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Story by Perry Mack
Photos Courtesy Sanders Family Winery
When Jack Sanders came to Pahrump in 1985, (from Marin County, California) he learned Pahrump once flourished in agriculture. Grapes were growing as far back as the 1800’s. In fact, there was a bonded winery in Pahrump in the late 1930’s producing wines that rivaled the best that California had to offer.
The scenic and historic highways that connect Las Vegas and Death Valley alone, give
travelers a perfect reason to experience the peace, beauty, pristine air, clear blue skies, and mild winters of Pahrump - Nevada’s Wine Country.
The town is framed by expansive views of the Toyobe National Forest and Spring Mountain range to the east, with trails one can explore all year round… and let’s not forget fabulous Las Vegas just over the Spring Mountain Pass.
The western edge of the town is the California border, with the majestic peaks of the Nopah Mountain Range, the historic Old Spanish Trail, and the colourful beauty of
Death Valley.
Establishing the second Sanders Family Winery was so much easier than the first. Sanders didn’t have to deal with all the rocks, sparse soil and of course, the
Wild Mustang Horses, who essentially destroyed his first vineyard.
Let’s start our story at the beginning – with the first winery. There were no donkeys or burros just seven thirsty Wild Mustangs, who smelled water flowing through the irrigation lines to the newly planted grape vines. No, the horses did not eat the vines; they just tore up the irrigation, and trampled or rolled around on, about twenty eight hundred delicate, green, virgin vines destroying all of them.
The mustangs lived in the vineyards for more than six weeks until the BLM (Bureau of
Land Management) rounded them up. The vineyards were fenced off but the Mustangs stayed close by. One of the mares went off for a few days and returned with a little Mustang colt. Winery visitors fell in love with horses, especially the newborn colt.
There is one more tale Sanders relishes in the telling. “Every now and then, the Stallion would feel his oats and make advances toward one of the mares. Often times succeeding, as our visitors looked on. There was usually a scream (from one of the visitors) and then very loud laughter, sometimes mixed with statements of ‘Oh My God’!”
“This was always followed by some interesting conversation, and provided a new visual experience for most of the urban guests. An experience, which perhaps invoked anxiety and feelings of inadequacy in some of the men observing the Stallion’s performance, not to mention his ‘equipment’.”
With their new winery, they constructed a 2.5 metre estate fence to prevent “critters” from getting into the vineyards. They also constructed a fine wire mesh fence that extended into the ground to prevent rabbits from getting onto the property.
The winery and surrounding estate is reminiscent of a Tuscan Provincial Villa. The
vineyards line each side of the driveway as you enter the gates. The courtyard serves as
a performing arts theater where concerts, plays and other entertainment are presented.
The wine tastings are free seven days a week. You may bring your own food, snacks,
crackers and cheese if you like.
Sanders Winery loves to entertain RV travelers. Private wine tastings can be arranged for groups - just call and make arrangements. There is no charge for your group and you will have the most entertaining and educational wine tasting you’ve ever experienced.