JULIAETTA, Idaho — On July 29, Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery announced on their Facebook page that they would be closing their doors due to the impacts of the massive Gwen Fire impacting areas south of Juliaetta.
Owners Mike Pearson and Melissa Sanborn said in their post that the Gwen Fire burned their production facility, warehouse, and equipment. They also said that the fire burnt their power supply, main irrigation lines, and a section of their vines.
The vineyard survived the fire, but they said that the overall business was "destroyed within minutes."
The owners said, "We have made the heavy-hearted decision to discontinue making wine."
"The whole thing is going to have to be demoed," Melissa said. "The fire started on the south end of the building what we think is the production area and our crash pad."
Burned-up wine bottles, barrels, and a couple of cars were taken out from the fire, destroying an estimated 20,000 gallons of the product as Sanborn waits to meet with insurers to assess the damage.
Our biggest thing is we're going to sell what little inventory we have left up in our tasting room in Moscow," Melissa said.
Mike and Melissa said that they will temporarily open their Moscow tasting room to sell whatever inventory they have leftover from the wine. All of the proceeds from the leftover inventory will be given to their employees.
Keep an eye out for the hours and details if you plan on getting the last few batches of wine.
The company has been running for nearly 20 years, and the pair made it clear on their Facebook post that it would have been ideal to leave on their terms. They said they will now focus on their employees and cleaning up the land that has made their business thrive for many years.
Mike and Melissa's final words about the decision were, "Thank you all for the ride, and we look forward to enjoying a glass with you down the road."
Mike and Melissa have set up a GoFundMe page for The Arrow Junction Fire District due to them putting time and effort into protecting homes from The Gwen Fire.
The Gwen Fire is located South of Juliaetta Idaho, about 30 miles outside Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County. The fire has burned around 28,000 acres.