Davis Creek Cellars

Gina Davis, winemaker extraordinaire and owner of Davis Creek Cellars, is among the growing ranks of female winemakers in the Northwest. Referred to by some as a “wine diva,” whatever reputation Gina enjoys has been earned through hard work and a healthy dose of experience.

A graduate of the University of Idaho with a degree in horticulture and crop science (she comes from a farming pedigree), Gina apprenticed at Ste. Chapelle Winery, Sawtooth Winery, and then Koenig Distillery & Vineyards before venturing out on her own. Not only has she worked for renowned winemakers Brad Pintler (Sawtooth Winery) and Greg Koenig (Koenig Distillery & Vineyards), but she’s also been exposed to the best of the best in terms of grape growers.

This in-depth knowledge of Idaho’s grape growers allows Gina to choose the source of her fruit. She’s not tied to a specific vineyard. She can get tempranillo from one grower and Malbec from another. What’s more, if one grower suffers crop freeze, she can turn to another source for grapes. Although most growers she buys from are located in the Snake River Valley (e.g., Skyline Vineyards, Williamson Orchards, Woodriver Vineyards), she has also struck a deal with Scott Pontin of Pontin del Roza Vineyards in Prosser, Washington, to purchase his grapes.

Davis Creek Cellars’ Marsing-based tasting room is located on the highway that leads through town, crossing the bridge over the Snake River. Housed in what was once the Owyhee Theater, the tasting room is the spot for sampling Gina’s chardonnay, pinot grigio, riesling, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, Malbec, merlot, red blends, syrah and my personal favorite, tempranillo. The smell of theater popcorn has been replaced by the redolent smells of red wine. Here you can talk with Gina one on one or with her parents, George and Gayle Davis, who often help in the tasting room. Such intimacy is the advantage of small wineries.

With my nose stuck deep in a glass of syrah, I suddenly experienced a spine-tingling sense of exhilaration and reassurance — the Idaho wine industry is alive and well, thanks to people like Gina Davis. The future is rosé!