Winos! Drop the corkscrew and open your iCalendar. Why? Because UNLV’s annual UNLVino fundraiser is taking place April 9-12.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, UNLVino is a partnership between Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and the university’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, and raises scholarship dollars for students pursuing degrees in hospitality fields such as hotel administration or food and beverage management.
So, want to “take a sip for scholarship?”
This year’s lineup begins with a Sip & Savor party at Spago inside the Forum Shops. Attendees have the opportunity to meet celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck throughout the dine-around event, which features premium label wines and cuisine from Puck’s six area restaurants. Wednesday, April 9, 6 p.m. (VIP), 7 p.m. (GA), $225 (GA), $275 (VIP).
The wining and dining continues at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool with BAR-b-q, a mixology-focused event featuring signature cocktails prepared by SW&SN’s executive director of mixology, Francesco Lafranconi, and twists on traditional barbecue bites. Thursday, April 10, 7-10 p.m., $100 advance, $125 at the door.
The bubbly will be flowing the next night at Doge’s Palace Plaza at the Venetian, as Bubble-Licious is back for another year. Attendees can sip and savor Champagnes, sparkling wines and cocktails at the fizzy fête, where pop artist Romero Britto will unveil a work created exclusively for UNLVino’s 40th anniversary. Hungry? Small plates from the kitchens of Venetian and Palazzo’s restaurant collection will be available. Friday, April 11, 7-10 p.m., $125 advance, $150 at the door.
UNLVino moves the party Downtown for the finale, as the fundraiser culminates with the annual Founders’ Grand Tasting at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Beverage options run the booze gamut at this event, with fine wines, Champagnes, spirits, beers and sakes complementing small bites from area restaurants and UNLV’s culinary students. Saturday, April 12, 7-10 p.m., $125 advance, $150 at the door.
Thirsty? Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at UNLVtickets.com (with the exception of Sip & Savor tickets, which can be purchased by calling Spago at 369-6300).
