Koenig Distillery & Winery

Brothers Andrew and Greg Koenig have something special going on in the Sunnyslope area of southwest Idaho. It may look like a “little slice of heaven,” but don’t think for a moment that it was the result of dumb luck or winning the lottery. Rather, transforming a 72-acre farm — complete with orchards, premium wine grapes, and potatoes — takes hard work, drive and a healthy dose of family history. It was a three-year stint in their father’s Austrian hometown that taught them the art of distillation and creating brandies from fine fruit. Eventually, when the brothers began producing distilled spirits and wine, it just seemed right to use a family-style coat of arms for the image on their bottle labels — a nice touch.

WineTrail fans may find themselves starting to salivate when they turn onto Grape Lane and drive the short distance to Koenig Distillery & Winery. There, surrounded by fruit trees and rich farmland, is the classically styled two-story, honey-colored production facility and tasting room. It turns out that Greg is an architect, having honed his skills at the University of Notre Dame. He designed the facility and had the insight to house the tasting room on the upper floor, where the outside deck provides a commanding view of the Snake River Valley.

Once you sample Greg’s delectable lineup of wines — chardonnay, viognier, pinot noir, merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and Bordeaux blends — you begin to appreciate why Bitner Vineyards, Williamson Orchards & Vineyards, and 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards turn to him for his winemaking prowess. Greg’s wines are truly remarkable, and I was most impressed by the Syrah Three Vineyard Cuvée, which displays blackberry and pepper flavors. But all his wines are yummy and showcase the unique flavor profiles of the Snake River AVA.

While you’re in the tasting room, be sure to check out Andy’s brandies and vodka. Small wonder that the potato state of Idaho would have a premium vodka distillery. His portfolio of brandies (aka eaux-de-vie) consists of single-fruit cherry, apricot, plum, pear, raspberry, and apple, as well as grappa (a grape brandy made from fermented pomace).

Brothers who share childhood memories can often go on to share grown-up dreams. In the case of Koenig Distillery & Winery, the Koenig brothers’ dreams are reflected in the liquid of each bottle, as are their passion and love of southwest Idaho’s bounty and their unabashed caring for one other.