canyon Grand and cozy into an outdoor heated globe (reserve in advance) for a hot chocolate board and handcrafted drinks.
Sunday:
Take it easy this morning…one of the best brunches in town is just downstairs! Choose from their expansive brunch menu options on the sweeter side with luscious Oregon Trail Berry Pancakes or the savory Cougar Gold Burger with tangy Cougar Gold cheese from Washington State University.
Weekend Wine Itinerary #2
Friday:
Check in at the riverside Holiday Inn in Clarkston (Click over to our Packages page to get info on booking a wine getaway at 15% off) and walk across the parking lot for an afternoon tasting at Basalt Cellars.
This boutique winery is known for its meticulous attention to detail, producing award-winning reds and whites that embody the rich soils and unique climate of the region. The tasting room provides a relaxed, welcoming environment where guests can explore a diverse selection of varietals, guided by knowledgeable staff who share the stories behind each bottle. Their 2020 Cabernet Franc just won a Double Platinum from the Great Northwest Wine Awards! Don't forget to stock up on wine for the holidays and fill up a bag of wine-related gifts to check off your holiday list.
Wrap up your day with dinner at the hotel’s Quay Restaurant or by the cozy fireplace in the lounge. Try their Red Wine & Bleu Bites (yummy, marinated steak bites char-grilled and finished with a red wine demi-glace, oyster mushrooms, shallots and topped with bleu cheese crumbles) paired with a local bottle of Basalt, Lindsay Creek, or Clearwater Canyon wine.
Saturday:
Begin your day with a fresh and hearty breakfast at Mystic Café in beautiful downtown Lewiston along with a handcrafted coffee or smoothie. Choose from omelets, Benedicts, the delicious & healthy Morning Bowl, or the lineup of toasts like the Margherita (they do have the classic Avo Toast). Their delicious Bottomless Mimosas are a local favorite!
Browse the downtown shops (Stop in at Newberry Square for some local souvenirs from Idaho Memories, gorgeous local photos at Lucidity Photography, or handcrafted Native artisan treasures at Traditions Gift Shop.) Meander down the street towards Brackenbury Square to pick up some picnic supplies at Ampersand to enjoy with your tasting at Clearwater Canyon Cellars.
Your next stop, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, is an award-winning, family-owned winery that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sample handcrafted wines that reflect the unique character of the region. Known for their bold reds and elegant whites, they emphasize sustainability and local sourcing in their winemaking process. With stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a visit here is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Pacific Northwest wines.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Jollymore’s. Located in the heart of downtown Lewiston, it's a locally beloved fine dining restaurant known for its warm, inviting ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Offering a thoughtfully curated menu that blends regional flavors with contemporary flair, Jollymore’s is a go-to spot for those seeking a memorable meal. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes, this dining gem captures the essence of Pacific Northwest cuisine. We're eying the flame-grilled Rib Eye, cedar plank salmon, or a Snake River Farms Wagyu sirloin paired with a bottle of local wine!
Sunday:
Take a scenic drive along the Clearwater River to Rivaura winery for a tasting with amazing views. Chef Bun Bun’s semi-permanent food truck offers a delectable variety of options to pair with your wine. Her fresh farm-to-table approach and made-from-scratch items will keep you coming back for more. Choose from Rivaura's line up of reds, whites, bubbles, and rosé by the glass or bottle as well as their house made River Ranch Brewing Co. craft brews on tap.
Wine tasting at Rivaura Estate Vineyards offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Lewis Clark Valley. Nestled along the Clearwater River, this family-run vineyard provides breathtaking views and a relaxed, scenic setting for guests to enjoy their carefully crafted wines. Known for their estate-grown varietals, Rivaura emphasizes a hands-on approach from vine to bottle, resulting in wines that capture the essence of the region’s fertile land and climate.
Cozy up to one of their outdoor fire pits and enjoy the view of the sparkling Clearwater River before you say "farewell" to the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA for now. We have more wine weekend itineraries waiting for your return visit.