Table of Contents:
Beers of Nevada. Nevada Cuisine Nevada Spirits.
Nevada Wine
Before 1990, any wine you found in Nevada was probably from somewhere else.
The soil in many parts of the state is not great for growing grapes. In addition to rocky terrain, many areas have high levels of minerals or boron, which are not conducive to farming.
However, Nevada has low humidity areas, a cause of mold, and plenty of sunshine to turn the sugars to alcohol.
So why is there no wine industry?
Part of it is the inexpensive and excellent wines they can get from neighboring states. They do it so well, why should we?
Also, the people importing wine and other liquors to the state do not want the competition.
There are quite a few laws about Nevada wine for a state famous for lax laws and no previous wine industry.
These restrictions keep local vintners from expanding to a size that will support them.
Until 2015, there was a law that counties with more than 150,000 residents could not have commercial wineries. Why? The Nevada laws for winemaking are still restrictive, although neighboring states have such active wine industries. Coincidence?
Nevada Wine Grapes
You have various soil in the different growing areas around the state. Also, there are different elevations and moisture levels. These benefits make growing varieties of grapes possible.
I am sure this number will grow as they relax laws against wine producers. Some of the most popular grapes now are:
Red
Cabernet Sauvignon
this popular red grape is a cross between Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white) grape. It is hearty, resilient, and has characteristics of the California Cabernet.
Cinsaut or Cinsault
This red wine grape has excellent heat tolerance and is often blended to add softness and more bouquet.
Frontenac
This hybrid grapevine is hardy and has excellent resistance to mildew. The vintners use it for dry red, rose, or fortified wine to achieve aromas of cherry or other red fruits.
Merlot
This dark blue-colored grape has excellent versatility. The makers use them for both blending and varietal wines. It produces a chocolate aroma in warmer areas, where in medium climate, it is more blackberry or dark plum.
Tempranillo
A popular red grape from Spain, it is one of the nine red noble grapes. Popular in making dry, full-bodied red wines.
Ruby Cabernet
This red Olmo grape variety brings red color and a pleasant cherry flavoring. Its primary use is in blending.
White
Chardonnay
This green-skinned grape variety makes different white wines. In warmer climates, the aromas are of tropical fruit or honey. Colder temperatures produce more crisp and acidic wines.
Lacrosse
This modern hybrid grows mostly in North America. They use it in fruity white wines (Riesling) or for blending. This wine grape is also suitable for eating.
Riesling
Originating in Germany’s Rhine region, this white grape produces dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines. It has high acidity and flowery aromas.
Semillon
A popular white grape from France produces a full-body wine, like Chardonnay, but with flavors similar to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris.
Gewurztraminer
An immigrant actually from France, this white grape variety grows best in colder climates. They use it for Dry, semi-sweet, or sweet wines.
Nevada Wineries
With a late start and their legs bound by questionable laws, it’s impressive Nevada is even in the race.
I say bravo to the “Battle Born” attitude of people willing to battle the obstacles.
Currently, there are less than ten commercial wineries in the state.
Who knows how many smaller private wineries there are.
Pahrump Valley Winery (1991) – On the other side of Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas is this fantastic little area called Pahrump. Here the Pahrump Valley Winery works with several private wineries to make several award-winning wines. (Click the orange link to learn about their partners).
Sanders Family Winery (2012) – is also in Pahrump. Growing grapes since the late 1980s, they now have several vineyards for their reds, whites, and blush wines. Several are award-winning. In the summers, they entertain some weekends.
Churchill Vineyards (2014) – is near Fallon, Nevada, about an hour east of Reno. It is adjacent to the Frey Ranch Estate Distillery. Warm days and cold nights lead to excellent grape growing. The Estate vineyard has both red and white wines. Only open on Saturday. Many are available at retailers, especially in the Reno area.
Wineries on 4th Reno (2016) – is a tasting room for not one, but three small hands-on Nevada Wineries. Some are only open on weekends.
Basin and Range Cellars – uses grapes from the vineyard, which is on the edge of the Basin and the Range areas. They offer red and whites.
Nevada Sunset Winery – has a vineyard in the Fallon area of Nevada. At the tasting room, they have reds, whites, and roses by the glass or bottle.
Great Basin Winery – specializes predominantly in reds using grapes from other vineyards in California.
There are more and more private wineries coming up, so this list should grow. There are several places in the Reno-Sparks area that, while in Nevada, serve California wines predominantly. As this is a Nevada page, I do not include them here.
Nevada Wine Summary
I think of the Napa area 40 years ago when I look at today’s Nevada wine. How does California ever hope to compete with France? Look who is laughing now.
Several Nevada wines are already winning awards. With each vintage, they are getting better.
Try them now before everyone else discovers them. You can say, I knew these wineries when…
If you cannot get to the wineries, check at bars and restaurants what they carry in Nevada wine.
Do yourself a favor while in Nevada, taste Nevada wine.