Tickets on Sale Now at UNLVTickets.com
Like a fine vintage, UNLVino is opening up with its return to the Thomas & Mack Center for its 50th Anniversary Grand Tasting. The celebration will bring together wine connoisseurs, enthusiasts, students and alumni for an unforgettable evening of amazing wines, culinary delights and raising scholarship funds for students at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. The event will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, and tickets are on sale now at UNLVTickets.com.
This year’s event promises to be a sensory journey through the ages, showcasing some of the finest wines, spirits, beer and sake from event founder and partner, Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada. Guests will indulge in a tasting experience that blends artistry and culture with every sip, savoring the rich complexity of each pour. From the deep, bold notes of wine, crisp hops, smooth liquors and the subtle elegance of sake — each drink offers its own story and play on the palate. Additionally, notable restaurant establishments throughout Southern Nevada and College of Hospitality students will present a variety of tastings to perfectly pair with the wine and beverages offered. A complete list of wineries, beverage, chef and restaurant partners will be available soon at UNLVino.com.
“We are incredibly proud to be a partner of UNLV for the past 50 years and support this celebration of fine wine, culture and community,” said Anthony Capparelli, executive vice president and general manager of Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada. “It’s been an amazing half century and it’s inspiring to see the passion of the students and their journey in Las Vegas, as well as that of our suppliers as they come together to raise millions of dollars to support scholarships. This event is a perfect opportunity to celebrate not only the love of a fine wine, but also the lasting connections it fosters. We’re excited to be part of an experience that supports both wine lovers and future industry leaders.”
A key component of UNLVino is the students themselves. The event benefits College of Hospitality students by providing mentorship and work experience opportunities. Additionally, proceeds from the event go directly to the UNLVino Scholarship Fund, which gives students critical financial support. Millions of dollars have been raised throughout the past 50 years from the event and several of its students have gone on to have notable careers throughout Las Vegas and beyond. In addition to the scholarships, UNLVino is a college capstone course where the students themselves help plan the event, from logistics, marketing and ticket sales to executing a student-run culinary station at the event.
“We absolutely love UNLVino and are deeply grateful to the team at Southern Glazer’s and all those involved for their generous support,” said Maggie Hausbeck, assistant dean of external affairs for the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “This event not only provides our students with the invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning and hospitality management, but also directly funds scholarships that empower the next generation of leaders in the industry. It’s a testament to the power of community and the vital role these partnerships play in shaping the future of our students.”
By attending, guests will both enjoy a remarkable evening of fine wine while also contributing to the next generation of industry professionals. As guests sip and swirl their way through the event, they’ll have the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent auction items, curated and procured by the students themselves.
The UNLVino 50th Anniversary Grand Tasting will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, on the floor of the Thomas & Mack Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now at UNLVTickets.com and are $100 in advance, $125 at the door. VIP tickets are available in advance for $170. Pricing is inclusive of taxes and fees. For more information on UNLVino, visit UNLVino.com or connect socially on Instagram @UNLVino50.
About UNLVino
From its humble beginnings inside the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits warehouse, the annual UNLVino has grown into Las Vegas’ premier wine, spirits and food event, and serves as the year’s largest scholarship fundraiser for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ William F. Harrah College of Hospitality students. Founded in 1974 by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Senior Managing Director, Larry Ruvo, and former College of Hospitality Dean Jerry Vallen, UNLVino began as a small wine tasting, with proceeds going to UNLV’s hospitality college fund. As UNLVino’s popularity grew, so too did its host venues, moving from the warehouse into UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, and eventually expanding to numerous Las Vegas resorts as fans and community sponsors took notice. Entering its 50th year, the event returns to the Thomas & Mack Center for a Grand Tasting of grand proportions. UNLVino has raised millions of dollars in scholarships and has become one of the city’s must-attend events of the year. More information at UNLVino.com.
About Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada
Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada is the state’s leading beverage distribution company and a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits. Follow locally on Instagram @sgwsofnv.
About UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
The UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitality programs in the world. Studying just blocks away from the epicenter of the entertainment capital of the world, the Las Vegas Strip. UNLV hospitality students enjoy unparalleled access to hands-on, industry-relevant experience. Each year the college organizes nearly 600 internships and welcomes more than 100 national hospitality brands to recruitment events, and pairs industry mentors with students.