Photo by Chris Wessling
Tucked away on Winery Road in Pahrump, Nevada, a familiar gem has returned—but with a dazzling new twist. Formerly known as Pahrump Valley Vineyards, the recently reopened Charleston Peak Winery is breathing fresh life into Nevada’s winemaking scene, and it’s doing so with elegance, innovation, and seriously good wine.
Our relationship with this location goes back to the early 2000s, when it was a charming vineyard complete with a helicopter pad–which flew in guests from Las Vegas, fine dining, and a cozy vineyard vibe. Fast-forward through a few ownership changes, the addition of an RV park, and a few years of closure—and what we now have is a reimagined destination that’s earning every bit of attention it’s receiving.
Photo by Chris Wessling
Under the direction of Steven Bowen and Austin Bolton, Charleston Peak Winery is setting a new standard. Their wines? Simply excellent. We’ve tasted every varietal they’ve released so far, and each one is a masterclass in what’s possible with Nevada terroir. Notably, Charleston Peak is the first winery in the state to produce a sparkling white wine made from Nevada-grown grapes—an achievement worth toasting to!
Other standouts include:
• Symphony White – crisp, fragrant, and wonderfully refreshing
• White Zinfandel Rosé – delicately sweet with a balanced finish
• Amargosa Red Blend – robust and complex
• Desert Moon – our current favorite: rich, velvety, and beautifully structured
• Syrah (coming soon) – sampled at the grand opening, this bold red is aging gracefully and is bound to be a stunner when bottled next year.
“Charleston Peak Winery is more than a destination; it’s a celebration of what’s possible in Nevada winemaking,” says Steven Bowen.
And it shows. Their approach blends precision with creativity, drawing from the challenging desert environment to craft wines that truly tell a story.
Photo by Chris Wessling
But what truly elevates the Charleston Peak experience is the culinary partnership with the AMARI Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop from Las Vegas. At the grand opening, guests were treated to mouthwatering small plates that paired perfectly with the wines. The meatballs were savory and tender, while the cheese pizzas offered a simple yet satisfying balance of flavor—both ideal companions to a glass (or two) of vino.
Photo by Mark Sedenquist
The tasting room, which seats around 50, is an intimate and refined space—elegantly appointed without feeling pretentious. And if wine and food weren’t enough, they’ve added a sweet touch: chocolate pairings with every tasting. Yes, the chocolate is as divine as the wine it complements.
Looking ahead, the winery has even more in store:
** An outdoor concert stage is set to debut by year’s end
** The full-service restaurant is expected to reopen sometime in 2026
Tastings and food are available Thursday through Monday, Noon to 5 PM, making it a perfect weekend escape just outside of Las Vegas. And with at least 35% of the grapes grown in Nevada, every sip supports the evolving craft of Nevada winemaking.
Charleston Peak Winery is located at 3810 Winery Road in Pahrump, Nevada. Easy access from Nevada Highway Route 160 on the south side of the city.
Photo by Chris Wessling
And, don’t forget the Artesian Cellars winery just down the road–excellent full-service restaurant and a local’s favorite. And wonderful wine service at the Wine Down next the Albertson’s Market on the main highway.
Mark
Earlier today, Jennifer Sela Bowen, who is the General Manager at the Charleston Peak Winery wrote us to share that ten of the eleven wines that they produce are Nevada-grown!
Sounds like an ideal day trip for a unique off-strip adventure. Who would have guessed that Las Vegas has become a place for first class wine tasting and purchases!
On October 8th, Megan and I ate at the “original” Amari restaurant in Las Vegas. It is a lovely restaurant, well-appointed and the food is really, really good. The most surprising thing is the “wall of Amaro liqueurs” they have on hand. Until I visited, I thought Amaro spirits were only produced in Italy, but turns out a variety of countries produce this delicious liqueur. The liquor content in Amaro can range from 16% to 40% so be warned! They also offer flights.
The wine selection is pretty remarkable as well. Justin was our waiter and he shared some insights about Amaro. We enjoyed delectable treats from the Happy Hour Menu. Be sure to check out the Tiramisu — there is a lovely surprise waiting to be devoured at the bottom of this dish.