Why you should visit wineries in Pahrump, Nevada
This blog post covers the best wineries in Pahrump, Nevada.
Wineries in Pahrump, Nevada are a wonderful place to kick back and relax with a glass of wine (or two).
The town of Pahrump is conveniently located. It’s one hour east of Death Valley, California and one hour west of Las Vegas, Nevada. So whether you’re driving from Vegas to the valley (or vice versa) Pahrump wineries are the perfect location to refuel in between.
The town of Pahrump is the hidden gem of the Mojave Desert. There’s beautifully rugged scenery, majestic mountains, wild horses, and acres of Nevada grapevines. The annual Pahrump Balloon Festival is a major draw, with hot air balloon rides, live music, great food, and art from local artists.
Pahrump reminds visitors that the desert can be beautiful too. And it can grow grapes. Despite what you might think.
The majority of Nevada grapes are grown in Pahrump. This tiny town is the center of the Nevada wine industry, which is small but spirited. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Pahrump, Nevada is the kind of place most wine enthusiasts would pass over. But American wine connoisseurs should experience the full breadth of the American wine industry… even if that place isn’t at the top of their list.
How to access the best wineries in Pahrump, Nevada
The wineries in Pahrump, Nevada are within easy driving distance of Las Vegas.
If you already live in Las Vegas, then great! You can easily hop in your car and head west to the tiny town of Pahrump.
If you live outside of Nevada then you’ll need to fly into Las Vegas, rent a car, and drive from the airport to the wineries on this list. The airport in Las Vegas is called Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). It was previously known as McCarran International Airport.
Harry Reid International Airport is only 58 miles from Pahrump, Nevada. The journey should take about one hour by car.
Death Valley, California is 68 miles northwest of Pahrump. It would take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from Pahrump to Death Valley. So if you’re doing a road trip or day trip through Death Valley you may as well take a detour to Pahrump. Why not?!
The best wineries in Pahrump, Nevada for a wine tasting
Charleston Peak Winery
Charleston Peak Winery is one of the most beautiful wineries in Pahrump, Nevada.
The winery features sprawling estate vineyards backed by majestic mountains. The property even has a tranquil rose garden. It’s the kind of place that will make you fall in love with the desert.
Charleston Peak Winery was previously known as Pahrump Valley Winery. In 2023 they underwent a total renovation of the winery, which included a new restaurant and kitchen.
But the main draw is the wine. Charleston Peak Winery makes a variety of wines including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
The Charleston Peak Winery tasting room is open Thursday through Monday from 12-5 PM. They’re closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Wine Down
The Wine Down is a cute wine bar located in Pahrump, Nevada.
They serve wine on tap alongside beer, cocktails, and slushies. It’s the perfect place to come with a group of people who can’t decide whether to order wine, beer, or both.
This Pahrump wine bar also offers shareable small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards, meatball sliders, truffle fries, and bruschetta. Sounds like a great combination to me!
The Wine Down wine bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-9 PM. On Sunday they’re open from 12-6 PM. They’re closed Monday.
Artesian Cellars
Artesian Cellars is one of the best wineries in Pahrump, Nevada.
Owner Tim Burke enjoyed a colorful career in management, marketing, and sales before committing to his true passion: wine!
Artesian Cellars has four Nevada vineyards (two in Northern Nevada and two in Southern Nevada). They also lease vines in California and Washington State.
Artesian Winery works with Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Barbera. White grapes such as Chardonnay, Viognier, and Marsanne also make an appearance.
The winery tasting room is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Thursday they’re open from 11 AM to 9 PM. On Friday and Saturday they’re open from 11 AM to 10 PM. Sundays the tasting room is open from 12-7 PM. You can make a reservation via the winery website.
Other wine regions to visit in the Western United States
California wine country towns to explore
California borders the western side of Nevada State. As I’m sure you know, California is home to award-winning wines and fabulous wine growing regions. But not everyone needs to visit the Napa Valley. Here are some smaller California wine country towns worth a look.
Walnut Creek, California is close to San Francisco and Sacramento. This tiny town at the base of Mount Diablo is less conspicuous than its famous California counterparts. But our list of the best wineries Walnut Creek has to offer tells you exactly where to look for an unforgettable experience.
The town of Brentwood, California (not to be confused with the LA suburb) is a 90 minute drive from both Sacramento and San Francisco. The best wineries Brentwood offers are perfect for a relaxed day trip from either city.
Lincoln, California is a reasonable 35 minute drive from Sacramento. But the best wineries in Lincoln CA feel a world away.
Morgan Hill feels like a true wine country escape. And yet Morgan Hill wineries are within driving distance of San Francisco and San Jose. Easy, peasy.
One last thing: a forming mining town. Placerville, California is unconventional but quaint. The best Placerville wineries are easily accessible and full of delicious wine. Sounds like a recipe for a good time.
Arizona wine regions worth a trip
Nevada and Arizona are separated by the Colorado River. Like Nevada, Arizona is an arid state that isn’t at the top of the list for most wine lovers. But the following wine country towns prove Arizona wineries have a bright future full of national wine awards.
The neighboring towns of Sonoita and Elgin are the epicenter of the Arizona wine industry. Sonoita is an hour south of Tucson and two and a half hours from Phoenix. Use our list of 17 wineries in Sonoita and Elgin to plan your trip.
Jerome, Arizona is a former mining town full of historic buildings and fun wine tasting rooms. We’ve compiled a list of four Jerome wineries worth a stop. Like the winery founded by a former rock star…
Cottonwood, Arizona is a short 15 minute drive from Jerome. If you’re already going to Jerome you may as well visit historic Old Town Cottonwood too. We’ve compiled a list of the best Cottonwood wineries for those who’d like to sample the local wine.
