Sawtooth Winery
Idaho

The winery, formerly known as Pintler Cellars, was founded in 1987 and started as a fifteen-acre vineyard in the heart of the Canyon County region of the Idaho's Snake River Valley. The vineyards surrounding Sawtooth Winery were once rich pastures owned by Charles Pintler. The Pintlers saw a greater potential in the steep, south sloping hills, and set out to grow wine grapes. Seven acres of European vinifera vines were planted in 1982, including Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Semillon grapes. In the following year, four additional acres were planted, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In 1987, the first harvest of fruit was available for the winery.

In 1987, 2000 cases of wine was produced. In 1988, Pintler Cellars became bonded and an official winery. That year, the winery crushed its first grapes and produced wine at its own facility. It was bottled under the Pintler Cellars label. The next year, a tasting room was opened and curious visitors traveled to enjoy Idaho's new premium winery.

In the years to follow, Chardonnay was planted, along with other experimental varieties. More recently, the vineyard has new plantings, including Syrah, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, and Voignier.

Pintler Cellars joined the Corus Brands family in 1998. The winery then changed its name to Sawtooth Winery. The new Sawtooth label is distinctly unique, depicting the jagged Sawtooth mountains and conveying the grandeur of Idaho's scenic wilderness and sporting.