Like a fine vintage, UNLVino opened up once again with its return to the Thomas & Mack Center for its 50th Anniversary Grand Tasting. The celebration brought together wine connoisseurs, enthusiasts, students, and alumni for an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional wines, culinary delights, and a shared purpose—raising scholarship funds for students at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. Guests indulged in a tasting experience that blended artistry and culture in every sip, savoring the rich complexity of each pour. From the deep, bold notes of red wine to crisp hops, smooth liquors, and the subtle elegance of sake, each drink told its own story and played uniquely on the palate.
Notable restaurants from across Southern Nevada, alongside College of Hospitality students, presented a diverse array of tastings thoughtfully paired with the featured wines and beverages, elevating the evening’s offerings.
UNLVino, which began humbly inside the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits warehouse, has grown into Las Vegas’ premier wine, spirits, and food event—and the largest annual scholarship fundraiser for UNLV’s hospitality students. Founded in 1974 by Southern Glazer’s Senior Managing Director Larry Ruvo and former College of Hospitality Dean Jerry Vallen, the event started as a modest wine tasting, with proceeds benefiting the college’s scholarship fund. As its popularity surged, UNLVino expanded beyond its original venue, moving to the Thomas & Mack Center and later rotating among several high-profile Las Vegas resorts, gaining widespread community and industry support along the way.
Now, marking its 50th year, UNLVino returned to the Thomas & Mack Center for a Grand Tasting of truly grand proportions. Over the decades, it has raised millions in scholarship dollars and solidified its reputation as one of Las Vegas’ most anticipated and meaningful annual events.
