Pahrump, Nevada - Land of Brothels and Wine

With our debut episode successfully launched, it was time to hit the open road and expand our wine horizons. Our chosen route: a familiar loop through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, offering both scenic beauty and logistical comfort. We knew the terrain, but planning the winery visits proved a unique challenge.

These vineyards, often nestled in remote locations, demanded a meticulous itinerary. Drive times, accommodation, and – crucially – winery operating hours became essential considerations. Imagine the disappointment of arriving at a closed winery after a long Sunday drive!

Nevada's leg presented minimal obstacles. Sanders Family Winery in Pahrump, a short drive from Las Vegas, became our target. The route, a familiar four-hour stretch I'd traversed countless times during my Vegas commuting days, offered a comfortable start to our adventure. We would rest for the night in Vegas, and then make the hour or so drive to Pahrump in time for wine tasting the next day.

Pahrump, Nevada is famous for its legalized brothels. Sensing an opportunity for an eye-catching intro, we mapped their proximity to the winery. Jackpot! The brothels were practically neighbors to the winery.

Unfortunately this is a top reason not to move to Pahrump!

The drive itself was a revelation. Ascending the Spring Mountains, an extension of Vegas's Red Rock Canyon, we were captivated by the unexpected beauty. Our first real taste of adventure!

We filmed our intro at the brothels (tripod in tow, a lesson soon to be unlearned), then proceeded to the Sanders Family Winery. A quiet weekday afternoon allowed for an intimate tasting experience with Julie, who guided us through their predominantly sweet selection. While not entirely to my palate, the case purchase by a neighboring table underscored the appeal of these approachable wines.

A lesson to all you sommeliers out there, its not about the wine you like, its about the wine your guests like.

The tasting concluded with a surprising twist: Jack Sanders' signature Red Ginger, a concoction of red wine and ginger ale. Intriguing, to say the least.

Confident in our footage, we departed for St. George, Utah. A detour through the charming town of Blue Diamond led us to the delightful Cottonwood Station Eatery, a hidden gem offering respite and delicious fare.

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Settled in St. George, we eagerly reviewed our recordings, seeking areas for improvement. Then, disaster struck. A significant portion of our tasting footage was captured in slow motion... without sound. A rookie mistake of epic proportions.

Too far to re-record, we resigned ourselves to salvaging what we could. After deciphering the camera's treachery, we devised a plan to prevent future mishaps. Lesson learned: always check the footage before leaving the winery!

Jim, our editing wizard, worked his magic, transforming our near-disaster into a surprisingly successful episode. To this day, its performance remains a testament to his skill and our resilience.