Las Vegas is not immediately known for its wine culture. Cocktails run the show, and the off-Strip brewery scene is coming into its own. Since wine is a superpower in the culinary world, its presence is exploding in Vegas — especially this year.
What enthuses me about this emerging wine power is the spectacular fashion in which the city is bringing wine to the forefront. These wine dinners — and the culture itself — are synchronous to the uptick of Las Vegas speakeasies. If the other wine bars in the city continue to multiply at this rate, we get to watch a desert wine oasis bloom before our eyes.
See Also: Ocean Prime’s New Las Vegas Location
Chef Extravaganza at Bellagio
March 18, 2023
Las Vegas loves to celebrate its chefs. David Chang joins Michael Mina and Jean-Georges Vongericheten to serve the meal of the moment in collaboration with Château Margaux, Bordeaux’s beloved inaugural growth.
Seeing as the wine selections are curated from the winery’s private collection, this is every enthusiasts’s dream come true. According to a recent press release, anyone blessed with the chance to dine among these culinary greats will be extended an invitation to visit the “historic 19th century wooden tank room, barrel cellars and traditional cooperage, as well as the new cellar and wine library.”
Legendary pairings are set to stun at this one night only event. Lucky guests will enjoy 750 ml, Magnum and double Magnum bottles paired with courses curated by the respective chefs.
A progressive menu starts with light fare; a seafood plateau Royale piled high with Norwegian King crab legs, spot prawn, sea urchin and Kaviari caviar from Schrencki precedes seared ocean trout with foie gras, morel mushroom Royal and Albufeira sauce. Pavillon Blanc and Rouge du Château Margaux round out the dishes.
Savory selects include crispy duck rice featuring leg confit and a bright citrus puree, followed by Mishima Ranch Wagyu prime rib with mouthwatering truffled comte cheese potatoes and onion jus. Château Margaux from select years joins the fun.
Dessert is a refreshing strawberry and rhubarb Vacherin cheese with elderflower cream, joined by Royal Tokaji Essencia from 2009.
Bonus Bourbon
As an aperitif, an exclusive tasting of Buffalo Trace with the master blender himself Drew Mayville completes the evening. Old Fashioned Copper (OFC) vintages from the 90’s — which are notoriously hard to track down — will be poured for the wine and whiskey lovers of the evening.
Wynn Las Vegas: A Wine Tasting Paradise
April 28-30, 2023
Wynn Las Vegas is partnering with Opus One — Napa Valley’s most well-known vino darling — for a progressive wine weekend of tastings.
Opus One is the love child of two prestigious names: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. A partnership in 1980 spurned the first vintage, poured in 1985, and the construction of its limestone palace shortly after cemented its place in the California wine history books.
Exclusive tasting experiences will blend into Wynn’s property offerings, as stand-alone events and delightful additions to shows and restaurants. While the food is certainly a focal point in this weekend’s activities, the wine truly takes center stage.
Standouts include:
- A pop-up tasting led by Opus One ambassadors at SW Steakhouse, with specialty bites curated by Chef Mar LoRusso
- Wine paired with Japanese fare for a surprising, beautiful pairing adventure led by Mizumi’s Chef Min Kim
- A “Nose-to-Tail” dinner with five courses of “whole cow” cuts paired with double magnum-sized 3L bottles;
- Small bites and desserts paired with Opus One vintages or Champagne during a viewing of “Awakening” in private seating circles;
- A private masterclass with winemaker Michael Silacci, an Opus One fixture for over 20 years;
- Opus One Under the Stars, an outdoor event featuring three vintages and flame-grilled fare on the stately Wynn Golf Course.
Hospitality at its Finest
Beyond the rare vintages, the accommodations match the weekend’s theme of opulence. A hefty $25k price tag constitutes a couple’s weekend with “an all-access pass to the weekend’s complete programming, a two-night stay in a Wynn Tower Suite room, private concierge service, ground transportation to and from the airport, special welcome amenities, tax and gratuity and more,” according to a recent release. Don’t worry — singles can stay with the same amenities for $15k.
Beyond Las Vegas Wine Dinners
Wine experiences are just one subset of the city’s ever-changing drinking scene. Check back for more food and beverage fun in Vegas — and all over the world.