Founded in 1981 by a passionate group of local wine enthusiasts, the North Idaho Enological Society (NIES) began with casual wine tastings hosted in members’ homes. As the group expanded, they needed a larger venue and found a home at the Lake City Center in Coeur d’Alene. Now, over four decades later, the Society kicked off its 43rd year with a celebratory event on September 7.
As a not-for-profit organization, NIES relies on an annual $25 membership fee to cover general expenses. Additionally, a program fee for each event helps offset the cost of wines, appetizers, and other necessities. The board is dedicated to sourcing high-quality wines, especially for special occasions like the holiday event and the annual winemaker dinner in May at the Hayden Lake Country Club, where any extra funds are used to further enhance the experience for attendees.
“We also host a monthly raffle, which always features a bottle of wine,” shares Leslie Balsley, NIES’ marketing and social media chair. “Our volunteer board does an incredible job maximizing the funds we receive, covering everything from facility rentals to website maintenance.”
NIES’ monthly events combine education with enjoyment, led by knowledgeable speakers ranging from winemakers and distributors to in-house experts. “We frequently collaborate with local wine distributors and wineries, and sometimes we reach out directly to wineries to join us,” Leslie explains. Each event encourages interactive discussion, allowing attendees to deepen their wine knowledge.
“The beauty of our group is that everyone is welcome — whether you’re a beginner or an experienced taster, there’s something for everyone,” Leslie says. “We switch up our programs by featuring different types of wines, specific wineries, or focusing on wines from various regions of the world. Plus, the wines are always available for purchase at great discounted rates. As a member, you also receive a name badge and pay a reduced rate for monthly events.”
Leslie extends an invitation to anyone looking to learn about wine while making new friends. “We encourage anyone interested to come as a guest and see if it’s something they want to pursue,” she says. “We’ve thrived for 43 years, and we hope to continue sharing our love for wine and offering a fun, educational space for all.”
Beyond their events, NIES actively promotes local wine shops, wineries, and wine-related happenings in the area. Members are encouraged to explore these and follow the Society’s updates on their Facebook page (Facebook.com/enologicalsociety).
To get a taste of what the North Idaho Enological Society is all about, sign up for their next event on October 18 via EventBrite.com. For more information, visit NorthIdahoWineSociety.org.
