This fall, Downtown Coeur d’Alene became home to Castaway Cellars. The tasting room and wine bar opened up in the Resort Plaza Shops on bustling Sherman Avenue in the heart of downtown. The couple behind Castaway Cellars is Shelly and Scott Crawford, who have been ardent lovers of wine for nearly two decades, and due to their passion for wine and learning, they began making wine in 2014—and Castaway Cellars was born. This August, they realized their dream of opening their own tasting room.
The mission for this small family owned business is to provide their customers with well-crafted, quality wines from a variety of exceptional vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. It is equally important to the Crawfords to provide their guests with a warm and friendly tasting room atmosphere where they can taste and enjoy those wines.
When visiting Castaway Cellars’ tasting room and wine bar, the atmosphere is sophisticated and classy, yet relaxed. You’ll be treated to quality wines that showcase some of the great varietals being produced in the Columbia Valley. In addition, they have a seasonal small plate menu; everything is prepared from fresh ingredients and made in house.
When it came to the decision on where to open their tasting room, they knew they had chosen the perfect location. “We really love the energy of Downtown Coeur d'Alene,” says Shelly, who holds both Viticulture and Enology Certificates from Washington State University. “The benefits of being downtown have been that we get great exposure to not only Coeur d'Alene area locals, but to the large amount of tourists who come through the downtown area as well.”
Stop in each Friday, when live music fills the tasting room. They hold Wine Release Parties regularly, and they host catered wine and dinner pairing events. You can visit CastawayCellars.com or Facebook.com/cdawine to find out about upcoming events. The facility is available to book for private tastings and events and can accommodate nearly 100 guests. Shelly and her staff are happy to work with their clients on customized catering options as well.
With a limited number of wineries in Northern Idaho, local wine enthusiasts are excited that Shelly and Scott chose to bring their passion for wine to Coeur d’Alene and share it with the community.
Though they have only been open a few months, Shelly is truly grateful that she has the opportunity to do what she loves. “I feel like the most rewarding aspect has been turning our passion into a business,” she says. “I am so fortunate to be doing something that I love and being able to share our wines with family, friends and the people in our community.”
Castaway Cellars is open Monday through Thursday 11am to 6pm, and Friday through Saturday 11am to 9pm. Stop in, taste and stay for a while.
Castaway Cellars
Downtown Coeur d’Alene 210 Sherman Ave. Ste. 161
208.819.1296
