What images do you visualize when you hear the word desert?
Arid landscape? Sand dunes? Cloudless skies with the scorching sun?
Far from the images of luscious vineyards, juicy grapes and even less so, flamboyant red and white wines.
Yet, in the desertic region of Las Vegas, three Nevada wineries are defying the odds. With the pioneer spirit that characterizes the people from the Wild West, they’ve established ground in the barren Southern Nevada desert.
With the help of other Nevada grape growers determined to grow grapes in the desert, these pioneers are now producing Nevada grown wines that will surprise you.
Join us on a fascinating journey to the wineries near Las Vegas and the people behind the wines from the desert.
What It Takes to Start a Winery in the Desert
First and foremost, passion, entrepreneurship, and a true pioneer spirit is what animated the gracious people we met at the Southern Nevada wineries. At each one of our visits, their passion and enthusiasm for their work transpired as our curiosity and respect grew.
Now in all practicality, to be called a Nevada winery, 25% of the grapes have to come from the Nevada state after the first 1,000 wine cases sold. You might wonder how do you grow grapes in the desert?
Although the harsh desertic conditions are challenging for grape growing, the sunshine and low humidity are favorable for viticulture. By selecting specific varietals and using new techniques, grapes have been growing successfully since the 90’s. Aquifers, higher elevation and cold air from the regional mountains help develop the grapes.
At first, only two wineries existed in Southern Nevada, both located in Pahrump, a city about one hour west of Las Vegas. Pahrump Valley Winery, the most awarded winery in Nevada and Sanders Family Winery, the pioneer of winemaking in Nevada.
Historically, the laws of the Silver State have been restrictive for winemaking due to liquor distributor lobbying. Until recently, wineries in counties with more than 100,000 people were illegal.
At the end of 2015, the law changed. This gave the opportunity for Vegas Valley Winery to open its door in December 2017, as the first Las Vegas Winery.
Sanders Family Winery grapes growing in the harsh desert conditions#1- Pahrump Valley Winery: The Most Awarded Winery in Nevada
Pahrump Valley Winery opened in 1990 and the first grapes were planted shortly thereafter. Wild horses from the nearby Mount Charleston area, destroyed the vines completely and they had to be replanted again, this time with a fence all around.
Current owners, Bill and Gretchen Loken first discovered the winery in 2002 and by 2003, had acquired the winery, including the on-site restaurant called Symphony Restaurant.
Today, Pahrump winery is one of the most awarded wineries with over 430 National Wine Awards since 2004.
Main entrance at Pahrump Valley WineryA Day Trip from Las Vegas
Located about one hour west of the Las Vegas Strip, we were eager to visit this winery in the Southern Nevada desert. We had read the positive reviews, but we were still skeptical about the type of wines that grow in the desert.
Having previously visited Douro Valley, in Portugal, the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world as well as Maipo Valley in Chile, known as the “Bordeaux of South America”, we were curious and had no expectations.
Pahrump Valley Winery offers free tours and tastings daily and we made it just in time for the 3:30 pm tour, the last tour of the day.
Tour while admiring the vines at Pahrump Valley WineryThe Grapes at Pahrump Valley Winery
In the early years, the wines were made using California grapes, which were brought in by trucks to Pahrump Valley Winery and then crushed and made into premium wines.
In 2005, the Loken’s harvested their first grapes. Three years later they sold Nevada’s first ever commercial red wine. This 2005 Nevada Ridge Red Zinfandel went on to win Gold at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. Prior to that, wines made from Nevada grapes were white.
Since then, Pahrump Valley Nevada wines have gone on to win 100 National Wine Awards and counting.
The vines at Pahrump Valley winery are some of the oldest in NevadaPahrump Valley Wines
Currently, about 30 percent of the Pahrump Valley Wines come from Nevada grapes, the rest are from California grape growers in Lodi, Suisun Valley, Mendocino County, among others.
The winery produces about 10,000 cases a year and continues to grow year after year. More than 100,000 bottles are sold each year. The winery’s goal is to produce a minimum of 80 percent Nevada-grown wine within the next 10 years.
You will find several Pahrump Valley wines under three different labels. The Pahrump Valley Wines which can be described as fun, fruity and friendly.
Charleston Peak wines, which pays tribute to their location, west of Mount Charleston. The wines under this label are carefully curated white and red wine classics.
And finally, the Nevada Ridge Wines, which is a limited production of Nevada grown, produced and bottled wines. These are the wines that are making history.
The award winning Nevada Ridge winesThe Winery Tour
The tour and tasting takes about 30 minutes. At 3:30 pm, our tour guide assembled the surprisingly large group of about 25 – 30 visitors and walked outside to see Nevada’s first vineyards.
Sitting across the vines on benches, shaded by trees, we learned the fascinating story of how winemaking started in Nevada. We toured the grounds and saw the different grape varieties, including Zinfandel and more.
Our visit inside started in the cellars where the wines are bottled in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The winery had recently gone through a renovation and expansion and we were impressed by the size and scale of the cellars.
Stainless steel barrels at Parhump Valley WineryJust as our guide was talking about the production process, Gretchen Loken, the owner, walked and gave an impromptu tour of a new bottling machine that had just been installed.
Her energy and passion was contagious. We were all drawn in by her enthusiasm for winemaking and commitment to transforming Nevada into a winemaking destination.
Gracious with her time and incredibly friendly, we felt fortunate to have heard from the owner about the winery and their goals.
Gretchen Loken, the owner, presenting a new bottling machineOn the way to the wine tasting, we stopped by the impressive medal and awards room, where all their awards are prominently displayed. Looking up towards the ceiling are rows and rows of Gold, Silver, and Bronze recognition. A real surprise and honor for this Nevada winery.
The impressive display of Pahrump Valley Wines awardsPahrump Valley Wine Tasting
Before the tasting began, we were each handed a menu of several Pahrump Valley Wines, including the Nevada wines. For the tasting, you can choose to taste seven wines including whites, reds, Nevada wines and dessert wines. Once you make your selection, you are poured a small tasting of each one.
We chose two white wines, three red wines and two Nevada wines. We started out with a Pinot Grigio from the Charleston Peak label. While we enjoyed the crisp flavors, we found it too sweet for our taste.
The Symphony wine, of which the restaurant is named after, comes from the Pahrump Valley wine label. It is one of their popular wines, with sweet flavors of honeysuckle and apricot. This wine was smooth, though sweet, almost like a dessert wine.
The reds which are barrel reserve were our favorites. Rosemary enjoyed the rich flavors of the Syrah and I savored the elegant flavors of the ancient vine grown Zinfandel wines.
We tried two Nevada wines, a Primitivo and a Tempranillo. Both wines from the 2015 vintage. While an interesting experience to drink Nevada bottled and produced wines, we did not fall in love with them. We found the wines smooth, but too dry for our tastes. They are the kind of wines that probably go better with food.
Tasting some of the red wines at Pahrum Valley WineryOverall Impressions
If you are up for a day trip from Las Vegas Strip, it’s an easy drive to Pahrump and a great way to spend a day outside of the city.
You will be welcomed warmly with a free tour and tasting and a chance to see the operations of a pioneering Nevada winery. If you have the time, plan to eat at the award-winning Symphony Restaurant. Despite the white linen tablecloths, the atmosphere at the restaurant is relaxed.
While we didn’t eat at the restaurant, it is highly rated on TripAdvisor and by Nevada Magazines. The chef incorporates the wines in dishes like the Symphony Chicken Limone, Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut, and Winery Shrimp Scampi. The wine list is extensive and includes more than Nevada wines.
You can pick up bottles of wines, wine totes, unique corkscrews and other wine-related gifts for friends and family at the extensive gifts shop.
A trip to Pahrump Valley Winery is a fun way to discover more about Nevada.
The tasting room at Pahrump Valley WineryLocation
Address: 3810 Winery Road, Pahrump, Nevada
Hours: Tours and tastings offered daily at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Price: Tastings are free. Bottles of Nevada wines range from $21.95 to $34.95
Pro Tip:
- Enjoy a full day in Pahrump when you combine visits to Pahrump Valley Winery and Sanders Family Winery. Since tours at Pahrump Valley Winery take place at specific times, we would recommend starting there and then going to Sanders Family Winery where you can get a tasting at any time.
#2- Sanders Family Winery: The Pioneers of Winemaking in Nevada
After establishing the first winery in Nevada, now called the Pahrump Valley Winery, Bob Sanders founded Sanders Winery.
Located only a few miles from Pahrump Winery, Sanders Winery is a surprising oasis in the middle of the desert. The villa architecture is inspired by the Italian Tuscan style, and surrounded by the vineyards and pistachio trees.
The Tuscan style villa at Sanders Family Winery Vineyards and Winemaking
The Sanders family grows Zinfandel and Petite Syrah grapes on the property. Other grapes come either from northern Nevada or California.
Sanders Winery is quite prolific in winemaking. They produce 8 different wines, two whites, one Rosé wine and five reds. They also make two sparkling wines, one white, one sparkling Rosé, two Port wines and a sherry.
The vineyards at Sanders Family WinerySanders Family Winery Tasting
While tours are not offered at Sanders Family Winery, the tasting is quite an experience. As soon as you walk into the property, you are welcomed with a free tasting.
The sommelier handed us the tasting sequence for the day, which outlined nine different wines. Starting from white wines, then Rosé wine, red wines, including sparkling and a final cocktail, you are in for a full experience.
The sommelier took the time to explain each wine and patiently answer our questions while pouring generous wine portions.
The wines were surprisingly pleasant and savory. Although we are not fans of American white wines which we generally find too sweet, we enjoyed Serenity, the first Nevada wine. Our favorite was the Cabernet Sauvignon which had a nice peppery finish.
To end our tasting, the sommelier prepared the “Red Ginger” a surprising and refreshing drink made of ginger ale, red wine, and lime. With our glass in hand, we went off to enjoy our lunch on the property, as you are free to bring your own food!
Tasting Serenity, the first Nevada wineOverall Impressions
The Sanders Family Winery is an easily accessible drive from Las Vegas and perfect to combine with a visit to Pahrump Valley Winery.
Don’t be turned away by the lack of signage to get to the winery. Mark the location of the property in advance on your GPS and you’ll be sure to find it.
The property is very inviting and the tasting very friendly and generous. Feel free to bring a snack or a picnic to eat along with your tasting.
Starting in the Spring until the Fall, the Sanders Family Winery host concerts, plays, and shows at its own Performance Arts Center. You can sip your wine while enjoying the performance. Reservations are required.
A truly lovely experience in the middle of the desert.
Preparation of the special cocktail at Sanders Family WineryLocation
Address: 3780 E Kellogg Rd, Pahrump, NV.
Hours: Everyday from 10AM to 5PM
Price: Tasting is free; wine bottles starts at $11.95, 5% discount for 6 bottles, 10% discount for 12 & above.
Pro tips:
- Plan on taking your time to enjoy the tasting and sip your last glass on the property grounds.
- Bring your own snacks to eat while sipping your wines.
#3- Vegas Valley Winery- The First Las Vegas Winery
Opened in December 2017, Vegas Valley Winery paved the path by opening the first winery in Las Vegas.
Prior, it was illegal in the state of Nevada to run a winery in counties with a population over 100,000 people. But the law changed in 2015, allowing Vegas Valley Winery to open for business.
Located in Henderson, about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, it is worth making the trip to get a taste of wines from the first Las Vegas winery.
The winery is located in an industrial zone that is already home to craft breweries and a distillery. Even though you will not find vineyards, you’ll be surprised by the beautiful interior.
The decor in the tasting room has somber tones with pieces of oak barrels all around. You can pull up to the bar or spread out comfortably on tables and chairs.
The comfortable interior at Vegas Valley WineryVegas Valley Wine Making
On our visit, we were fortunate to meet the owner, Patty, a very charming and hospitable lady. In our discussions, we learned that the changes to the State Law allow for the first 1,000 cases of wine to be made with grapes from anywhere. After that, 25 percent of the grapes must be native to Nevada.
In their first few months of opening, Vegas Valley has been importing their grapes from California, with plans to use grapes grown in Nevada in the near future.
Talking wine with Patty, owner of Vegas Valley WineryVegas Valley Wine Tasting
The tasting at Vegas Valley is priced at $10 for a tasting of five wines. The wines include whites, red and one Rosé wine.
Grapes for the white wines and Rosé wine are from Suisun Valley in California, which we learned from the tasting sommelier, is on the backside of Napa Valley.
And the grapes for the reds are from Paso Robles, California.
As we tasted each of the five wines, the sommelier took the time to explain the tasting notes for each wine while patiently answering all our questions.
We really enjoyed the red wines, Zinfandel and Syrah, which were bold, elegant and very smooth. Our favorite white wine was the Whimsical, a dry white with crisp and citrusy notes.
In addition to wines, you can also get food including pizza, a cheese and meat charcuterie platter and wine infused cupcakes.
Wine tasting at Vegas Valley WineryWinery Tour
After the tasting, we took a tour of the property with Kj Howe, the in-house Professor of Yeastology.
The tour focuses on how the wines are made and the winemaking process. Interestingly, the owners of Vegas Valley Winery are also the owners of Grape Expectations, the first Nevada School of Wine where you can make your own wine.
On the entertaining tour, KJ told us stories of about the wines in the barrels and the groups of friends, families, and businesses that come every year to make their own wines.
The space is not large, and the tour is a short walk, but KJ is a wealth of information and an entertaining storyteller.
KJ talking about the different varieties of grapes on the tourOverall Impressions
Friendly, welcoming and passionate is how we would describe the experience at Vegas Valley Winery.
Everyone we met was incredibly passionate about wine. There was a feeling of “ground-breaking” and “paving a new future” that was evident in all our discussions. Every single staff member had a sense of pride knowing they were creating a new chapter in the Las Vegas wine industry.
The wines, especially the red wines were very good. We were impressed by the beautiful symphony of flavors created by Vegas Valley Winery using California grapes.
Oak barrels at Grape Expectations, Vegas Valley WineryLocation
Address: 7360 Eastgate Rd, Ste 123, Henderson, Nevada
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Fri: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sat: 12:00pm – 10:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: $10 tasting for 5 wines
Pro Tip:
- While visiting Vegas Valley Winery, be sure to ask for a tour of the facility. One unique aspect of the tour is that you can take your favorite glass of wine with you.
- In Henderson, where Vegas Valley Winery is located, is affectionately known as the “Artisan Booze District.” In addition to a winery, you’ll also find three breweries and a distillery. Plan to spend a full day sampling local craft brews from Nevada.
In Summary
On your visit to Las Vegas, go beyond the Las Vegas Strip and discover the burgeoning wine industry in Southern Nevada and Las Vegas.
A day trip to Pahrump is a fun way to explore another part of Nevada while discovering the local Nevada wineries and surprising wines.
The passionate winemakers in Nevada are leading a revolution in winemaking. By going to Henderson or Pahrump and showing your support, Nevada could one day rival Napa Valley.
On your next trip to the Silver State, discover and enjoy wine tasting in Las Vegas.
Where to Find Nevada Wines
Most of the wines from the three wineries are not widely distributed. Pahrump Wines are the most accessible wines with some varieties sold at Total Wines and other local wine stores.
The best place to taste the range of Sanders Family Wines is by visiting the winery. They do ship some wines, but it would be best to call them and find out if they can ship to your area.
At the moment, the best place to get the first Las Vegas wines is by visiting the tasting room at Vegas Valley Wines in Henderson. Wine production is still limited, though they hope to make their wines available locally in the near future.
Have you tried Nevada wines before? In the comments below, tell us your thoughts about Nevada wines.
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Wow it’s impressive to make a winery in the desert! No, I did not know there were wineries there.
Thanks Stine, now you know what wines to look for on a trip to Nevada 🙂 Cheers.
That’s really cool that those wineries were able to thrive in the dessert with new techniques. We have some wineries in the dessert near San Diego – in a town called Temecula. The views are awesome and it’s a great place to have a picnic!
That’s right Deborah, folks at the wineries talked about Temecula wines. Vegas has a ways to go but is definitively on the heels of California. Thanks for stopping by.
I had no idea there were wineries in the desert! We’re actually headed to that area next month so we’ll have to check one out!
That’s awesome Keating. Perfect timing for this article. You will have a great time discovering Las Vegas and Nevada wines. Do let us know which wines you enjoyed. Safe travels!
Wow how unique! Sounds like such a fun place to visit and something a little different to do near Vegas
You are right Rachel, something different and worth discovering near Las Vegas. Do let us know if your travels take you to Vegas, your favorite wines. Cheers.
I had no idea there were so many wineries in Nevada! Great idea for a day trip next time we are in Vegas 🙂 Will definitely be checking some of these spots out!
That’s great to hear Gwen. There is so much to do outside Las Vegas and a day trip to the wineries is a fun-filled activity!! Cheers.
I’ve been to Vegas once before but very briefly. I’d love to go back and spend more time exploring and doing activities that outside the norm. This seems so great!
Thanks Nerissa. Hope your travels take you back to Vegas soon. There is more beyond the Las Vegas Strip and the wineries are so much fun!! Cheers.
This is such great information because I’ve never been to Las Vegas and I think it’s because the vibe doesn’t seem very me… but this totally does! I’d be interested to try it and see how it stacks up to some other American wines.
Discovering local and authentic food experiences is our mission at Authentic Food Quest. When we first learned about Nevada grown wines, we immediately made it our mission to discover and share them. Worth exploring on your next Vegas trip. Thanks for stopping by, Natasha.
I never knew there were wineries in Nevada, much less Las Vagas! I sometimes go to Vegas with friends but as I’m not the gambling-buffet-eating-show-every-night type, I find myself lacking things to do. Wine-tasting, however, is very high on my list of favorite activities so I’ll certainly be hitting these wineries up next time. Thanks for the detailed information!
You are most welcome Andy. Nevada offers a lot more beyond the Strip. Do let us know what wineries you end up checking out. Thanks so much.
I had no idea there were wineries and wine tours in Las Vegas. I just think of desert when I hear of LV and never think of wine. This sounds like a great day trip from Las Vegas.
Excellent, Candy. Indeed, exploring the Nevada wineries is a unique way to explore the desert. Do let us know if you end up checking out any of the wineries listed. Cheers.
I think it is awesome that the silver state has been able to break into the wine business. We used to live in Nevada Vegas and had no idea their were wineries nearby. We just finished a Virginia winery tour and would love to come back to Vegas and do the same.
How long ago did you live in Nevada? The Vegas Valley Winery is new, though the folks at Pahrump having been making wines for several years now. Definitely a must do on your next trip to your old stomping grounds. On the other hand, we would love to explore Virginia wines. We should exchange tasting notes 🙂 Cheers, Christina.
I did not know that there are wineries in the Las Vegas deserts. Exploring wineries in the Las Vegas deserts sounds like a great way to enjoy wines at the same time to gain some knowledge about how wines are made.
The wines in Nevada are quite an experience and a great way to discover more about the Silver State. Glad you learned something new from the article. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, I’d have never thought there would be wineries near Vegas, that’s interesting to know! I would love to tour for a day them if I ever visit Las Vegas aha!
Indeed, Lyne. It is worth making a stop to the wineries in Nevada. Wines from the desert is such a unique experience. Hope your travels take you to Las Vegas soon. Cheers.
Is it bad that I want the Pahrump Valley Wines’ display inside my home? Hahaa. I’m a huge wine gal and did an American Southwest road trip last year starting from Vegas. Totally wish I’d known about these wineries back then. That Whimsical wine really stood out to me for its name and would love to try the taste!
Here’s another way to look at it Jas…make another trip to Nevada. It is worth going back just to discover the wines. Agreed, love the name of the Whimsical wine. Nice and light too..!
I cant believe there are now vineyards in the desert. I thought that would be the wrong conditions to make wine. Never tried wines from this region and I should be in Las Vegas area soon so hopefully I can try a few out.
Absolutely Danik, do make it a point to try wines from the Nevada desert. Not only is it a fun experience, it is also a great way to explore more of the Silver State. Do let us know your favorite wines!! Safe travels to Vegas.
I’ve never tried Nevada wines and I didn’t know that it was a wine region. As you point out, cultivating vines in the desert has its own challenges. What was your favourite from the trip?
Thanks for your comments Fiona. Each of the wineries we visited had had Nevada wines we both enjoyed. The reds are our favorites. Definitely worth exploring. Cheers.
Wait. Whaaat? I go to Vegas yearly and didn’t know this! The Vegas Valley Winery tour sounds great. I would love to check out Pahrump winery, 430 awards is quite impressive and you can’t beat free tours and tastings. I would like to try the sparkling rose at Sanders.
Yes…not well known but the wine industry is growing in Vegas. It’s definitively worth a trip to Pahrump and Henderson to discover the surprising Nevada wines! Do let us know what you think when you go, Sherianne.
Wow. Had absolutely no idea. Amazing how wineries pop up virtually all over the place. Makes sense too; in arid climates, folks get thirsty. Tweeted for you.
Ryan
Awesome Ryan. Much appreciate the sharing. Indeed wineries are popping up everywhere and Nevada is just at the beginning. Nothing wrong with good wine, everywhere 🙂
I have not tried Nevada wines before. Visiting the wineries would be such a fun day trip from Vegas (and something different too)! Vegas Valley Winery would be on the top of my list based on the delicious reds you described. Also, I can talk the hubby into going since it’s near the three breweries and we can make a day of it. Thanks for providing such detailed information on the Nevada wineries, this undoubtedly will be an excellent resource for us when planning a trip to Nevada.
You are most welcome Heather. The goal is definitively to share the information about the amazing wine community that is blowing up in Nevada. It’s also a unique local food & wine experience that is very different from the Strip. Glad you enjoyed the article.
I’m definitely bookmarking this for my next drive out to Las Vegas. I love hearing about the history of the rules and Tempranillo is one of my favorite varietals. I’ve only had that in Baja before. Great post.
Thank you so much Elaine. Really appreciate your feedback. Indeed, do keep this handy guide with you for your next trip to Las Vegas and be prepared to be delighted!
Winery in the desert sounds fabulous. My cousin would be visiting Vegas in December and this would be right up her alley. How does December sound for a winery visit?
Anytime is a perfect time to visit the wineries in the desert. They all offer free tours and tastings and its a fun way to explore more of the Silver State. Feel free to pass this along to your cousin 🙂 Cheers.
Nope, had no idea there were wineries in the desert. I’ve only been to wineries in St. Emilion in France. I’d like to try if the wine produced Nevada have something in particular. From the US, I know only wine from California, obviously. I’ll try to get some of these.
The next time your travels take you to Las Vegas, it’s worth exploring the wines in Nevada. There are many wineries in the U.S. beyond California and they are worth trying. Glad you learned something new about the wines from the Nevada desert. Cheers.
A winery in the desert is hard to believe, but its clear from this post that they are doing some amazing things. Winning awards for a wine is no mean feat. I look forward to keeping an eye on their progress and hopefully having an opportunity to taste their wines in the future,
Thanks, Janine for your feedback! Indeed, Nevada is creating a new industry and the wines are quite respectable. Do keep an eye and even better stop by the wineries on next trip to Sin City! Cheers.
I never would have guessed that the Vegas area would have good wineries! These totally seem worth the visit…although I don’t know about that red wine/ginger ale drink….
Nevada wines are pretty surprising and a great experience. We were a little taken back by the ginger drink, but it was not bad at all! Certainly worth visiting and tasting the wines in Nevada. Hope you get there soon!! Cheers.
This post is perfect because I’m heading to Las Vegas in October! I’ve been before so I was trying to figure out what new things to do, so now I can add wine tasting! It is impressive that they can grow these vineyards in the dessert, but where there’s a will, there’s a way!
You are right Vicky, where there is a will there is a way and Nevada is proving just that! Great the timing works for your upcoming trip. Do let us know what wineries you visit. Appreciate you stopping by!!