When thinking about areas known for their wine, Nevada is not exactly the first thought that comes to your mind. The harsh climate of the state is not exactly conducive to wine making. However, one winery on the outskirts of Las Vegas has not only found a way around the climate, but is now a winery providing fine wine to clients worldwide.

The Pahrump Valley Winery has a history that would almost sound like an urban legend but is entirely true. When the winery first opened in 1990, the area around Las Vegas had not been as fully developed as it is now and the winery was susceptible to wild horses. Ultimately, the initial crop was destroyed by the herd and it was two years before
another attempt would be made.

Bill and Gretchen Loken took over the winery in 1992 and began to do their research on what grapes would grow the best in different climates. The Parhrump vineyard is the largest producer of red grapes for the state of Nevada, but the winery could not survive alone on just Zinfadel.

This prompted the Loken’s to partner with other vineyards in the state and the result was the ability to capitalize on the different climates without having the overhead required to do so. Among their wines are their Zinfadel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Frontenac.

Their proximity to some of the largest US casinos would ultimately land them one of their largest clients and one that may take the winery to a new level. It was recently revealed that the company has signed a contract to provide 1,000 cases of their wines to fine restaurants in China. The deal was brokered with Linda Wong, a Chinese-American who lives in Las Vegas and works for several Chinese companies. Wong fell in love with their wine and soon a partnership was born.

For centuries, American’s have used their pioneering spirit to conquer new terrains and climates and that tradition continues. The Loken’s big experiment with the Nevada climate has led to one of the most unlikely wine companies in the US.