As we travel across the country, we learn that many states have two significant times that a grape industry developed. The first time was pre-prohibition and in some states this goes back to the colonial period. The second time is post-prohibition often during the 1960’s and 1970’s. During those decades new pioneers planted vines in regions throughout different states. Often when you visit wineries in different states you’ll hear stories about the pioneers who led the modern era. Many states’ modern era is forty to fifty years old. If you would like to track a current modern era, follow the grape and wine industry in Nevada. Growers and winemakers in this state are the pioneers.

Bill and Gretchen Loken, owners of Pahrump Valley Winery in Pahrump, Nevada recently bottled Nevada Ridge made from Zinfandel grapes grown on the property in Pahrump. The 2005 vintage is the first commercial red vinifera wine released in the state. It seems to be only a matter of time until Nevada will see more vineyards and wineries. Surrounded by states that have active grape growing regions, Nevada is beginning to see more vineyard plantings. Bill and Gretchen plan to increase their vineyard in 2009. In the northern part of Nevada, many grape growers are planting Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. In the southern part of the state, one sees more plantings of Barbera, Syrah and Zinfandel. Bill related that grapes are a good choice to plant in the state that is challenged with acres of desert. Grapes take up about ten percent of the water requirements that alfalfa needs. Keep an eye on Nevada over the years and experience what the current pioneers can grow and make into wines.