After the two stages of stabilization, the wine is refined allowing the winemaker the opportunity to subtly manipulate the finished product. Different characteristics such as tannin levels, acidity, sweetness, and clarity can be adjusted based on preference. Once the wine has been perfected, the wine can be clarified. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by placing the wine in a wine cooler or fridge that can accurately reduce the temperature to about 35 degrees. Using a wine refrigerator or even a wine cellar to clarify the wine takes about a month depending on the wine type and is a natural alternative to chemical clarification.

Following the completion of the clarification process the wine is ready to be bottled. The wine is usually corked in darker glass bottles to reduce the exposure to harmful UV light. The bottling process is said to be traumatic to the wine and the period after bottling is known as “bottle shock” or “bottle sickness”. The length of bottle shock each wine goes through varies and there is no required standard amount of time for wine storage during this period. At this point, the wine is stored in wine coolers at approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit to slow wine aging and adequately preserve the settling vintages.

From there it’s important for the consumer to understand that proper wine storage is their responsibility. This is often why it is best for wine to be bought straight from the winery. As the end customer buying from a grocery store you often don’t know how long the wine has been traveling through the various stages of distribution. Now the wine bottle is sitting on the shelf in front of you, clearly not being stored at its proper temperature. The wine should either be consumed immediately upon purchase or stored in a home wine cooler to keep it fresh. We here at SnakeRiverValleyWine.Org clearly advocate purchasing from the winery. This both better supports their cause and gets you the freshest possible wine for your enjoyment.

Depending on your wine storage needs you can either get a really small cooler for your counter top all the way up to a huge wine cellar the size of some people’s homes. We’ve seen them all. Pick a wine refrigerator that will support the level of passion that you have for wine. Don’t feel that you need a huge wine cellar if you only drink a bottle every couple weeks and have no interest in aging wine. On the other hand, if you do really enjoy wine make sure you don’t sell yourself short. One of the most common complaints people have about buying their own wine storage fridge is accidentally getting one that is too small.

Carmela Winery has built a fantastic little golf course around the winery. You get to golf through the vineyards and marvel at the beautiful river and valley views. The winery is at least as well known for its golf course as wines, with frequent tournaments. There is also an RV campground located on site that has become a popular destination for retiree’s.

The winery has a large variety of white wines available. Due to the very hot summers in which temperatures frequently surpass 100 degrees, and very cold winters with temperatures far below freeing and frequent snow, the wine season is short for Carmela Vineyards. Short growing seasons are synonymous with white wine grapes. Carmela crafts Chardonnay, Semillon, Reisling, and White Zin. Wine fermentation is done is oak barrels.

Carmela does manage to craft a selection of red wines as well despite the short growing season. They have Merlot, Cabernet Suavignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Frnac. They also have blends available, such as Merlot-Cab, and dessert wines.

The winery has banquet rooms available and a fantastic restaurant. Dining at the winery has become a local favorite tradition. Customers have highly recommended their cedar wood plank bbq’s salmon. The Idaho Huckleberry Salad is always a good choice. And don’t forget to do some wine tasting while you are there!

Carmela Vineyards
1289 West Madison
Glenns Ferry, Idaho 83623

208-366-2313
208-366-2458 (fax)

Wine tasting at Ste Chappelle winery is the perfect way to experience their wine collection. Wine lovers can be stepped through a sampling of five different Ste Chappelle wines. The winery is open every single day of the week and the winery will even give complimentary tasting to wine club members. Winery Tours are not quite as easy to come by- You do need to call in advance to set them up as they are by appointment only. But let’s face it- If you are in the mood for some of the best wine Idaho has to offer, this is a must. You can visit the fermenting, aging, and bottling equipment with a knowledgable guide.

Ste Chapelle winery was originally best known for its Resilings, but that is old news at this point. Ste Chappelle has grown far to big and wide to be pigeon holed into one wine varietal. Their Chardonnay, Merlot, Ice Wine, and Sparkling Wine are spreading like and Idaho wild fire. They produce almost any wine varietal you can think of including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Dry Gewurztraminer, Dry Riesling, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Reisling Brut. They also have a selection of what they call “soft wines” that include white, red, and rose sangria wines.

The Ste Chappelle wine club, dubbed “Friends of the Vineyard” offers multiple discounts for consumers. It also includes reserve tasting events for four people, exclusive wine releases before the general public, invitations to special events and discounted ticket prices, and discounted tastings at sister wineries. Becoming a Ste Chappelle wine club member is highly recommended for wine lovers who are residents of Idaho or come to visit frequently.

Contact Info:

Ste Chapelle Winery
19348 Lowell Rd.
Caldwell Idaho 83607
Phone: 208-453-7843