CHARLESTON PEAK WINERY

3810 Winery Rd, Pahrump (775) 751-7800

After opening in 1990 originally as the Pahrump Valley Winery, the Charleston Peak Winery secured over 390 National Wine Awards. Although they faced many challenges—considering they’re nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert—they have made great strides with several Nevada vineyards located in the Pahrump Valley: Amargosa and Crystal Heights. Harvesting over 10 acres of Nevada grapevines throughout 3 vineyards, one annual harvest will produce nearly 30 tons of grapes.

Just a short 55-minute drive from Las Vegas, The Charleston Peak Winery & Restaurant are located at 3810 Winery Road in Pahrump, Nevada. It is under renovation and will reopen in the spring or early summer under new ownership and management, and will offer daily tours of the winery and grounds. The guides will take you through the history of the winery, growing grapes in Nevada’s arid climate, and the process entailed in making the wine.

On your next visit to the serene Charleston

Peak Winery, sip some of their many award-winning wines in the tasting room, stroll through the tranquil rose garden with its gazebo and Spring Mountain backdrop, or dine in the upscale yet casual restaurant! And once a year stay for the annual Grape Stomp special event, or spend the evening at a concert dancing under the stars. Stay long enough in this warm, serene and elegant world and the answers to what makes wine so special will linger long after you’ve forgotten the questions.

Charleston Peak Winery winemaker Marie Schutz provided background and responded to our Back-to-Basics Questions:

Q: How did you get started in wine?

A: My start in the wine industry was as a grape grower owning a custom crush facility in Napa Valley. I made wine for dozens of other wineries who had out grown their own facilities. Most of these clients were notable wineries with stellar winemakers. I had a unique opportunity to study the winemaking protocols of 28 industry superstars. After receiving this rare education, I derived the perfect recipe by combining different techniques. My first vintage won a silver medal, the second won gold medals, and the third year yielded double gold and best of class. I’ve now spent twenty years doing what I love to do most – making wine.

Q: Do you have to go to college specifically to learn about winemaking? Do you have a degree in winemaking?