Gwen Fire burns Colter’s Creek Winery in north Idaho [Video]

BOISE, Idaho — The Gwen Fire started July 24 by lightning near Lapwai – causing significant damage, especially for Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery – who lost their winery. Their vineyard was mostly protected. 

Melissa Sanborn and her husband bought the vineyard and opened Colter’s Creek in 2007. Now, they are starting from square one.

“The vineyards intact, but it did destroy our main irrigation lines and our power supply,” Sanbord said. “We aren’t able to manage it right now.”

Sanborn also said they do not have anywhere to produce the wine as the winery burned down. Fortunately, Sanborn’s home was OK. 

“Even though the fires burned down to the house, we think the vineyard buffered the fire so that it protected the house,” Sanborn said. “So, our house didn’t burn, which was amazing. …