Over the last two decades, Pend d’Oreille Winery has been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Whether one is listening to music, meeting up with friends or having a romantic night out, it’s the perfect venue to enjoy fine wine and create special memories.
The unique Downtown Sandpoint winery was acquired by Jim Bopp and Kylie Presta in December of 2017. The pair purchased the business from founders Steve and Julie Meyer, who were also responsible for purchasing and renovating the beautiful space that is home to the winery. “Steve and Julie set the foundation and created this beautiful space,” says Kylie.
Kylie and Jim have been part of the Pend d’Oreille Winery team for several years—Jim for 10 and Kylie for five. Both have a passion for winemaking and the creativity that goes into the process. “I’m an artist, and you have to be to do what I do,” says Jim. Kylie started out as a chemist analyzing the wine and quickly became involved in the winemaking process.
Both agree that it is important to maintain the consistency and quality that has earned Pend d’Oreille Winery countless awards and the respect of many wine drinkers over the past two decades but also look forward to bringing new things to the palates of their customers.
The refillable wine bottles remain popular, with approximately 600 refilled on a monthly basis. And while they have customers throughout the country to whom they ship, they are grateful to those in their hometown that support them on a regular basis. To show their appreciation, they do as much as they can to support many causes throughout the community either through their Sip ‘n Shop events or donating to certain fundraisers.
In addition to live music each Friday evening, the winery is host to Trivia Night the last Thursday of the month beginning at 5:30pm. They also offer monthly Paint ‘n Sip classes and recently introduced the Second Saturday Artist Feature. “We typically also have music for this event,” Kylie says of the increasingly popular event that features a different local artist each month.
Both Kylie and Jim were raised in the area and are grateful for the opportunity to pursue their passion in such a wonderful community. They are joined by a staff of eight, who they say make the perfect team.
The music provided at the winery on Fridays and an occasional Saturday draws performers from all over the Northwest including Seattle and Missoula, as well as many local performing artists.
In addition to the opportunity to taste a variety of incredible wine, the Tasting Room also has small bites available including a charcuterie board. And for those who prefer, there is locally crafted beer available.
Pend d’Oreille Winery’s gift shop features many wine-related items and accessories, perfect gifts for that wine lover in your life, as well as creations by local craftsmen.
Jim and Kylie express deep gratitude to their families for the support they have shown them in taking on their new venture, and they look forward to connecting even more with their customers as time goes on.
“It’s very humbling to see people returning again and again,” says Jim. “It’s a gift to not only be able to own and operate this winery but to be able to live in Sandpoint as well.”
Pend d’Oreille Winery
Downtown Sandpoint
301 Cedar Street
208.265.8545
