Grape Grower Group Gears Up, Solicits Members, Previews Activities at First Meeting

Editor’s note: The founders of Nevada Grape Growers and Winemakers point out that they were not at the helm of last year’s unsuccessful attempt to start a similar organization. — GBN

After more than a year of discussion and a false start in early 2019, Nevada has an organization devoted exclusively to viticulture and the craft of winemaking. Nevada Grape Growers and Winemakers took flight on Wednesday in a banquet room at Reno’s Tamarack Junction. The group was geographically diverse, including principals from two established California wineries who hope to some day operate here, and a participant representing southern Nevada’s wine producers. Story continues below…

The gathering was intended to preview tentatively scheduled activities, and to begin discussions about the 2021 legislative session. The group’s founders sought comments from attendees who believe changes to the law would promote growth. The legislative agenda will be crafted carefully over many months, to ensure that it offers the best opportunities for expansion of Nevada’s wine community, founders say.

Wine production in Nevada is comprised of disparate interests. The last five years has seen the emergence of a strong commercial sector, fed by a community of accomplished home winemakers.  Possibly the state’s most pressing need is adding to the ranks of committed growers, in order to support a Nevada-grown fruit quota that’s tied by statute to case limits for large-scale producers.

The organization will meet monthly, hosted by vineyard owners. Membership costs $100. More photos below…