Ste. Chapelle Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Additional Information

From its “garagiste” beginnings in Emmett, Idaho to its successful status today as a Snake River Valley destination winery making hometown favorite wines, Ste. Chapelle Winery is commemorating its evolution with a concert featuring the High Street Band on Sunday, Sept. 13. Gates open at noon and the concert begins at 1 p.m. The winery is located at 19348 Lowell Rd. in Caldwell; 208-453-7840.

Kids can enjoy the giant slide while adults savor an exclusive set of tastings for $5 (tasting includes a commemorative glass). Purchase a delicious lunch or a treat from one of our guest caterers (Famous Dave’s, Il Segreto Pizza, Cake Ballers, and Kettle Korn) or pack your own picnic. Wine and beer will also be available to purchase. No outside alcohol permitted. Concert admission: $10 guests, $8 wine club members, children 14 and under are free. Tickets available at https://www.universe.com/40thanniversary. Learn more about the winery at www.stechapelle.com.

Ste. Chapelle Timeline
1971 – The first experimental vinifera vineyards were planted in Idaho by Symms Fruit Ranch, a family-owned fruit producer headed up by Dick Symms, focused mainly on growing apples and peaches. The first harvest that followed in 1973 was sold to California.
1975 – The first winemaking for Symms began in Emmett, ID through its first winemaker, Bill Broich. 1976 – Dick Symms and famed California vintner John Trefethen became friends during flying lessons; the two staked the site of what is now Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, ID.
1979 – On July 4, Ste. Chapelle Winery’s octagonal-shaped, landmark tasting room opened its doors. The tasting room was modeled after the famous Louis IX-era, 13th century La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The winery and its cathedral-inspired tasting room were designed by Boise architect Nat Adams.
1980s – The first Sunday summer concerts began at the winery’s park, solidifying the winery as a destination and drawing large crowds. When it began, the cost of admission was $5 per car load.
1985 – Ste. Chapelle’s wine production hits of 125,000 cases of wine, up from 60,000 cases in 1981.
2000 – Chuck Devlin, formerly a California-based winemaker, became Ste. Chapelle’s principal winemaker.
2011 – Ste. Chapelle’s longtime enologist and assistant winemaker, Maurine Johnson, was officially appointed as winemaker.
2012 – May 14, 2012, Precept Wine acquires Ste. Chapelle from financially troubled Ascentia Wine Estates of Calif.
2014 – Winemaking tiers expand to include the Chateau Series, the AVA-specific Snake River Valley Series, the limited edition Panoramic Idaho Series and the tasting-room-only Treasure Valley Reserves.