Nestled next to Albertsons at 250 S. Highway 160, Suite 8, The Wine Down has quickly become a beloved haven for locals and visitors alike. Co-owners Joelle and Keith Bolton officially opened the doors on July 1, 2023, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The couple’s journey to opening The Wine Down is both inspiring and filled with passion. Joelle Bolton’s introduction to the world of wine began in 2012 when she started working at the Pahrump Valley Winery under Bill and Gretchen Loken. “I fell in love with wine there,” she recalls. “Gretchen, with her teaching background, took me under her wing and taught me so much.” This formative experience set Joelle on a path that would eventually lead to The Wine Down. After an enriching stint at Artesian Cellars, she decided it was time to embark on her own venture, a decision strongly supported by her husband, Keith.
“We like stress, and we don’t like money,” Joelle jokes about their entrepreneurial plunge. Keith, the dreamer of the duo, was instrumental in pushing the idea forward. “He’s the dreamer. As soon as I figure out there’s nothing I can do to stop him, once he’s got that dog with the bone look in his face, then I just join in.”
The name, The Wine Down, was suggested by their eldest daughter, Ashley, a detective in Las Vegas. “She said, ‘Mom, what about The Wine Down?’ and from there, it just took on its own persona,” Joelle explains. The concept behind the name reflects their vision of a relaxing, welcoming space—”If a spa and a bar had a baby, it would be The Wine Down.”
The Wine Down sets itself apart from other wine bars with its relaxed, non-pretentious atmosphere. “We want people to come in, relax, and feel no pressure,” Joelle emphasizes. The aim is to make wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their knowledge level. “We keep our wines at a certain price point because we want everybody to be able to try stuff that they normally wouldn’t.”
Joelle’s meticulous selection process ensures a unique variety of wines, many of which patrons won’t find at local grocery stores. The bar also offers six wines on tap, beers, signature cocktails, and wine slushies as well as many mocktails for those who want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere but don’t prefer to drink alcohol. Their food menu features fresh, simple items like cheeses, charcuterie boards, daily soups, and the popular Tri-tip sandwich, as well as a variety of dessert options that vary depending on the week. “We try to keep a simple menu, very fresh,” Joelle notes.
The Wine Down is not just about great wine and food; it’s about creating a community. The Boltons host daily tastings, private events, and fundraisers for local causes. “We’ve done events like Pinot and Puppies with 4eKennels, where we had adorable Labradoodles puppies in the bar,” Joelle says, highlighting their community involvement.
The Boltons attribute much of their success to their exceptional staff. “Our key girl here is Jennifer, and she and I have been best friends for 30 years,” Joelle says. They prioritize training and treating their staff with respect, which in turn ensures excellent service for their patrons. “If you treat your staff right, they will treat your customers right.”
The Wine Down has already garnered accolades, winning the “Best Bar in Pahrump” award from the Pahrump Valley Chamber after being open for only five months. Their one-year anniversary party was a testament to their success and the strong community they’ve built. “It was crazy how busy we were,” Joelle notes. “It really said a lot about how much the community has embraced us,” Keith added.
Looking to the future, Joelle and Keith have dreams of expanding. “I would love to expand. My mentor said this place is too small, and I think she was right,” Joelle admits. Despite the challenges of starting a new business, their passion and dedication have clearly paid off.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to open a wine bar or a similar type of business, Joelle offers simple yet powerful advice: “Do it. Do it, it’s OK. I know it’s scary. The hardest part about the whole thing was that initial jump off the high dive of ‘I’m going to do it.’ It’s OK, it’s going to be OK. If this is something that you really want to do, do it. And it’s OK if you fail because at least you tried.” Joelle and Keith took a leap of faith, and it has paid off, proving that the risk is worth it for those passionate about their dreams.
When asked what she enjoys most about running the bar, Joelle doesn’t hesitate. “Oh, man, the people, hands down. The guests that I get to meet every day, old friends that I haven’t seen in a while, even since Pahrump Valley Vineyard days. And then the new people—I love talking to people.” She cherishes the camaraderie and the sense of community that The Wine Down fosters. “This is a bar run by friends.” It’s a place where people can reconnect and create new friendships, which is something Joelle and Keith deeply value.
It’s a testament to Joelle’s vision and reputation that many of her old friends from previous ventures seek out The Wine Down. “It’s funny, you’ll hear, you’ll hear people come in that knew her from back then say, ‘We finally found you.’ They always knew at some point Joelle would do something like this. But finding her is it, it’s just awesome to see it when I go. We finally did it. It’s awesome.” This recognition and support from the community underline the impact Joelle and Keith have made with their welcoming and inclusive wine bar.
As they continue to grow and serve the Pahrump community, The Wine Down promises to remain a welcoming and relaxing spot for all. To learn more, visit their website at thewinedownnv.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook.
