Nye County revokes Sanders Family Winery retail liquor license after officials find mislabeled wine sales

After a formal hearing and review of investigative evidence, the Nye County Board of Commissioners revoked the retail liquor license for Sanders Family Winery by a 4–2 vote.

County licensing staff and law enforcement reported that an investigation found the winery had sold wine labeled as Sanders Family Winery that was, in some cases, repackaged or rebranded product obtained from other commercial sources. During the hearing the licensee, Jack Sanders, acknowledged blending purchased wines and, according to a licensing report, admitted to rebranding boxed wine for resale as his own at least in the most recent 18–36 month period cited in the investigators’ account. County investigators documented interviews and supporting evidence.

At the hearing the county’s licensing attorney and lieutenant described the investigation and reported that state regulators closed their administrative file without further action; however the county licensing hearing focused on local code and statutes. The board considered findings of fact that included purchases from unauthorized sources and substitution of products sold as a different brand without customers’ consent; the assistant district attorney recommended revocation based on those findings and county licensing code.

Public commenters included multiple residents and winery visitors who said they felt deceived and called for revocation; other commenters urged compassion given the licensee’s longtime local business and personal circumstances. Sanders told the board he had ceased alcohol sales on the premises pending resolution, refunded some orders when the matter came up and said he is considering selling the property. He also said some wines were blended and that he had not been able to fully trace or contact every prior buyer.

After deliberation, commissioners adopted findings and concluded the license should be revoked under relevant Nevada statutes and county licensing code. The county will issue a written order and follow licensing‑board procedures for notification and any appeal. State officials earlier told the county they would not pursue additional administrative action in their case, per a morning message read into the record.

Ending: The revocation takes effect as required by county licensing procedures. The county clerk will publish the board’s written decision and notify state regulators and the licensee, who may pursue any available administrative or judicial appeals.