Its Time For UNLVino 2013!

Spring in Las Vegas means one thing for food and beverage lovers: Its UNLVino time once again. The theme for the 39th year is 'Fall in Love Again.' UNLVino provides attendees an opportunity to "take a sip for scholarship" as it pairs UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration with Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada to raise scholarship dollars at this long running fundraiser. This year's event should be the most impressive yet as it expands to four days of world-class events at multiple venues.

The kickoff event is "Bubble-Licious" at The Venetian on Thursday, April 18, from 7-10 p.m.  This is always a crowd favorite as guests enjoy an evening of exquisite champagnes, sparkling wines and exotic champagne cocktails accompanied by world class cuisine from The Venetian's celebrated restaurants. The event will take place at Doge's Palace adjacent to The Venetian's main porte-cochere under what should be a lovely starlit sky. Just to add to the excitement, chef Thomas Keller will be honored as an honoree. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.     

The next day , UNLVino moves to the Mirage Resort for "Sake Fever," on Friday, April 19, from 7-10 p.m. Sake Fever is one of UNLVino's most  popular celebrations and features authentic and precisely crafted Asian beverages and cuisine.  The tropical oasis of The Mirage's resort pool is an excellent venue to enjoy tasty cuisine and an extensive selection of imported and domestically brewed sakes, beers, and culinary talents of  sushi masters.  Speaking about masters in the kitchen, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be honored as an honoree at the event as well.  Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door.      

Saturday brings the main event to the Paris Resort: the "Grand Tasting," on April 20 from 7-10 p.m. This main event is a Las Vegas tradition and will transform Paris' Champagne Ballroom into an epicurean paradise, featuring an incredible collection of international wines, specialty beers and craft cocktails complemented with cuisine prepared by UNLV's talented culinary students and some of Las Vegas' favorite restaurants. Elizabeth Blau will be on hand to receive an award of excellence for her long dedication to the industry. Attendees also will enjoy live entertainment including a special guest DJ. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.       

In the 38 previous years the Grand Tasting marked the end of the celebration. The 39th year brings yet another event to enjoy.  On Sunday April 21 from 11am-2pm the inaugural "BAR-B-Q" will be at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. This highly anticipated event will feature a mixology-focused 'bar'becue, featuring cuisine from renowned chefs Scott Conant, Angelo Sosa and Gustav Mauler. This high end, luxurious event will be elevated with craft-cocktail creations by Master Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi. Guests can also indulge with farm-fresh fare from a handful of Las Vegas' best restaurants. This will be UNLVino's first mixology-focused event.

From Champagne to Sushi then onto World Class wines and ending with a celebrity chef barbecue, UNLVino has something for everyone. New this year, we suggest UNLVino's special $350 wine-lovers' "passport" package which includes admission to all four tastings, a savings of more than $100. See you there!