The Wine Cellar, Las Vegas NV

When I had to go to Las Vegas for a conference, I hoped I’d find a place to find a decent glass of wine. Fortunately for me, hidden away below the gaming floor at the Rio Casino is The Wine Cellar Tasting Room.

The wine stewards here are pleasant and helpful; there is a daily menu with wines by the glass as well as a large by the bottle selection. In a larger menu they have multi-wine flights that range from $20-$80, with notes by the person who created each flight.

The stewards told me they have wine significant turnover each month, so I expect they are buying a few cases only for each wine. Emphasis is largely on California wines, to match the large percentage of their clientele. While I’d personally like to see more world wines and flights, with a little help I easily found some wonderful California wines that I’m so glad I tasted. One that really stood out to me was the Dumol Chardonnay 2008. This Russian River Valley wine was an amazing cap to my day of business conferences. My notes from the tasting: “Slight greenish-gold hue, perfumed nose with tangerine and white peach. Expansive palate of pear,  baked apple, & touch of citrus, with bold acidity. Great depth and detail, almost sad to leave the tongue. Reminds me of great Burgundies.Very gentle wood finish with secondary notes of spice and stone; can’t wait for the next sip. As delightful a California white as I’ve seen in years. ” At this point, I put down my ipad to stop taking notes and focused on enjoying the wine. Can you blame me?

I found The Wine Cellar to be an excellent resource for the wine lover who would enjoy a flight, glass, or a nice bottle to enjoy locally or take back to your room. They also have a rack full of $10 wines that are passable, so don’t fret about breaking the bank.  Single glasses of wine vary in price, on par with major cities, for a generous pour. Over the course of several visits,  I had the opportunity to enjoy several glasses of wine, trying new things, and chatting with the stewards.  On my final evening in Las Vegas, I tried a three-cheese pairing with a Twenty Rows 2009 Napa Cabernet (retail $20/bottle). It is a delightful cab, and I will look for in the future to give it an accurate review.

With a touch of blue cheese still on my palate, I chose to cleanse with an Italian winemaker whose barbera and nebbiolo I have enjoyed, Michele Chiarlo’s Moscato d’Asti Nivole. A touch sweeter than the Sauternes and Eiswines I’ve been drinking,  it was the perfect foil and palate cleanser.

After my tasting, I walked around the cellar and enjoyed the large format, first growth, high profile, and historical bottles they have on display.

I found The Wine Cellar a fun oasis for oenophiles and a welcome departure from your business conference or the gaming floor. It’s also the safest bet you’ll find in Las Vegas.

à votre santé!

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