Charleston Peak Winery, located at 3810 Winery Rd., is embracing a new chapter under fresh ownership, but with deep respect for its rich history in Pahrump. The newly appointed General Manager, Jenn Sela Bowen, and Assistant General Manager, Andy Keselburg, have taken the reins to breathe new life into the property while preserving the legacy that made the winery a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Backed by owner Ernest Moody, the visionary behind Action Gaming and a longtime supporter of the Las Vegas community, Charleston Peak Winery is poised to blend the best of the old with exciting new ventures.
Moody, a significant figure in the gaming industry, is known for revolutionizing video poker with multi-hand capability. Charleston Peak Winery, however, marks his first investment in Pahrump. Jenn explained that Moody initially became involved with the winery as a lender to the previous owners but grew emotionally attached to the property and its importance to the town. “Ernie just didn’t want this place to go away,” Jenn said when discussing the transition from the previous ownership. That dedication has fueled the winery’s revival after a period of uncertainty.
Built in 1989, with its first vintage released in 1992, Charleston Peak Winery (formerly known as Pahrump Valley Vineyard and Pahrump Valley Winery) holds a special place in the hearts of many longtime residents. While Jenn and Andy were brought on to revitalize the space, the complexities of the licensing process are being managed by a project manager working directly for Ernie. Jenn was hired by Ernie to oversee the winery’s revival, handling operations, sales, marketing, branding, and events, with Andy focusing primarily on operations. Despite their hopes for a quick reopening, the licensing process took longer than expected. “We thought we’d be able to open right away,” Jenn recalled, “but licensing is taking much longer than expected. We didn’t want to take any shortcuts, so we had to halt our plans until everything was fully legal.” Some aspects of the licensing process are still in progress. They do have an operational liquor license, which allows them to sell alcohol on the property while other licenses are being finalized.
In the meantime, the team turned their attention to the state of the property, which had been largely untouched for over a year. The winery underwent essential renovations to get back into shape. “We started slowly renovating after about a year, not knowing when we could open,” Jenn said. “It was a challenging time because we didn’t have all the answers yet, but everyone came together to make this place what it is now.” Despite the delays, Jenn and her team kept the full staff on salary, underscoring the belief that reopening was a matter of when, not if.
Reconnecting with the local community has been a primary focus for the entire team. They have rolled out initiatives like free wine tastings for locals on Mondays and complimentary samples for all visitors throughout the week. “We want people to feel comfortable coming in,” Jenn shared. “It’s been all about rebuilding trust.” The winery has also worked to ensure its legacy remains intact while incorporating new offerings. “The original Charleston Peak label is still here, and we’re keeping key wines like the Symphony and Desert Blush,” she said.
While the winery stays true to its roots, the wine itself has undergone notable changes under the direction of winemaker Steve Bowen, Jenn’s husband, who brings with him a wealth of experience from Napa Valley. “Steve has a deep understanding of the grapes,” Jenn said. “His expertise has allowed us to make elegant, complex wines with an homage to the past, but with a new take on the local grapes.” The winery has introduced several new varieties, including a Malbec with grapes sourced from Dyer in Northern Nevada and unique red blends like Desert Moon and Amargosa, which have quickly become favorites.
The focus on wine, rather than events or large-scale entertainment, sets Charleston Peak apart from other local wineries. Jenn emphasized that their goal is to offer an elevated wine education experience. “Our team are not just tasting room associates—they’re wine educators,” she explained. “We’re teaching people about wine, helping them discover what they like. It’s about creating a memorable and educational experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Although the winery’s restaurant isn’t open yet, plans are well underway for its revival, with an Italian steakhouse concept set to launch late next year. Jenn shared that the restaurant hopes to feature a mix of new dishes and classic favorites, including the much-loved lobster bisque from the original menu. “We hope to bring back some of those nostalgic dishes,” she said, “while also creating a fresh, semi-formal dining experience where everyone feels welcome.” Additionally, a mini kitchen is being added to the winery itself, offering charcuterie boards, paninis, and pizzas within the next few months.
Looking ahead, Jenn and Andy have ambitious plans for the winery. They are currently planning for the development of a large outdoor event space to host community and charitable events. “We want this place to represent Pahrump in a real way, a place the community can be proud of,” Jenn said. “Our long-term goal is to build a 200-person event barn with a full bar and kitchen. This will be the go-to spot for big community events. That’s the five-year plan.” The winery also plans to establish partnerships with nearby businesses to create a local beverage trail, bringing more visibility and tourism to the area.
Community engagement is key to the winery’s mission moving forward, and Jenn is proud of how positively locals have responded since reopening. “We’ve already got regulars who come in multiple times a week,” she said with a smile. “People have been bringing their friends and family from out of town, and we’re seeing a real sense of excitement about what we’re doing here.”
Jenn and Andy have been mindful of the winery’s long-standing reputation as they steer it in a new direction. “The winery is a vital part of the Pahrump community, it’s a place of connection, celebration, and local pride,” Andy shared. “I truly believe that preserving its reputation is about more than just the wine (although the wine is pretty good) it’s about fostering relationships and creating great experiences for every person that walks through our doors. The support and warmth from the community mean everything to us here and I believe that together with the people of Pahrump, we can cultivate a vibrant future for the winery honoring its heritage here in town while also making it a cornerstone of our community once again.”
For those holding gift certificates purchased under the previous ownership, the winery will honor them at 50%, a gesture that further emphasizes their commitment to the community. “We want to make sure that nobody is left out as we move forward,” Jenn said.
The winery is currently open Thursday through Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. As their offerings expand, when the mini-kitchen opens, the hours may extend to accommodate guests for longer periods.
In just a short time since reopening, Charleston Peak Winery has reestablished itself as a local treasure, one that combines the rich history of the past with a fresh and exciting future. As Jenn summed it up: “We’re here to take care of the business, the community, and our employees. It’s all about love and relationships, and we’re just getting started.”
