A Growing Industry, Still Finding Its Footing
Idaho’s wine industry is expanding, bringing new energy, new growers, and new opportunities to the region. But unlike more established wine regions, growth here comes with real uncertainty.
The Idaho Wine Commission plays a central role in helping this emerging industry find its footing, supporting both seasoned growers and those just getting started.
Led by Executive Director Moya Dolsby, the Commission focuses on more than promotion. Its work spans education, education, and long-term industry development.
“We’re here to market and grow all Idaho wineries and growers,” she explains, through education, storytelling, and building awareness that connects producers with consumers.
— Moya Dolsby, Executive Director, Idaho Wine Commission
But behind that mission is a deeper reality: growth brings complexity.
Beyond Marketing: Building an Industry from the Ground Up
For many growers, success does not start in the vineyard. It starts with access to the right knowledge.
To support this, the Commission developed resources like A Practical Guide to Starting a Vineyard in Idaho, helping new growers navigate:
- Site planning
- Business and brand development
- Long-term vineyard strategy
This type of support is critical in an emerging region, where growers often face a steeper learning curve than those in established markets.
At the same time, the Commission works to raise awareness through events, media outreach, and storytelling, helping Idaho wine continue to gain national visibility.
The Challenges Behind the Growth
As the industry expands, several pressures have surfaced:
- Agricultural land is increasingly at risk due to population growth
- The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more than $200,000 in lost revenue
- Crop health threats, particularly grapevine red blotch virus, are becoming more urgent
Grapevine red blotch virus, often referred to as GRBV, has become a critical concern, especially for Syrah growers. The virus can reduce both yield and sugar levels, directly affecting fruit quality. In many cases, infected vines must be removed entirely.
These are not isolated issues. They are systemic challenges that require coordinated solutions.
Where Research Meets Real-World Need
Addressing these challenges requires more than individual effort. It requires collaboration.
The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research works alongside stakeholders like the Idaho Wine Commission to align research efforts with real industry needs across the Pacific Northwest.
This multi-state model allows researchers and industry leaders to work together, sharing expertise, funding, and insight to solve problems that affect the entire region.
This research is part of a broader collaborative effort across the Pacific Northwest, supported by NCSFR — ensuring that innovation is shared, scalable, and regionally relevant.
Targeting a Critical Threat: Grapevine Red Blotch Virus
One of the most important collaborative efforts between the Idaho Wine Commission and NCSFR focuses on grapevine red blotch virus.
Together, they have helped fund research to better understand how the virus impacts grape production and how it spreads across vineyards.
This work includes NCSFR-supported researchers such as:
- Dr. Jungmin Lee, USDA-ARS, Parma, Idaho
- Dr. Alexander Karasev, University of Idaho
Research Focus
The research referenced in the original stakeholder material includes two studies:
- Influence of grapevine red blotch virus on Idaho Syrah grape composition
- First report of grapevine red blotch virus in Idaho grapevines
These studies help document the presence, impact, and industry relevance of GRBV in Idaho vineyards.
From Research to Application
The goal of this work is not only to study the problem, but to give growers information they can use.
Research like this helps growers:
- Better understand disease pressure
- Make informed vineyard management decisions
- Protect crop quality
- Strengthen long-term industry resilience
Growers, researchers, and industry partners can explore related research outcomes and fact sheets through ARIEL — A Research Collaboration Platform.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The Idaho Wine Commission’s role extends far beyond promotion.
By combining grower education, industry education, and strategic research investment, the Commission is helping build a more resilient wine industry in Idaho.
Through collaboration with NCSFR, this work becomes even more impactful. Research is not isolated to one vineyard, one institution, or one state. Instead, findings can be shared across institutions and regions, strengthening the broader Pacific Northwest small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops research network.
Connecting Research to Opportunity
Research does not happen in isolation. It is part of a larger ecosystem that includes funding, collaboration, and ongoing discovery.
For researchers and partners interested in future projects, NCSFR funding opportunities are available through ARIEL — A Research Collaboration Platform.
Learn More About the Idaho Wine Commission
To learn more about how the Idaho Wine Commission supports growers, promotes Idaho wines, and advances the industry, visit the official Idaho Wine Commission website.
