Exploring Boise's Wine Urban Wine Scene

Telaya Wine Company

On a recent trip to Boise, Idaho, Charles and I spent a delightful afternoon exploring two of Garden City’s urban wineries. Nestled along a scenic stretch of the 50-mile Greenbelt that hugs the Boise River, these wineries offer a unique blend of nature and craftsmanship.

We began our day at Telaya Wine Company, just a short walk from our motel. Inside, we were greeted by Heather, whose warmth and deep knowledge of winemaking made our visit truly memorable. We opted to sit indoors and enjoy flights of both white and red wines—each flight featuring four generous pours. On a cooler day, I’d highly recommend sitting outside by the river; the views are stunning.

A standout moment for me was tasting Picpoul Blanc for the first time—a grape native to Languedoc.  Boise sits on a similar latitude and it grows well in Idaho. Charles was especially taken with the Syrah. Throughout our tasting, Heather continued to share insights and stories, making the experience feel personal and informative. As we wrapped up, Heather asked if we’d like a behind-the-scenes tour and a chance to meet Earl Sullivan. He along with his wife, Carrie, are co-owners. We didn’t hesitate—“Absolutely,” we said in unison. With glasses in hand, we stepped into the heart of their operation. Earl welcomed us with genuine hospitality and shared the story behind Telaya’s name—a blend of the Tetons and “la playa,” the beach, two places dear to him and Carrie.

Earl’s previous career had taken him around the world, exposing him to diverse wine regions and techniques. Carrie, with her background in veterinary surgery, was drawn to the science of winemaking. Together, they launched Telaya in 2008, driven by a shared passion and a commitment to excellence.

One theme Earl emphasized was hospitality. It’s woven into every aspect of Telaya—from hand-selecting vineyards and walking the rows to determine harvest timing, to hand-picking only the finest fruit. Their dedication doesn’t stop at the wine; it extends to their team. Employees are treated as ambassadors, encouraged to deepen their wine knowledge, participate in the full winemaking process, and are rewarded for their contributions. Heather’s enthusiasm was a perfect reflection of this philosophy.

Earl and Carrie have cultivated strong relationships with the vineyards they source from, remaining hands-on from vine to bottle. Their core values—compassion, perseverance, integrity, accountability, and family—are proudly displayed in the tasting room and embodied by every staff member. It’s no wonder guests return time and again to relax, reconnect, and celebrate life’s moments.

We shipped a few bottles home, and I know each one will bring back the memories of our time at Telaya—where great wine and great people come together in the most welcoming way.

Coiled

Our next stop that afternoon was just a short stroll away—Coiled Wines. As we stepped inside, we were warmly welcomed by Alex, who quickly earned the title of our favorite Boise State alum. She shared the fascinating backstory of Coiled and introduced us to the vision of its founder and winemaker, Leslie Preston, who began her journey in the California wine scene.

Leslie brings a holistic philosophy to wine tasting, weaving together wine, art, and food to create a truly immersive experience. The name “Coiled” pays homage to the Snake River Valley—the first AVA in Idaho—whose terroir is shaped by ancient lakebed sediments and volcanic rock, lending unique character to the wines.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Leslie launched a second label, Translations. Rather than reinventing the wheel, she blends early-stage wines to craft new styles at varied price points, making her creations accessible without compromising quality.

My personal highlight from the tasting was their Dry Riesling—crisp, expressive, and unforgettable. While we sipped, we struck up a conversation with CJ, a wine club member who was eager to talk shop. These moments—connecting with fellow enthusiasts over a shared passion—are what make wine so special to us.

Just as we were wrapping up, Leslie herself walked in. Meeting winemakers and hearing their stories is always a treat, and Leslie’s presence was the perfect capstone to our visit. She’s cultivated a space that radiates the same warmth and hospitality we felt throughout our day—a true reflection of the spirit behind Coiled Wines.