Fine Wines and Food to Match: Pahrump Valley Winery

By: Bob Gourley
 
Nevada may not be known for its wineries but we are blessed with a great one in nearby Pahrump. The Pahrump Valley Winery is a gem just 60 miles away. Not only will you find a nice variety of award-winning wines but they also have a restaurant that is “note” worthy.
  
Symphony’s splendid views of the estate vineyards are available in a large atrium that soothes the soul. Both lunch and dinner are served with white linen table clothes and a pleasant ambiance.

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The menus change frequently but some recent dinner appetizers included a Lump Crab Cocktail with a snappy cocktail sauce and lemon aioli. Coconut Shrimp includes a quartet of seafood delivered with a spicy tomato horseradish sauce and lemon. A savory Lobster Bisque is made with cream sherry that is delightful but a little more lobster meat would have make it perfect.
    
Pastas are a big part of the menu with samplings like Tenderloin of Beef Stroganoff with meat surrounded with creamy mushroom demi sauce and pappardelle pasta topped with a dollop of sour cream.
 
Entrée choices include Grilled Filet of Salmon that is flame-grilled and then placed on sautéed spinach with lemon dill butter and glazed carrots. Winery Chicken Tuscany is their version of chicken scaloppini. Prominent in the dish are marsala and sherry wine sauce, mushrooms, redskin potatoes and sautéed vegetables.
    
A generous list of steaks includes Saint James with filet medallions, crab-stuffed mushrooms, sautéed shrimp and sherry sauce. A boneless 14-ounch boneless ribeye can be accompanied by a variety of sides like sautéed green beans, three cheese au gratin, a loaded baked potato and redskin potato mashers.
    
Lunch is a great time to visit. You can start with a stop at the tasting room where everyone can sample up to seven vintages at no charge. Then head to the restaurant and order a glass. The estate-bottled Zinfandel is a winner with a full body, slight smoky flavor and a classic finish.
    
Midday offerings like Yorkshire Fish and Chips are made with upscale Icelandic cod filets that are tempura battered, flash fried and then delivered with tartar sauce, jumbo fries and coleslaw. Blackened Mahi Mahi is served southern style served with vegetables.
   
A list of sandwiches is enticing. The Grilled Chicken Panini is a combination of ingredients like Applewood bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and ranch dressing sitting between grilled panini bread. Non-meat fans will want to try the Grilled Portobello Sandwich with a large-size mushroom, roasted red pepper, onion, smoked provolone, lettuce and pesto mayo.
    
Yes, there is a burger made with American Kobe, sliced tomato and onion on a brioche bun. By the way all sandwiches include steak fries, coleslaw or a cup of soup.
   
The service is friendly, but lunch tends to be crowded at times as they don’t take reservations at midday. But when you visit don’t be in a hurry. Relax, take in the scenery and reflect on the fact that there is a locally-owned winery that has great wines and food to match.
    
Symphony’s, Pahrump Valley Winery, 3810 Winery Rd., Pahrump (775) 751-7800. www.pahrumpvalleywinery.com.