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.
Seattle Post Intelligencer's "Pick of the Week":
"This Idaho winery, part of Corus Estates & Vineyards group, is doing very good work across the entire lineup. Most impressively, it is ...read more
Excellent value, this Idaho Riesling starts freshly sweet, with flavors of crisp green apple and pear, finishing with a clean, lively acidity that leaves you wanting more. Great summer "house" wine fo ...read more
This wine has intense aromas of spices, black berry, and cedar. The mouth feel is accentuated by a concentration of black fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and a long finish. Good value. ...read more
Intense berry, cherry, and spicy aromas proceed mouth filling fruit flavors. Soft full tannins with a long and rich finish. ...read more
Intense aromas of ripe tropical fruits, honey, and creamy vanilla. The flavors and mouth feel are round and rich with a long finish. Only 280 cases made. ...read more >>
