Ask most Las Vegans about our local wineries; most will probably have no clue that our city has winemaking operations. Vegas Valley Winery, which opened its doors to the public in December 2018, is Clark County’s first winery and the first winery in Nevada to make cider.
Grape Expectations
The winery’s roots date back to the opening of Grape Expectations in February 2007 and is still the only instructional winemaking facility in the State of Nevada.
Whether you are going solo or invite up to 19 friends to start your private barrel, it will yield 20 cases of wine (240 bottles).
The nine-month winemaking experience includes using one 53-gallon oak barrel and 21 crates of California grape varietals that you select. After your group decides the type of wine to make, the wine school orders the grapes. With their instruction, you and your winemaking friends physically perform the crushing, pressing, racking, bottling, and creation of the labels.
Visit youtu.be/VI3qCHk_4Z8 to view a 13-minute video created by one of the student winemakers that shows what to expect during winemaking.
If you are interested in making a private barrel, email umakeadawine@grapexlv.com.
Vegas Valley Winery
The Vegas Valley Winery, located at 7360 Eastgate Road, Suite 123, within the Henderson Booze District, has a production facility, a tasting room, and classrooms. The best way to experience the wines is in the tasting room, which is very enticing. It has a hardwood floor, windows bringing natural light, hanging wine bottles, and beautiful artwork by local artist Niki Sands (the art is for sale).
Several varietals of wine and cider are poured, such as Riesling, Rosé, Muscat, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Tempranillo; and fruited ciders including Peach, Kiwi, and Grape-Lime. Each is available by the glass or bottle, along with several tasting flights of five pours: White/Rosé, Mixed Tasting, Red Tasting, and Cider Tasting.
Most grapes are sourced from California regions Paso Robles (near Santa Barbara) and Suisun Valley (near Napa). Fruit for the ciders is obtained locally from Gilcrease Orchard.
You can take home ciders with the purchase of bottles or fill a 64-oz growler (patrons are welcome to bring their containers).
In addition to wine and cider, a small bites menu includes a charcuterie platter, pizzas, and chocolates.
Award Winning Wine
The winery had an impressive showing at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the 25th anniversary of the prestigious contest which is the largest competition of North American wines.
Vegas Valley Winery took home 10 medals at the competition, with 5,500 wines judged from more than 950 US, Canada, and Mexico wineries. Some award winners were Double Gold medals for the 2023 Rossa Secco Dry Rosé, 2023 Muscat Cannelli, and 2022 La Casa Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Blend. Vegas Valley Winery’s other seven awards included one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
“We submitted 11 wines for consideration, and won in 10 categories,” said Mike Schoenbaechler, Co-owner and Chief Winemaker of Vegas Valley Winery. “To be recognized among the best in the country is so exciting! We are beyond proud to continue to produce quality wines right here in the Las Vegas community!”
Classes, Wine Club, and Co-Op Program
Various classes include yoga, painting, hat burning/decorating, charcuterie making, wine tasting, and wine blending. Level 3 WSET Advanced Sommelier MJ Jeffrey and Co-Founder Patty Peters teach several wine-centric classes.
All classes include chocolates, a cheese and cracker plate, wine tastings, and a tour of the winery. The wine blending class is among the most popular courses and frequently sells out. In this class, students are instructed on how to create their own unique blend and, after experimenting to find the perfect mix, are rewarded with a 750 ml bottle of their chosen blend to take home.
Joining the Wine Club has several perks, including 20% off new releases, four complimentary wine tastings per year, discounts in the tasting room, bi-annual party, and a complimentary glass of wine on your birthday.
There’s also a Co-Op Program in which members receive a complimentary glass of wine each month from the Wine of the Month, a bottle of wine each month, participation in seasonal winemaking, Co-Op-only events and education sessions, social meetup events, and the opportunity to purchase wine you helped produce at a discounted rate.
Hours and Special Events
The tasting room is open daily. Hours are Monday through Thursday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
A mix of live music, including folk, light rock, and top 40s, is performed Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Classes and workshops are held almost daily.
Visit vegasvalleywinery.com for more information, the wine and food menus, to sign up for classes, and the complete schedule of events.
