BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY FRITSCHE
The Winemakers’ Dance
Par Terre is a true labor of love, and you can taste it in our wines.
We consider that a success!
Recently retired dancers, Mallory and Travis Walker, have been exploring a new kind of art form here in the Treasure Valley: winemaking! While their first love was undoubtedly dance, the couple found a renewed sense of passion and fervor in making wine together and decided to turn that passion into a reality.
They named their winery after the dance term par terre, which means “on the ground.” Together, they were able to, quite literally, lift their dream off the ground and into a brick-
and-mortar location in 2018.
Opportunities continue to knock for Mallory and Travis, and they are excited to announce that Par Terre will be moving to a new, larger location at 4338 W. Chinden (in the former Split Rail Winery PAR TERRE WINERY building). What could be more exhilarating than a bigger building? Sharing it with dance organization Project Flux! Project Flux will have a stage within the winery where they can rehearse, perform, and invite other performers and musical artists to do the same.
“Having both freshly retired from careers in dance, we had very little capital to get started. We actually paid for our first harvest with the money gifted to us after our small backyard wedding!” said Mallory. “Travis was in school obtaining his degree in viticulture and enology and I had recently graduated with a degree in business administration (while teaching Pilates and working for the Sunnyslope Wine Trail) when we started making Par Terre’s first wines in 2016.”
And as if this power couple weren’t busy enough, they also welcomed two beautiful baby girls into their lives around the same time as they started the winery. But despite there only being 24 hours in a day, Mallory and Travis work well together and are able to fulfill their passion for winemaking and raise their growing family.
“I prefer to work with Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, as well as aromatic whites,” shared Travis. “Since we produce lighter reds that are more fruit forward with less oak influence, those varieties showcase their character well. We do grow a very small amount of grapes in our backyard but nothing that would amount to anything commercially. It is a hobby vineyard, and the grapes usually end up in our Rosé. We currently grow Saperavi, Danakharuli, and Cabernet Franc.”
Along with their tasting room, Par Terre also has an incredible wine club for those looking to expand their palate. With both six and twelve-bottle membership options and great discounts on wine, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
“Par Terre is a true labor of love, and you can taste it in our wines. We consider that a success! Mallory continued. “We are proud of where Par Terre is today and are excited for the road ahead!”
Between private tastings, online ordering options, and the winery’s relaxing ambiance, it’s easy to spend hours at Par Terre. It is the perfect place to catch up with friends or unwind after a long shift. Check them out online or on social for up-to-date hours and for their new location’s opening date!
Par Terre Winery is currently open Friday 2-5 PM, Saturday 12-5 and Sunday 12-5. For more information about Par Terre’s wine club or online ordering, visit them at parterrewinery.com or follow them on social media @parterrewinery.
9165 W. Chinden Blvd Ste. 107, Garden City, ID
