Celebrate 40 Fabulous Years of UNLVino
April 9 – 12, 2014
UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and
Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada reveal events to mark 40th anniversary
Time to celebrate 40 fabulous years! UNLVino returns April 9-12, 2014 with four days of fantastic functions to celebrate its 40th anniversary as Nevada’s original wine event. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 10 at UNLVTickets.com for the time-honored epicurean showcase, which continues Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s mission to raise millions of scholarship dollars for UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.
The 40th UNLVino will be a demonstration in gastronomic excellence as four main events take place across the famed Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. Beverage enthusiasts and foodies alike will sample wines, spirits, craft beers and cuisine prepared by some of the city’s most beloved chefs and mixologists. This year’s events will elevate guests’ experiences, including:
- Sip & Savor at Spago – Wednesday, April 9: 6 p.m. for VIP; 7 p.m. for GA
The second annual celebrated fundraiser – Sip & Savor – joins the roster of the 40th annual UNLVino as world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck hosts an evening filled with premium label wines and incredible food. This mix-and-mingle, dine-around-style meal will indulge guests in signature cuisine from Puck’s six distinct Las Vegas restaurants. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the award-winning chef, as well as executive chefs from his distinct Las Vegas establishments, and a bevy of talented sommeliers and beverage professionals. Chef Puck will be honored with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence for his culinary accolades and contributions to the city of Las Vegas.
Tickets are $225 for general admission; $275 for VIP
- BAR-b-q at Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool – Thursday, April 10: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
UNLVino’s popular BAR-b-q returns at Caesars Palace as cocktail masterminds collaborate for a unique poolside barbeque. At this mixology-inspired soiree, guests can imbibe on signature cocktails created by Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s Executive Director of Mixology, Francesco Lafranconi and his talented team, while enjoying mouthwatering twists on barbeque favorites.
Tickets are $100 in advance; $125 at the door
- Bubble-Licious at The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace Plaza – Friday, April 11: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
One of UNLVino’s most beloved events, Bubble-Licious will delight patrons with an evening of champagne, sparkling wines, and cocktails, along with amazing small plates from The Venetian and Palazzo’s collection of restaurants. During the event, pop artist Romero Britto will be recognized with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence. A longtime supporter of UNLVino, Britto will be on-hand to present an original poster he created for the 40th anniversary.
Tickets are $125 in advance; $150 at the door
- Founders’ Grand Tasting at the Keep Memory Alive Events Center at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health – Saturday, April 12: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
UNLVino will conclude with the Founders’ Grand Tasting, which will celebrate the event’s creators, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s Senior Managing Director, Larry Ruvo, and dean emeritus of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, Dr. Jerry Vallen. Taking place amongst the captivating architecture of the Frank Gehry designed building, guests can partake in the world’s finest wines, champagnes, spirits, beers and sakes, as well as bites from the city’s best restaurants and UNLV’s culinary students.
Tickets are $125 in advance; $150 at the door
UNLVino is planned and executed by students in UNLV’s hotel college, providing them with hands-on experience in event coordination and promotion – all testaments to the event’s purpose of providing scholarships for these talented individuals.
UNLVino’s events also will recognize individuals with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence, which goes to those who have “distinguished themselves by setting an example through their inspirational leadership, character and work ethic.”
About UNLVino
UNLVino was cofounded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the two organizations which continue to sponsor it today. Over the past 40 years, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic development needs of UNLV students. UNLVino is differentiated through unparalleled, hands-on student experiences at all levels of event planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship. For more information, visit UNLVino.com or call 1.877.413.VINO (8466).