Our History

Our History

1980s

1980s

The first vines of Colter’s Creek were planted by property owner Larry Spencer, who subsequently produced wine from the grapes. Spencer planted 5 acres of Chardonnay, White Riesling, and Rkatsiteli cultivars.

1980s

1990s

1990s

New property owners Larry Kornze and Sherman Stapleton plant 3 acres of Bordeaux grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

1990s

1994-2007

1994-2007


The vineyard is essentially abandoned for a decade.

1994-2007

2007

2007

A weekend drive past the abandoned vineyard leads to the purchase and establishment of Colter’s Creek along the Potlatch River. 2007-2008 are spent resurrecting the vines to fruitfulness.

2007

2008

2008

First vintage from various Northwest vineyards.

2008

2009

2009

First commercial harvest at Colter’s Creek.

2009

2012

2012

Colter’s Creek Winery receives its first 90 point wine from a major publication. The 2010 Riesling is awarded 90 points and a ranking of 72 in the top 100 value wines of 2012. Wine Enthusiast - 2012.

2012

2009-2014

2009-2014

Mike and Melissa continue to plant vines at the original Potlatch River site, increasing the vineyard size to 28 acres and 19 cultivars.

2009-2014

2011-2012

2011-2012

Purchase of the historic Pharmacy building, built in 1902, in Juliaetta. Tasting room and restaurant opens in 2012.

2011-2012

2014-2015

2014-2015

The vineyard expands with the purchase of the Arrow Junction vineyard site. It is planted entirely in Syrah, bringing the vineyard size to 33 acres.

2014-2015

2015-2018

2015-2018

Purchase and remodel of the historic Hattabaugh building, built in 1892, in Moscow, Idaho. Tasting room opens in 2018.

2015-2018

2021

2021

The Hattabaugh Boutique Hotel opens above the Moscow tasting room.

2021
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