Wildfire destroys Juliaetta winery, business forced to end operations

JULIAETTA, Idaho. — The Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery was destroyed in a wildfire and will end their winemaking business.

On July 25, the Gwen Fire burned the production facility, warehouse, and equipment of Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery.

According to the winery, the vineyard survived, but the wine inventory and infrastructure is a near-complete loss.

Because of the significant loss, the winery has decided to discontinue making wine.

A temporary tasting room will open up in Moscow to sell remaining inventory.

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According to owners Mike Pearson and Melissa Sanborn, all proceeds from their sales will go directly to the employees.

Pearson and Sanborn say, "For nearly 20 years we have put our life into this business. It would have been ideal to leave on our own terms, but we know this is the right decision for our family. We will now direct our time and attention to our employees and cleaning up the land that has graciously given itself to us for so many years."

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