Tag Archives: wine

May 6, 2010 · 11:22 AM

Feel No Pain: Get Uncork’d in Las Vegas

For the next four days you can attend the largest foodie event ever held in Las Vegas, if not the Western world: Vegas Uncorked, sponsored by Bon Appetit.

The event officially kicks off at 4 p.m. today when French superchef Alain Ducasse performs the champagne uncorking with a saber at his Mix restaurant and lounge atop The Hotel at Mandalay Bay.

The festival takes place May 6-9, with the signature event being a “Grand Tasting” ($175) on May 7 at the Garden of the Gods in Caesars Palace.  That event will feature chef Hubert Keller serving.

Not everyone has the chance—or wherewithal—to dine at the restaurants of chefs such as Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay or François Payard, but they all will be there (along with about 60 other celebrated chefs) displaying and offering up their delicious wares.

Among the events on May 8 are the Ultimate All-Star Interactive Luncheon ($195) at Encore; Culinary Theater: All the Kitchen’s a Stage ($95) at RM Seafood; and the Wine Immersion Experience ($75) at Bellagio.

The lineup of celebrated chefs who have Las Vegas restaurants includes Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, Paul Bartolotta, Julian Serrano, Todd English, Luciano Pellegrini and Charlie Palmer.

Tickets are going fast; please go to www.vegasuncorked.com for further information.

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April 6, 2010 · 1:00 PM

Three-Day (!) Wine-O Festival Kicks Off in Las Vegas

The 36th annual UNLVino wine tasting extravaganza in Las Vegas  is back, starting on April 8, for an incredible three days of non-stop Champagne, sake and wine tasting action, and also to drum up some much appreciated funds for UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration’s Food and Beverage Management Department. 

To kick it off, UNLVino presents Bubble-Licious, a celebration of all things sparkling at Caesars’ brand new Garden of the Gods pool complex. 

Here are the three locations and times: 

Bubble-Licious: Thurs., April 8, The Garden of the Gods, Caesars Palace, 7-10 p.m. 

Sake Fever: Friday, April 9, Palms Pool & Bungalows, The Palms, 7-10 p.m. 

UNLVino Grand Tasting: Saturday, April 10, Bally’s Ballroom, 2-6 p.m. 

Tickets are available here.

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March 19, 2010 · 10:28 AM

Wine-o Oasis in Las Vegas

Finally, it’s Sin City’s’ time- their very own wine-o wonderland has arrived. Why did it take so long in coming to a city that thrives on drinking the morning, afternoon and nighty-nite-nite?  After all, the oasis has been filling parched palates in 63 stores in 11 states. 

Winning the prestigious Beverage Dynamic’s 2008 Retailer of the Year award, Total Wine & More finally trudged  into Las Vegas on March 4, bringing with them 8,000 wines, including 1,100 cabaret sauvignons, 750 chardonnays, 500 merlots, 250 zinfandels and 600 pinot noir varieties- all jam-packed all in a 27,000-square-foot store in Boca Park (730 S. Rampart Blvd.). 

There are even 2,000 kinds of the hard spirits (500 vodkas, 220 scotches and 230 rums, among others) and even 1,000 varieties of beer to take down and pass around. 

That’s enough to keep anybody warm for many a night.   Compliment the experience with one of their 200 high-end cigars and you’ll be feeling no pain. 

Not a wine connoisseur? No problemo.  They have three weekly wine tastings to get you in the groove: noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

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November 19, 2009 · 1:32 PM

Holly Madison Ushers in 3rd Annual Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration at Paris Las Vegas with Grape Stomp & Week of Events

As the 2009 French grape harvest is declared by celebrated wine connoisseurs worldwide as the best in the last 50 years, crowds converged on Paris Las Vegas yesterday afternoon with a traditional grape stomp to celebrate the harvest. 

Blonde bombshell Las Vegas celebrity entertainer Holly Madison showed her game spirit,  joining in with a Lucille Ball impersonator, reminiscent of the iconic “I Love Lucy” TV scene, to stomp-in the resort’s 3rd annual Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau celebration and be the first to taste the fresh, fruity red wine. 

Yann Bourigault, North America Export Director of Les Vins Georges DuBoeuf, was also on hand at Paris Las Vegas to unveil this year’s custom designed bottle.

 The Las Vegas festivities were at 3 p.m., coinciding with midnight in Paris, France.  

According to French Law, Beaujolais Nouveau, made from hand-harvested Gamay grapes, is released annually on the third Thursday of November at midnight as people around the world usher in the current year’s vintage.  

Not a one-time event, the festivities will continue at Las Vegas Paris for five days of special events, tastings and unique Beaujolais Nouveau pairings at eateries such as Mon Ami Gabi, Les Artistes Steakhouse and the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s Steakhouse. A full schedule of events is available at www.ParisLasVegas.com/pariswine

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October 24, 2009 · 9:21 AM

Paris Las Vegas Celebrates the Paris France Wine Harvest

Honoring the famed Parisian tradition, Paris Las Vegas once again welcomes the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau for the 3rd annual wine celebration. This year’s highly anticipated celebrity kick-off will feature a traditional grape stomping that is reminiscent of the iconic “I Love Lucy” TV series scene on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., coinciding with midnight festivities in Paris, France.  winestomping

Five days heralding this year’s harvest feature will include special events, tastings and unique Beaujolais Nouveau pairings at eateries such as Mon Ami Gabi, Les Artistes Steakhouse and the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s Steakhouse.

As regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is released no sooner than the third Thursday in Nov. – six weeks after the grapes are harvested. 

Huge celebrations take place worldwide at one minute after midnight to taste the latest wine of the harvest, with 65 million bottles to be consumed in the following months.

2009 Beaujolais Nouveau Paris Las Vegas schedule of events: 

Thursday, Nov. 19 through Saturday, Nov. 21
Noon – 6 p.m.
Be one of the first to taste the delicious result of this year’s harvest, compliments of Paris Las Vegas and Georges Duboeuf. Samples of the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau, along with commemorative glasses, will be available at a special lobby bar in the Paris reception area. 

Thursday, Nov. 19
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wine 101: Passport to Wine is a sensory tour of the highlights of Paris, France without having to travel further than Paris Las Vegas. Guests are invited to mix and mingle while sipping a selection of Georges Duboeuf wines accompanied by an assortment of decadent desserts. Brought to you by Paris Las Vegas and Passport magazine, a portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada.  Held in Napoleon’s Lounge, tickets are $35 and are available by booking a special room package on www.gayparislasvegas.com or at the Paris box office. 

Friday, Nov. 20
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rock ‘n Roll Wine will host a Beaujolais Nouveau-themed wine tasting inside Risqué, the nightclub at Paris Las Vegas. Part wine tasting, part show and all fun, the event features live music and a unique assortment of delicious world wines including Beaujolais Nouveau. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.rocknrollwine.com or calling 702-240-3066. Ticket prices, which include the wine, are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, plus live entertainment tax. 

Saturday, Nov. 21
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Wine 101: Celebrate the Harvest is a fun and informative learning and taste experience that brings together novices and connoisseurs to sniff, swirl and sip the wines of Georges Duboeuf, the leading wine merchant of France. Featuring a unique selection of wines, a Georges Duboeuf representative will lead the exploration of distinctive and notable wines that embody the fall harvest. The wine tasting will be accompanied by an assortment of artisan cheeses and breads and fresh fruits. Held in Les Artistes, tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the Paris box office. 

Sunday, Nov. 22
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Round out the weekend with a relaxing Beaujolais Nouveau-themed brunch at the Parisian bistro Mon Ami Gabi or the refined and elegant Sterling Brunch inside the Bally’s Steakhouse. When booking the Sterling Brunch, mention Beaujolais Nouveau and receive a bottle of 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau and two commemorative glasses. 

To fully experience the Las Vegas celebration, a room package for the ultimate wine enthusiast is available that includes accommodations at Paris Las Vegas, two tickets to Wine 101: Celebrate the Harvest, two commemorative wine glasses and bottle of 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau and VIP passes to Risqué. The Beaujolais Nouveau package is valid for travel Wednesday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 22 and can be booked online at www.parislasvegas.com/wine. Packages are based on availability and rates are dependent upon number of nights booked. Inclusions are per stay and not per night. All wine events and samplings will be available to guests age 21 or older.

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March 16, 2009 · 7:34 AM

DISH Las Vegas Culinary Fundraiser on April 3

In the depression of the 1930s, soup kitchens and breadlines were the primary sources of nutrition for a large portion of the country.  Now, in the recession of 2009, organizations like Three Square in Las Vegas are serving as disbursement hubs for donated foods and trying to keep meals on the tables of lower to middle class families in Southern Nevada. 

To support Three Square, local Las Vegas chefs and entertainers will be participating in DISH Las Vegas – a first time fundraiser at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve on April 3. 

Planned to participate will be Chef Kerry Simon, Chef Rick Moonen, Chef Peter Sherlock, Chef Rock of Hell’s Kitchen, Carrot Top, George Wallace, Clint Holmes, Louie Anderson, Susan Anton and UFC Fighters. 

The one-day event will include an art exhibit of personally designed plates, exceptional food, wine and musical entertainment.

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February 7, 2009 · 8:00 AM

MGM Grand’s L’Atelier de Joel Robucho Restaurant Garners Multiple Culinary Awards

L’Atelier de Joel Robucho located at the MGM Grand Hotel has been recognized with a AAA Four Diamond Award, a 2009 Michelin Star, and a 2008 Wine Spectacular Award of Excellence.  Unlike most fine dining restaurants, the lateliercounter service design allows diners the chance to see the food being prepared while enjoying a variety of tasty entrees. 

In 2008, Chef Joël Robucho was recognized as the ‘most starred’ chef with a total of 18 Michelin stars awarded to his restaurants in Tokyo, Paris, Monte Carlo, London and Las Vegas.  

But even before this latest round of accolades, Robucho was renowned for his culinary excellence.  When Robucho was 36, he opened a restaurant in Paris and only three years later received his first Michelin guide three-star award.   He has been acknowledged as one of the chef’s who put an end to the pretentious and pricey menu’s that had become common place in most high end restaurants.  His skill in the kitchen earned him the title of “chef of the century” in 1990 by the Gualt-Millau,  After a brief hiatus from the dining world in the mid-90’s, Robucho rejoined the culinary world with interests in a variety of restaurants located worldwide.  

“A good dish”, Robucho says, “is like a good wine has a strong attack and a long finish.  Now days, a lot of dishes have a strong attack, but a while later you can’t even remember what it was you ate!” 

This isn’t a problem at the L’Atelier Las Vegas.  Their signature dishes include Pommes Puree (mashed potatoes), La Caille au Foie Gras (free-range quail stuffed with foie gras) and Le Rumsteak en Tartare et ses Frites a L’ancienne (steak tartar). 

The dress code is business casual; the prices have earned L’Atelier a ranking on a number of  ‘most expensive dining’  lists.    Currently the MGM Grand has several online offers that include discounts at on-site restaurants including 30% off for Mastercard purchase and room/gift card discounts.

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January 23, 2009 · 5:39 AM

Wine Tangos with Jazz in Las Vegas

Las Vegas may not be the first place you think of when you’re considering attending a top notch wine tasting event.  However, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino is betting that you’ll be interested in blending fine wine with a sampling of Fremont Street jazz when they host The Spring Wine and Jazz Fest on March 27 through March 29. wine

The three-day event begins Friday night with a Champagne and Wine Reception under the beckoning desert sky at the hotel aquarium and pool.  Guests will join winemakers and wine owners, sampling wines while listening to jazz.

 jazz1Saturday night you have the opportunity to sample wines from 60 California and Washington wineries – current vintage releases and barrel samples – alongside food from the hotel’s award winning chefs accompanied by more local jazz. 

Then it’s off to a champagne brunch with a side of jazz on Sunday served with Laurent Perrier,Taittinger, and more that will conclude with a live auction. 

By booking for all three events prior to January 31 the total cost is $249 per person.  Individual event tickets may be purchased.  And for an additional fee you could attend a Napa Valley Red Blend Showdown and a Blind featuring tasting of Opus One, Duckhorn Paraduxx and BV Dulcte.  There will also be a Blind Tasting that would let you compare your skills against the Masters through a five bottle tasting that will include training on insider methods of deduction. 

Participating wineries include William Hill, Beringer, Gallo Estates, Geyser Peak, Rutherford Hill, Sawnson, Mount Veeder, Conn Creek, Twomey, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Hugo Family Cellars. 

The Golden Nugget is also running a Winery Club Room Package that includes two nights, a spa credit and 25% off any bottle of wine at the Grotto Ristorante that starts at $179 http://www.goldennugget.com/specials/winerypackage.asp  Reservations may only be booked by phone at 800-634-3454 and use promo code WINE09.

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