26 years of vinting excellence
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Kiersten Patterson Photography
“I love seeing the look on people’s faces the first time they walk through our door and try our wine and food,” smiles Jim Bopp, co-owner and winemaker of Pend d’Oreille Winery. “We’re just a little winery in Northern Idaho, but I think people quickly realize we have a very quality product to offer.”
Founded by Steve and Julie Meyer, Pend d’Oreille Winery opened in 1995. Jim and partner Kylie Presta purchased the business in 2017, continuing the legacy that the Meyers created more than a quarter century ago.
Inspired by the winemaking process and opportunity to continue to learn the science, the history and the art of producing a quality wine is what led Jim and Kylie to become involved in the Pend d’Oreille Winery. “Being involved in the business allows us to tell the story of Pend d’Oreille wines,” smiles Kylie.
The intimate, hands-on winery produces locally made, award-winning wines; approximately 17 varietals from grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley. The winemaking team is attentive to each step of the wine-making process to ensure the most balanced and complex product. “We are involved with the entire process—from fruit to glass, as we intend to produce a quality wine enjoyed by many.”
The owners continue to move forward with growth and new ideas, and new wines, while also keeping the traditions the winery laid down before them.
You can find their tasting room in the heart of downtown Sandpoint in the historic Belwood building. Here guests are invited to stop in to enjoy a superb glass of wine and an artisan pizza in the friendly yet elegant atmosphere that’s been created. “We hope all guests feel welcome when they enter our tasting room and enjoy a glass of excellence,” Kylie affirms. “We maintain a local connection while also extending our presence nationwide through our wine club.”
At Pend d’Oreille Winery, it is a collaborative effort. From those conducting the making of the wine to the employees producing the food and serving the wine in the tasting room, Jim says it takes everyone’s contributions—the incredible staff and the seamless teamwork they maintain—to deliver an experience.
Both born and raised in Sandpoint, Jim and Kylie share the same story of moving away to pursue higher education and travel opportunities—eventually returning to the home they love. They, and their families, are deeply rooted in the Sandpoint community and agree it is “an honor to be part of the local business community, as our local businesses support one another. We work together, we promote one another, we strengthen one another.”
“I love living here in Sandpoint. As a true native to the area, being able to, now as I’ve gotten older, give back and be involved in the community has been wonderful,” shares Jim. “This community helped raise me, so now that I’m able to be part of helping raise the next generation, and hopefully help make Sandpoint a better place, has been very fulfilling.”
Pend d’Oreille Winery supports local nonprofits through their Sip-n-Shop events. Kylie and Jim also volunteer with local nonprofits and support community events.
They invite you to stop by their tasting room (open noon to 8pm Tuesday through Sunday) to taste what they have to offer. This month marks the release of their Huckleberry Blush, and L’Oeuvre is February’s Wine of the Month. Be sure to pair a glass of one of these wines with one of their handcrafted meals from their kitchen.
“Each time a guest tastes our wine and has a positive experience, we are rewarded,” they share. “We enjoy making these wines, and we can only present them and hope they are well-received. We hope guests taste the dedication, attention and fun we put into our wines.”
Pend d’Oreille Winery
301 Cedar Street
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208.265.8545
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