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We were happy to attend the Eighth Annual Savor Idaho at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise. It was a beautiful sunny and slightly cooler June day which made it perfect for this outdoor tasting event. There was more creative and tasty local cuisine than in previous years, as well as only select Idaho Wines making it more focused. It was perfect for the enthusiastic wine and food fans who were enjoying this once again Sold Out Event. The Best of Show for creativity this year definitely goes to Paint n Sip http://www.paintnsip.com/ . What fun it was to enjoy this complimentary learn to paint class and be creative while enjoying a glass of wine! The smiles of the participants told the whole story. We look forward to attending one of their local classes in the near future.

Paint n Sip

Paint n Sip

We made the rounds and did taste and enjoy a variety of Idaho Wines. Our favorite this year was the Hat Ranch Winery Dry Moscato which was a perfect afternoon wine. A close second was the refreshing Coiled Wines Rizza Sparkling Riesling followed by the Bitner Vineyards Menopause Merlot. There were alternative beverages as well including Meriwether’s Strong Arm Semi Sweet Cider and Payette Brewing Beer for those who wanted other than wine.

Jakers

Jakers

The cuisine was more plentiful and tastier this year. Our favorite was Bardenay’s Slow Roasted Pork Shank. Jakers Bar & Grill’s Crab Stuffed Mushrooms was also terrific as was Angell’s Bar & Grill’s Meatballs topped with a fabulous spicy tomato sauce. Litehouse Simply Artisan Cheese was also the perfect complement to any glass of wine. Those in need of coffee and dessert were pleased with Dawson Taylor Organic Iced Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and the decadent Melting Pot’s Chocolate Fondue Strawberries. We appreciated that the Boise Co-op was there so you could buy and take home the wines that you tasted and enjoyed.

 Angell's

Angell’s

One of the most pleasant aspects of this year’s event was the layout of the booths. Participants were more spread out which made tasting much easier. Lovely round tables were also set-up in the adjacent section of Botanical Garden. It was quite enjoyable to sit down in the tree shaded area relax, taste and chat. Savor Idaho continues to evolve and get better! We can’t say enough about how much fun people were having with Paint n Sip and highly encourage attending one of their classes!! We had a terrific time with our friends and other wine lovers and look forward to tasting new vintages of Idaho Wines next year! Also remember to enjoy wine tasting and events which are close by along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, as well as other tasting rooms around Idaho.

By Carol & Joe Davis

DD's

Dining Detectives

www.Idahowines.org

www.SavorIdaho.org