UNLVino Wine Festival

UNLVino Wine Festival is a grand tasting wine festival held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada — drawing over 2,000 attendees to sample wines from more than 70 wineries in a single evening. Specific dates and ticket prices for the upcoming edition have not yet been announced. The festival has historically taken place at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus, making it one of the larger indoor wine events in the state.

UNLVino Wine Festival features pours from over 70 wineries, including producers such as Ferrari-Carano, Robert Mondavi, and Chateau Ste. Michelle. Food is a central component: notable Las Vegas restaurants, including Ferraro's and Mon Ami Gabi, provide bites alongside the wine. Two dedicated tasting zones have been a signature part of the format — a sparkling wine area focused on champagne and sparkling wines, and a global section pairing international wines with regional cuisines. Culinary students from UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hospitality have participated with live cooking demonstrations, and wine education seminars led by master sommeliers have offered structured learning for those interested in production and tasting technique. Live jazz and acoustic music have provided background throughout the evening.

The festival also includes an annual Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence ceremony recognizing contributions to hospitality education and the wine industry. Because dates and ticket pricing for the current cycle have not been confirmed, prospective attendees should monitor official channels for announcements before making travel plans. Given the event's history of attracting over 2,000 guests to a single venue, purchasing tickets promptly once they become available is advisable.

Las Vegas sits outside traditional wine-growing regions, but UNLVino Wine Festival has consistently brought together producers from California's Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Washington State, and international appellations, giving attendees access to a broad range of styles — from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to sparkling wines — without the need to travel to wine country. The UNLV hospitality college connection adds an educational dimension that distinguishes it from purely social tasting events.