Pine Hollow Winery Las Vegas - Interview With Owner Barbara DiVirgilio

Pine Hollow Winery located only a short drive from Las Vegas Strip is a great alternative to people looking for things to do outside of the Strip. The winery offers a one-of-a-kind experience just off West Charleston Boulevard in Fiesta Square. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for something new and exciting to try, Pine Hollow Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique experience in Las Vegas.

Address: 7018 West Charleston Blvd Las Vegas

Phone: (702) 780-4778

Website: pinehollowwinery.com

From the charming atmosphere to the delicious wines, it's the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in some of the best handcrafted wines in the area. The owner of the Pine Hollow winery is Barbara DiVirgilio, and her husband John DiVirgilio is the vintner. Barbara DiVirgilio had been running a successful winery in Pennsylvania before she decided to bring her expertise to Las Vegas. What's even more inspiring, they made the decision during COVID.

It's truly uplifting to see entrepreneurs like Barbara DiVirgilio who had the courage to start a business during challenging times.

She and her husband John saw an opportunity to introduce their handcrafted wines to a new market and decided to take a chance, despite the challenges of opening a business during a pandemic. The decision to open a winery in Las Vegas was not an easy one, but Barbara and John saw the potential in the city's thriving food and beverage scene, and wanted to offer something unique to locals and tourists alike. They took a leap of faith, and their hard work has paid off, as Pine Hollow Winery has become a beloved destination for wine lovers in the Las Vegas area.

The pandemic has created many obstacles for businesses, especially for those in the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges, Barbara saw an opportunity to bring her passion for wine to Las Vegas and create a unique experience for wine lovers.

Barbara and John DiVirgilio

I reached out to Barbara DiVirgilio and she agreed to answer a few questions.

You brought your winery from your home in Pennsylvania to Las Vegas. What inspired you to start a winery in Las Vegas?

Weather was a huge factor, and the fact that PA has over 400 wineries and the state of NV has only 8.

Have you faced any challenges and obstacles during the process of moving your winery?

We had many challenges. We had 30 days to pack up, find a house in Las Vegas and move our belongings and all of our winery equipment. After arriving it took 6 months to even get anyone to speak with me about opening a winery. Carolyn Goodman was very instrumental in getting this rolling in Las Vegas. From there we had to get an ordinance written, find a location, apply for 2 special use permits, building permit and then build out. Don’t forget about COVID during this time frame. Challenges were a plenty, but we survived our first year in business.

What has been the most rewarding part of this journey, and what keeps you motivated to keep pushing forward?

It is rewarding to see people enjoy our wines, and at the end of the day I can say we achieved our goal of opening a winery in Las Vegas. I am able to look at our products, and I am proud to say, “We made that”.

How do you approach creating new wines? Can you walk us through the process of coming up with unique flavors?

We just think of what would be interesting and unique. My husband & I create all of the wines.

Your wines have very interesting names, such as Toasted Joe, Ginger Snapped, and Luckydog Apple Cinnamon. How do you come up with these names?

My husband & I create all of the artwork for the labeling, the wines and the names. When we first started we talked about how we wanted our winery to be perceived and we said we wanted it to be fun and light. So it would be enjoyable and approachable for everyone.

What new and exciting projects do you have planned for your winery in the coming months or years?

We are adding live entertainment soon. We are able to create wines up to 24% alcohol. My husband has been challenged with this task & is going to attempt to make something possibly with fresh pineapple.

You have become a role model for women entrepreneurs in Las Vegas. How do you feel about this, and what message would you like to send to aspiring female business owners?

I am just an average person. But I have a lot of drive and did not take “no” for an answer. I was told that I was very persistent, and my response was "Yes, I am. If you tell me no today, I will be back tomorrow.” Don’t give up on your dreams and be true to your business and yourself. If you work hard enough at it, you will succeed. If it were an easy task, everyone would be doing it. Owning a small business is not for the faint at heart. There are times it will consume your every moment, so if you are not all in I would suggest not starting a business.

It was truly inspiring to learn about Barbara's journey and her passion for winemaking. Her decision to open Pine Hollow Winery in Las Vegas during challenging times is a testament to her perseverance and dedication to her craft. The unique selection of handcrafted wines and the warm, inviting atmosphere of Pine Hollow Winery make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. We wish Barbara and her team continued success as they continue to bring their unique wines to the local and visiting wine enthusiasts.