Nevada’s Greg Ross Wins Five U.S. National Amateur Awards for Walker River Estate Wines
“Who is this guy?” Nevada’s home winemakers whispered to each other in 2018. A contestant nobody seemed to know came out of nowhere that year to win four gold ribbons with four entries in the region’s annual winemaking competition.
The guy was Greg Ross, proprietor of the Walker River Estate south of Gardnerville. And he hasn’t stopped winning. Story continues below…
Greg Ross discusses a Nevada white at a meeting of Nevada Vines & Wines, on November 18, 2021. Photo: @GrapeBasinNews
Greg and Susan Ross savor his win at the Home Winemaker Awards on May 17, 2018
Ross says he received a congratulatory call last weekend from the chief Judge of the U.S. National Amateur Wine Competition, where his wines captured five awards (listed below).
Since his 2018 debut to northern Nevada’s wine community, Ross has become a friend and a central figure. He’s recently been named chair of Nevada Grape Growers and Winemakers education program.
The group takes a lot of pride in Ross’s expertise, said NGGW president Stuart Michell.
“The thing about Greg is he’s always willing to experiment, and to learn,” Michell said, noting that Ross eagerly accepted comments and suggestions from other winemakers at a recent NGGW event.
“That’s a good example for everybody else,” Michell told Grape Basin News. “He’s a person who’s been involved in the industry for 30-plus years, and he’s still learning. All the best winemakers in the world are always experimenting and learning.”
Ross got more praise from Nevada Vines & Wines, which will host the Nevada Vinny Awards next year.
“Once again, Greg’s strength as a winemaker, and his talent in working with unique varietals has shown through,” said Kathy Halbardier, who organizes the competition. “We look forward to tasting his wines in the upcoming Nevada Vines & Wines competition.”
Walker River Estate performance in the 47th annual U.S. National Amateur Wine Competition
Bronze Medal: 2019 Walker River Estate Bulldog Red (Zweigelt) Estate Grown
Silver Medal: 2020 Walker River Estate Bulldog Red (Frontenac Noir) Estate Grown
Gold Medal: 2020 Walker River Estate 50 Shades of Green (Gruner Veltliner) Estate Grown
Gold Medal: 2020 Walker River Estate Bulldog White (Ribolla Gialla) Estate Grown
Best of Class – Gold Medal 2020 Vintage Trailer Vineyard 6 N Ranch – Smith Valley Nevada (Frontenac Blanc)
