The Wine Drinkers Guide To Las Vegas

Walk through any casino and you'll hear the familiar servers cry "cocktails, cocktails?" But don't be fooled. Even before the mixology revival hit Las Vegas, not to mention the craft beer frenzy, Las Vegas amassed some of the most impressive wine cellars in the country. There are a number of reasons--proximity to California, high rollers with fancy tastes, etc--but whatever the reason, this may be one of the best places anywhere to enjoy a wide variety of fine wine. Let's get started!

Our journey has to begin at Mandalay Bay's Aureole, built around the magnificent wine tower. This vertical "cellar" remains a remarkable sight for any true wine fan, and as you trace the perimeter on the downward staircase, you'll spy many of the restaurants impressive gems. Once at the bottom, spend some time with their massive world-spanning list of bottles and by-the-glass offerings.

It will be no surprise that the Strip's finest French restaurants all have remarkable cellars, most recognized by the Wine Spectator awards, including Joel Robuchon, Le Cirque, Picasso, Andre’s, Bouchon, and Pinot Brasserie. Guy Savoy even offers a chef's table dedicated to pairings with Krug champagne. Other restaurants particularly known for their wine lists include Picasso, Jasmine and Michael Mina (all Bellagio) as well as Delmonico Steakhouse, CUT, B&B and Carnevino (all Venetian),

If sampling is what you enjoy, you’ll be captivated by the extensive glass-pours at La Cave in the Wynn resort, as well as Double Helix in the Palazzo Shoppes (also at Town Square), D.O.C.G. in The Cosmopolitan. If you love Greek wines, visit Milos at the Cosmopolitan. Want a taste of something rare? Try the Tower Suites lobby bar at Wynn.

Off-Strip, the Hostile Grape at the M Resort has a remarkable 100 wines available in Enotech, which means you can have a taste or a glass, of any one. The city enjoys many large scale wineretailers (including Khoury’s, Total Wine, but Valley Cheese & Wine in Henderson and Marche Bacchus near Summerlin may be the two most respected smaller retailers. Two Thai restaurants, Lotus of Siam and Chada, are also known for their impressive bottles.

Clearly, there’s plenty of the grape to be had in Las Vegas, so just point yourself in any direction, grab a glass, and ask someone to bring out the good stuff.