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JA N UA RY 2 02 6

FROM INJURY TO ASCENT

One bad turn, one rocky trail, and you’re down. At Saint Alphonsus, we see the fractures – and the bigger picture. We move fast. With steady hands, sharp minds, and tech that guides every move. This isn’t just care, it’s your comeback.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Celebrating What Makes Meridian Shine

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I VE

Jill Trotter | jill.trotter@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

The new year always brings its own spark—fresh momentum, quiet reflection, and a renewed sense of connection. As Meridian Lifestyle steps into another year of publishing, I’m reminded how much of our work is shaped by the entrepreneurs, families, and longtime residents who give this city its character. Their drive and creativity continue to push Meridian forward in meaningful ways. This past season, as our sister magazine Boise Lifestyle celebrated its ten-year milestone, many of the partners who’ve supported Meridian Lifestyle were right there with us. Several of the business owners and community leaders featured in this issue’s event photos have walked alongside us for years. Their support, collaboration, and belief in the value of local storytelling have helped shape this publication in ways that matter. We’re grateful for every one of them. Looking ahead, our mission stays the same: to shine a light on the people and businesses who make Meridian thrive. From start-ups finding their footing to established organizations making a lasting impact, your work gives this publication its purpose. Whether you’re a reader discovering something new or a business hoping to share your voice with the community, we’re honored to help make those connections happen. As we step into the year, keep moving, keep connecting, and celebrate the small wins that make life feel full. Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and community. Meridian, we’re excited to keep telling your stories.

SAL E S S U P P O RT AS S I STAN T

Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tammy De Weerd, Tricia Busalacchi, Greg Neruda, April Schulte-Barclay, Mel Boban, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Denise Llorente, Caitlin Agnew C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Tammy De Weerd, Life N Light

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

G R E G G E W A LT, P U B L I S H E R @MERIDIAN.LIFESTYLE

Meridian Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Franklin Rd.

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Meridian Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Meridian area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 26

Featured

Performance Starts With Care

Bringing high-performance injury care closer to home for Meridian families

Handmade Tradition in Eagle

A family continues a beloved bakery’s Italian craft with quiet dedication

Boise Winter River Riders

Ringing In Bubbles

At the Boise Whitewater Park, winter surfing has carved out its own year-round culture

From historic Champagne cellars to rising sparklers, a festive way to welcome another new year

38 On the Cover

Departments

Derek Kunz, MD, of Saint Alphonsus, blends clinical expertise with community commitment, helping athletes stay healthy, resilient, and prepared for the road ahead.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Outdoor Adventure SPORTS + RECREATION

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local’s Choice FOOD + BEVERAGE

Open House LIFE + CULTURE

Must See SPORTS + RECREATION

Hosting Tips FOOD + BEVERAGE

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Our Town ENTERTAINMENT

Photography: Saint Alphonsus Sports Medicine

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself! Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth‑grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. The results are unmatched at any price! Boise Bloom (PS–G1) (208) 338-9500 5551 West Bloom Street Boise, ID 83703 Everest (PS–G8) (208) 846-8888 2020 W. Everest Lane Meridian, ID 83646

Scan to schedule a tour An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2025, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-3: The Meridian Chamber of Commerce honored its 2025 leaders at the annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon, recognizing Callie Zamzow of Zamzows, David Turnbull of Brighton Corporation, and Ambassador of the Year Jake Tolman of First Federal Bank for their leadership, community service, and impact across Meridian. Photography by @meridianidchamber

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FR ESH TERR AIN AHEAD Idaho ski areas expand steep lines, glades, and sidecountry access for a bigger winter on the mountain

Soldier Mountain expands its winter offering with guided TRAX sidecountry access across newly opened terrain

Idaho’s mountains are rolling into the 2025–26 season with meaningful terrain expansions across the state, giving skiers and riders more to explore as the snow begins to fall. The biggest addition comes from Sun Valley, which is entering its 90th winter with 90 acres of newly gladed terrainbetween Canyon, Exhibition, and Olympic. The work stems from the resort’s ongoing Bald Mountain Forest Stewardship Project — a collaboration with federal partners that improves forest health and reduces fire risk

while opening up some of Baldy’s most engaging advanced lines. Sun Valley has developed more than 350 acres of glades in the past five years, and the new terrain continues that momentum. The resort is also introducing RFID access and expanded clinics, with Sunny’s Adventure Park debuting on Dollar Mountain. Further south, Tamarack Resort is transforming the aftermath of the Rock Fire into opportunity. Roughly 60 acres of new advanced terrain south of Bliss will open this season, adding steep, technical

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | SPORTS + RE CRE AT ION

CONTINUED >

Little Ski Hill

Austin Smith, Bogus Basin

Pebble Creek

Rotarun Ski Area near Hailey

Lucy Sackbauer, Sun Valley

Grand Targhee, 500+ inches annually

Schweitzer

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

Lookout Pass

skiing shaped by natural burn patterns. Tamarack also widened Waltz, its primary green run, upgraded snowmaking, and improved grooming on heavily used trails. Other updates include new chairlift loading ramps and expanded parking, part of the resort’s efforts to manage peak-day crowds and improve flow. Close to home for Treasure Valley families, Bogus Basin continues to refine its terrain with additional glading in the Pine Creek and Bitterroot areas and a new beginner-friendly connection off Morning Star Express. The nonprofit mountain also piloted innovative snow-storage technology that preserved 11 acre-feet of snow from last winter — a hedge against early-season uncertainty. In North Idaho, Silver Mountain expanded gladed terrain in the North Face Glades and extended Sheer Bliss, offering more fall-line skiing while improving overall mountain flow. For sidecountry enthusiasts, Soldier Mountain plans to reopen 250 acres of guided access terrain, reached by TRAX side-by-side UTV

Tamarack Resort

Pomerelle Mountain Resort

Kelly Canyon Resort

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | SPORTS + RE CRE AT ION

or by bootpack routes. The terrain opened briefly last March and returns this season on select dates. Elsewhere, Magic Mountain and Kelly Canyon have made targeted improvements to beginner areas and glades, rounding out a winter shaped by incremental but impactful growth across the Gem State’s ski landscape. Visit skiidaho.us for more details.

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B r i n g i n g h i g h - p e r fo r m a n c e i n j u r y c a re c l o s e r t o h o m e fo r M e r i d i a n f a m i l i e s ARTICLE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SAINT ALPHONSUS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAINT ALPHONSUS

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“From preparation to play and recovery to rehab, Saint Alphonsus will walk with the athletes of Athletic Club Boise every step of the way,” From youth sports to weekend warriors to elite athletes, Saint Alphonsus has earned a reputation for sports medicine excellence throughout the region. Earlier this year, Athletic Club Boise welcomed Saint Alphonsus as its Official Sports Medicine Provider. The relationship with Idaho’s first professional United Soccer League (USL) soccer club reflects Saint Alphonsus’s commitment to high-performance care. “From preparation to play and recovery to rehab, Saint Alphonsus will walk with the athletes of Athletic Club Boise every step of the way,” said David McFadyen, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System. Their sports medicine works goes far beyond professional soccer. Saint Alphonsus supports Ballet Idaho, helping both professional dancers and aspiring performers stay healthy, resilient, and stage-ready. They collaborate with youth organizations such as Rush Soccer and Optimist Football, providing sideline coverage, injury assessments, and education on safe training practices. And they are highly visible supporters at major community events like Boise Ironman, Jaialdi, and The Boise Open, where their providers ensure medical support is available when it’s needed most. Just as important is the care they provide every day throughout the Treasure Valley at their seven orthopedic and sports medicine clinics. That includes three dedicated orthopedic urgent care clinics, including at 867 S Vanguard Way in Meridian – where their physicians stand ready to provide immediate care for injuries involving bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. We asked Dr. Derek Kunz, the Medical Director of Saint Alphonsus Sports Medicine, to share his insights about how the organization supports the community and maintains its commitment to providing accessible, expert care.

Q: WHAT SETS SAINT ALPHONSUS SPORTS MEDICINE APART FROM OTHER PROGRAMS IN THE REGION?

Dr. Kunz: What truly distinguishes our program is the integrated, multidisciplinary model we’ve built. Our team includes fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians,

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers who work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals. We don’t just treat injuries—we treat the whole athlete. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a high school competitor, or a professional player, our approach is rooted in understanding the person behind the injury. That means considering lifestyle, performance goals, and long-term wellness, not just short-term recovery.

Q: HOW DOES SAINT ALPHONSUS MAKE CARE ACCESSIBLE ACROSS THE TREASURE VALLEY?

Dr. Kunz: Accessibility is a cornerstone of our mission. We’ve strategically placed Sports Medicine clinics and Orthopedic Urgent Care centers in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell to ensure that expert care is never far away. These locations offer walk-in access, on-site imaging, and same-day evaluations for acute injuries. We know that when someone is hurt—whether it’s a sprained ankle or a suspected fracture—time matters. Our goal is to eliminate barriers to care and provide timely, high-quality treatment close to home. We also offer extended hours and weekend availability to accommodate busy schedules.

Q: CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH YOUTH SPORTS AND HIGH SCHOOLS?

Dr. Kunz: We’re incredibly proud of our deep roots in youth athletics. Through our Sports Medicine Outreach Department, we provide on-site medical coverage for high school teams, club sports, and community tournaments. Our athletic trainers and physicians are embedded in schools and on sidelines, building relationships with athletes, coaches, and families. We offer pre-season sports physicals, injury prevention workshops, and real-time injury assessments during games. It’s about being present—not just in the clinic, but in the community—so young athletes can compete safely and confidently.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF INJURIES AND TREATMENTS ARE COMMONLY ADDRESSED IN YOUR CLINICS?

Dr. Kunz: We see a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, from ACL tears and rotator cuff injuries to stress fractures and concussions. Our clinics are equipped to handle both acute and chronic conditions. We offer diagnostic ultrasound, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, and comprehensive rehabilitation planning. Every treatment is grounded in evidence-based medicine, and we tailor our approach to the athlete’s sport, position, and recovery timeline. Our goal is to restore function and prevent re-injury, so patients can return to activity stronger than before.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND INFLUENCE YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF CARE?

Dr. Kunz: Growing up in Idaho, I experienced firsthand the importance of accessible, community-based care. That upbringing shaped my belief that sports medicine should be proactive, not just reactive. I strive to meet patients

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

where they are—whether that’s on the field, in the clinic, or at a community event. I’ve always believed that the best care happens when providers are part of the fabric of the community. It’s not just about treating injuries; it’s about building trust and helping people stay active throughout their lives.

Q: WHAT IF A PATIENT NEEDS ADVANCED OR SPECIALIZED CARE BEYOND SPORTS MEDICINE?

Dr. Kunz: That’s one of the biggest advantages of being part of the Saint Alphonsus Health System. If a patient needs specialized care — whether it’s orthopedic surgery, neurology, cardiology, or pain management — we can seamlessly coordinate referrals within our network. This means faster access to diagnostics, consultations, and treatment plans, all under one umbrella. It’s a streamlined experience that reduces delays and ensures continuity of care. Athletes and active individuals benefit from a comprehensive system that supports every stage of recovery and performance.

Q: WHAT’S NEXT FOR SAINT ALPHONSUS SPORTS MEDICINE?

Dr. Kunz: We’re focused on growth and innovation. That includes expanding our clinic footprint, enhancing urgent care services, and increasing our presence in youth sports. We’re also investing in new technologies and treatment modalities to stay at the forefront of sports medicine. Our vision is to be the most accessible, trusted, and forward-thinking provider in the region. Whether it’s through community outreach, clinical excellence, or strategic partnerships, we’re committed to elevating the standard of care for every athlete we serve. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit saintalphonsus. org/sports-medicine or call (208) 302-3500.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

Handmade Tra d i t i o n i n E a g l e A FAMILY CONTINUES A BELOVED BAKERY’S ITALIAN CRAFT WITH QUIET DEDICATION

ARTICLE BY TRICIA BUSALACCHI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

If you walk down Old State Street on a weekday morning, you can usually spot Bella Biscotteria before you reach it. The smell gives it away—sweet dough warming in the oven, citrus, a hint of chocolate. Inside, Mel and Veronica, known as Chef VV, move around each other comfortably, the way people do when the work has become second nature. Bella Biscotteria has been part of Eagle for years, long enough to feel like a neighborhood fixture. When Mel and Veronica took over, they stepped into something that already mattered to people, and they’ve treated it with the kind of care that shows they understand that. They didn’t rush to change anything. Instead, they focused on learning the pace of the bakery, the recipes, and the community that has supported it from the start. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

Most mornings begin with Chef VV at the worktable, sleeves rolled up, shaping dough while sunlight comes through the blinds. “I never thought I’d know how to do this by feel,” she says, laughing a little. “But now I can tell if it needs more flour before I even look.” Mel is usually out front, chatting with customers, handing out samples, and greeting regulars by name. It’s common to see him holding someone’s baby or talking biscotti flavors with a teenager who wandered in after school. The bakery has become a place people linger, not just for the pastries, but for the welcome. The display case is still filled with the classics people expect—cannoli, almond croissants, biscotti in neat rows, the bakery’s signature layered slices with the chocolate swirl on top. Families stop by before weekend events. Couples pick up treats for dinner with friends. Visitors often leave with something extra they hadn’t planned on. When asked what this chapter has meant to them, Chef VV doesn’t overthink it. “We’re grateful,” she says simply. “People trusted us with a place they already loved. We’re just trying to honor that.” In a town that keeps expanding, Bella Biscotteria stays rooted in something quieter and more familiar. If you haven’t visited lately, you’ll find it just as the scent suggests—inviting, unhurried, and unmistakably Eagle. Stop by at 311 E. State Street in Eagle or learn more at BellaBiscotteria.com, where the spirit of the bakery carries through as clearly as it does from behind the counter.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

M O R E : Bella Biscotteria is a small, locally loved Eagle bakery known for its handmade Italian pastries and warm, family-run atmosphere. Mel and Veronica continue its tradition with simple, scratch-made classics. Learn more at BellaBiscotteria.com

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CELEBRATING A DECADE IN THE TREASURE VALLEY Honoring the people and partnerships behind a decade of local storytelling PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAYMOND GADD

O PE N H OU SE | L I FE + C U LT U RE

For our tenth year, the Treasure Valley community gathered with Boise and Meridian Lifestyle magazines to celebrate a decade of storytelling shaped by the people who make Idaho what it is. Friends, partners, and longtime supporters filled the room, surrounded by framed covers highlighting memorable moments. Hemlock Prime and Inn at 500 Capitol created an unforgettable

holiday spread, while contributions from Socialight Marquees & Events, Pop’s Popcorn, Wishing Well Botanicals, Shu’s Idaho Running Company, Delia Dante & FireFusion Studio, Gleam Esthetika, Finer Frames, Minuteman Press Boise, The 8th Street Studio, WCA, and landscape photographer Raymond J. Gadd helped bring the evening to life. It was a celebration built, fittingly, by the community itself.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

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S O U T H S I D E S N O W D AY | J A N U A R Y 31, 2026

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BOISE WINTER RIVER R IDERS

ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORRIDOR SURF SHOP + CITY OF BOISE

M UST SE E | SP O RTS + RECRE AT ION

AT THE BOISE WHITEWATER PARK, WINTER SURFING HAS CARVED OUT ITS OWN CULTURE—PART ENDURANCE, PART RITUAL, AND ENTIRELY SHAPED BY LOCALS WHO KEEP THE RIVER ALIVE YEAR-ROUND

On certain winter mornings, when frost rims the Greenbelt and the foothills glow in pale sunlight, the last thing you expect to see on the Boise River is a surfer. And yet, slip behind Esther Simplot Park or stand along the footbridge above the Boise Whitewater Park, and there they are—locals heading straight for a wave that doesn’t hibernate. Over the past decade, river surfing in Boise has evolved from a warm-weather novelty into something far more rooted. Winter hasn’t slowed it down. If anything, it’s sharpened it. The crowd grows smaller, the sessions more deliberate, and the people who show up tend to be the ones for whom this wave has become part of a personal rhythm: a workout, a reset, a way to stay moving when the season asks most people to retreat indoors.

A WAVE THAT DOESN’T CLOSE FOR THE SEASON

The Boise Whitewater Park’s engineered hydraulic system plays a big role in its year-round appeal. Through winter, the City of Boise continues to run its two programmed wave features on a rotating schedule: Sunday noon - Wednesday noon: Wave/Hole Wednesday noon - Sunday noon: Green Wave Each mode draws its own mix—surfers, kayakers, stand-up paddlers—but the rotation ensures there is something surfable most days, weather permitting. Irrigation flows, maintenance windows, and cold-season river levels can influence how the wave behaves, but consistency is part of the draw. Unlike ocean surfing, locals don’t need tide charts or swell forecasts. If the wave is turned on and you can tolerate the temperature, the river has something to offer. That reliability is part of what has placed Boise on the broader map of inland surf culture. Smithsonian Magazine recently highlighted how a landlocked city ended up with one of the country’s most recognizable urban wave parks and noted that Boise’s year-round participation often surprises visiting surfers from coastal states. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

WHY WINTER DOESN’T STOP THE REGULARS

Ask anyone who has surfed the wave in January and you’ll hear variations of the same thing: the cold is temporary, the focus lasts. The first minute might sting—boots filling with water, gloves stiffening—but then the body adjusts. The river demands total concentration, and staying on the wave requires micro-adjustments that leave little room for anything else. The Idaho Farm Bureau, in its feature on the rise of river surfing, put it plainly: winter sessions depend on gear and grit. A thick wetsuit isn’t optional. But what keeps people returning isn’t toughness. It’s what the experience clears away. Winter surfing forces presence. There’s no mental space for grocery lists, inboxes, or headlines. The water is cold enough to make the moment singular. For many, that’s the reward.

A COMMUNITY THAT KNOWS ITS RIVER

Winter thins out the crowd, but it doesn’t diminish the camaraderie. If anything, it distills it. Surfers take turns in an informal rotation, occasionally pausing to help someone new navigate the slick ramp or understand when to drop in. Cyclists and walkers pause on the bridge above the wave. A few minutes of watching someone carve across a river wave with snow on the banks is enough to make almost any passerby stop, stare, and ask a question or two. Local river-surf groups have helped shape this small but steady community, offering safety notes, beginners’ meetups in warmer months, and reminders about winter etiquette—short sessions, respect for the line, and awareness of changing river flows. While summer attracts crowds, winter surfaces the people who know the park well: the rhythms, the pushes of water that come with overnight freezes, the subtle shifts in the hydraulic when the air is below freezing.

FITNESS THAT DOESN’T HIBERNATE

For a health and wellness issue, winter surfing captures something distinct about Boise’s relationship with the outdoors. Here, activity doesn’t shut down for the season. Runners take to the foothills in studded shoes. Cyclists swap bikes for fat tires. Nordic skiers fill Bogus Basin’s upper lot. And a small but committed cluster of surfers keeps paddling into the river.

THINKING OF TRYING IT?

The winter learning curve is steeper, but many surfers began with cold-season curiosity. Before stepping in, experienced locals emphasize a few basics: • Wear proper gear: A 5–6 mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, and boots are essential. • Start small: Short sessions help the body acclimate to cold. • Observe: Watch others to understand timing and etiquette. • Check flows: Winter water levels fluctuate. • Know the schedule: The mid-week wave rotation shapes the ride. Winter softens the landscape, but not the people who choose to step into the river. Instead, it sharpens them—reminding anyone who’s willing that sometimes the best way to wake up is simply to wade in. For more information about schedules, safety, and features is available at Boise Whitewater Park.

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You’re Invited on an Extraordinary Culinary Adventure! The Sun Valley Food & Wine Celebration returns for its fourth year showcasing exciting new chefs and the return of some of our favorite culinary masters.

January 27 to 31, 2026

Our Celebrity Chef Lineup Includes:

Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark

Chefs Duskie Estes and John Stewart

Chef Tieghan Gerard

Chef Brother Luck

Chef Maria Mazon

Chef Kris Padalino

Chef Steve Phelps

Chef Brandon Randolph

Chef Britt Rescigno

Chef Joe Sasto

Chef Jonathon Sawyer

Chef Barton Seaver

Chef Ethan Stowell

Chef John Sundstrom

Chef Casey Thompson

Use this QR code to learn more about exciting culinary events, dinners, and classes, purchase tickets, and save on accommodations. Chef Jason Wilson

SVCI is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to Transforming Lives Through Culinary Education. Chef lineup and schedule subject to change.

SunValleyCulinary.org | 208.913.0494 | info@sunvalleyculinary.org | 211 N. Main Street | Ketchum, Idaho 83340

RINGING IN BUBBLES ARTICLE BY GREG NERUDA

From historic Champagne cellars to rising sparklers, a festive way to welcome another new year

Champagne has a way of pulling people closer during the Holidays. Maybe it’s the bubbles; maybe it’s the excuse to linger a little longer. If you happen to have a favorite uncle who knows every twist and turn in Champagne’s history, it becomes something else entirely. I’d give that man hours of my time by a crackling winter fireplace, nodding along in polite awe. My price of admission? Three glasses of Champagne, minimum. Ancient stories always open slowly — like a worn book from the back of a monastery library. Grimm’s Fairy Tales but with whiskered monks, musk in the air, and stone cellars that had been damp since long before anyone kept track. I like knowing these things; they make the wine taste different.

THE FIZZ THEY DIDN’T MEAN TO INVENT

Learn more about Champagne and sparkling wines at Olive and Vyne in Eagle during a simple, relaxed session

H OST IN G T IP S | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

Pierre (Dom) Pérignon was thirty years old when he took over as cellarmaster at a Benedictine abbey. Thirty — old enough to have opinions, young enough to be surprised when bottles exploded right under his nose. He wanted to craft a wine that could give Burgundy something to worry about, but he didn’t quite realize that the leftover sugar in his bottles would go to sleep during the cold months, then wake up in spring warmth like a mischievous houseguest. Pop, pop, fizz, fizz… chaos in the cellar.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS OF CHAMPAGNE Chardonnay. Pinot Noir. Pinot Meunier (say it like Mun-yay if you want to impress a crowd). Only these three can legally become Champagne. Chardonnay gives the freshness and citrus snap. Pinot Noir quietly handles the structure and depth — the backbone of the party. Pinot Meunier adds richness and that aromatic lift you didn’t know you were waiting for. Any mix of the three can work, or a single star can carry the whole show. Your own swash and buckle will tell you which one wins. CONTINUED >

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

An early 20th-century engraving of Dom Pérignon at the Abbey of Hautvillers

And because Benedictine monks weren’t allowed to “furrow their eyebrows,” he had to pretend he was utterly serene about the whole thing. He didn’t invent Champagne on purpose, but he did refine it — blending, clarifying, gentle pressing, corks. A reluctant trailblazer, but a trailblazer nonetheless.

THE WIDOW WHO REFUSED TO GO QUIETLY Glass No. 2, and my imaginary uncle always arrives at Madame Clicquot. A young widow running a man’s business in a man’s world — winemaking in France no less — is practically a fable on its own. She had more wolves at her door than Little Red Riding Hood. But she outsmarted them, holding her ground with intelligence, invention, and a courage that still echoes through the industry. Her biography, The Widow Clicquot, might as well be an adult bedtime story. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

RARE, BUT SOMEHOW EVERYWHERE By the third glass, I’m nearly as charming and insightful as Dear Old Uncle — or at least no one is telling me otherwise. Fast forward a few centuries: more than a billion bottles are resting in Champagne right now. Another 300 million are produced each year. It sounds like scarcity, but it isn’t. The mystique doesn’t come from numbers any more than diamonds do. The glory is in the craft, the history, the patience. Prestigious bottles command a price, but there are plenty of beautiful Champagnes that don’t require a second mortgage.

CHILLED… BUT NOT TOO MUCH A word of advice: don’t freeze the poor thing. Overchilling blankets the aromatics and flattens the character. There are about five different recommended temperature ranges depending on style, age, and prestige — all of which assume you have a refrigerator dedicated solely to Champagne. I do not. Most of us do not.

Veuve Clicquot, the widow’s enduring Champagne

BUBBLES WITH PASSPORTS Sparkling wine has gone global. You can find bubbles in nearly every wine region now, some playful, some ambitious. But even after wandering the world map, the compass tends to swing back to Champagne — not out of habit, but because it remains the benchmark for what bubbles can be.

It’s funny how these stories — half history, half folklore — settle in and warm you through the winter. Champagne has a way of doing that. So do good uncles. If you’re curious to explore Champagne’s nuances beyond the legends and the lore, you can taste your way through the styles with a visit to Olive and Vyne. Learn more at OliveAndVyne.com Cheers. Idaho sparkling wine at harvest. Courtesy of IWC

H OST IN G T IP S | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

JOIN US FOR INFORMATION KNIGHT

Monday, January 26th at 6:30 PM at Bishop Kelly!

Students in the 8th through 10th grades who are interested attending Bishop Kelly next fall are invited to New Student Information Knight! Meet current students and teachers from every academic department. Learn about all the ways to get involved at BK from sports, to performing arts, to student clubs. Don’t miss this fun and informative evening. Register online at www.BK.org!

FAITH. ACADEMICS. ACTIVITIES.

BK.org

We’re the whole package!

Reset Your Routine, Not Your Taste Buds. Healthy living, full-flavor — in every sip, drizzle, and bite.

600 S Rivershore Ln, Eagle

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OliveAndVyne.com

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208.939.6775

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

POWER POSES

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT Brett Larkin, founder of Uplifted Yoga, teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. Here she shares power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful year.

W I L D T H I N G ( C A M AT K A R A S A N A ) Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

BRIDGE POSE ( S E T U B A N D H A S A R VA N G A S A N A ) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.

C A N YO G A H E L P B U I L D SELF-ESTEEM? Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.

CAMEL POSE (USTRASANA) Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com.

VINTAGE 61

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THE AMBROSE SCHOOL

PreK - 12th Classical Christian Education

Three campuses. Two educational models. One classical Christian community. We invite you to learn more about what a classical Christian education could mean for your family by taking a tour of one of our three campus locations: Locust Grove (Meridian), North (Boise), and Bridge (Garden City). Sign up for a tour or request more information at TheAmbroseSchool.org/Admissions

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M E R I D I A N

Meridian + Valley Events JANUARY 2026 1 — NEW YEAR GEM DROP

Bernie Fisher Park, 12 Midnight: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a sparkling gem and fireworks! kunacity.id.gov

1 — IDAHO POTATO DROP

Andrus Park, 12 Midnight: Celebrate the season at Idaho’s signature holiday event! idahopotatodrop.com

2 — EPICUNION BAND: WHAT’S YOUR RETRO

Sapphire Room, 7 PM: Dance through the decades with Boise’s ultimate cover band! sapphiresocietyboise.com

3-4 — GREAT TRAIN SHOW

Expo Idaho: Old-fashioned family fun with model trains, interactive exhibits, and collectibles! greattrainshow.com

3-4 —TREASURE VALLEY INDOOR FLEA MARKET

Expo Idaho: Shop unique finds, collectibles, and local treasures all under one roof! treasurevalleyfleamarket.com

4 — MERIDIAN SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Meridian High School, 4 PM: Young musicians perform winter selections. meridiansymphony.org

4 — ICE SKATING ON THE PLAZA

Indian Creek Plaza, 3 PM: Glide, sip, and enjoy the festive winter magic! indiancreekplaza.com

4 — DOZEY FLOYD REGGAE TRIBUTE

Egyptian Theatre, 6:30 PM: Boise’s psychedelic reggae tribute to the legendary Pink Floyd! fb.com

6 — CALDWELL FARMERS’ MARKET (TUESDAYS)

Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: Shop for fresh produce and local goods. indiancreekplaza.com

O UR TOWN | ENTERTAI NME N T

8 — NETWORKING BREAKFAST

unBound, 7:30 AM: Connect and explore resources every second Thursday. mld.org

8 — BOISE PHIL:CHAMBER SERIES Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 7 PM: Nght of chamber music. boisephil.org

9 — DROP-IN DISCOVERY HOURS

Wassmuth Center, 12 NN: Explore art, stories, and meaningful conversation every Friday afternoon. wassmuthcenter.org

9 — PROMISCUOUS

Treefort Music Hall, 9 PM: A 2000s CLUB BANGERS THROWBACKS PARTY! treefortmusichall.com

10 — GEBERT-ARBAUGH POLAR BEAR CHALLENGE 2026

Lucky Peak State Park, 10 AM: Take the icy plunge and support a great cause! wish.org

15 — MOTEL KALIFORNIA

Sapphire Room, 7 PM: A high-energy tribute packed with sing-along hits you love! sapphiresocietyboise.com

17 — PAINT WITH PENGUINS (18+)

Zoo Boise 3:30 PM: Ever wondered how penguins paint? zooboise.org

18 — SING-ALONG CINEMA SERIES (ALL AGES)

Pinnacle Library, 1:30 PM: Favorites from Frozen, Frozen 2, and The Greatest Showman on the giant new screen. mld.org

20 —THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Morrison Center, 7:30 PM: Relive the legendary duo’s iconic music and unforgettable journey live on stage! morrisoncenter.com

21-23 —IDAHO HORTICULTURE EXPO 2026

Boise Center: Connect, learn, and grow with Idaho’s premier horticulture conference! inlagrow.org

22 — BRAD WILLIAMS: THE TALL TALES TOUR

Morrison Center, 7 PM: An evening of laughs with one of the country’s top comedians! morrisoncenter.com

24 — SILENT DISCO

Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: Skate, dance, and groove to your favorite DJs with wireless headphones! indiancreekplaza.com

24-25 — RAVEL & STRAUSS

Morrison Center: Experience a night of moving classical masterpieces. morrisoncenter.com

27 — LET’S TALK ABOUT IT: AMERICA 250

Meridian Library, 6:15 PM: Dive into classic and contemporary works on America’s past and future. mld.org

27-31 — MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Morrison Center: Experience romance, glitz, and Tony-winning spectacle live on stage! morrisoncenter.com

29 — PREMIER JOB & CAREER FAIR

Marriott Courtyard, 10 AM: Explore career opportunities, meet employers, and discover new paths. iblevents.com

30 — 90S UNPLUGGED

First Presbyterian Church of Boise, 6:30 PM: Relive the greatest ‘90s rock anthems by candlelit. feverup.com

30-31 — MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL

605 N 3rd St: Two weeks of ice sculptures, fireworks, and parades! visitmccall.org