UNLVino Was A Huge Success For 40th Anniversary!

Larry Ruvo from Bubbleicious

The 40th annual UNLVino concluded on Saturday, April 12, with the largest ever Founders’ Grand Tasting featuring themed culinary villages, art experiences, helicopter entrances and an immensely vast collection of wines, spirits and beers. Proceeds from the evening hosted at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health went to the UNLVino Scholarship Fund, which benefits students at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

The men of the hour were UNLVino’s co-founders – Dean Emeritus of UNLV's Hotel College, Dr. Jerry Vallen and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s Senior Managing Director, Larry Ruvo – who were honored with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence for their foresight to create Nevada’s original wine event 40 years ago.

“The tradition that was started by Dean Vallen and Larry Ruvo 40 years ago is the gift that keeps on giving,” said UNLV President Donald Snyder. “We’ve had millions of dollars worth of scholarships that have resulted from UNLVino, and it gets better every year.”

Ruvo said, “All I can say is thank you everyone for supporting – and believing in – our dream.”

The Founders’ Grand Tasting was re-imagined for the 40th anniversary to be larger than life, which was spotlighted with beloved UNLV mascot Hey Reb’s grand entrance to the event via helicopter. The festival held 80 booths featuring hundreds of premium beverages from legendary suppliers like Francis Ford Coppola, Freixenet, Inglenook, C. Mondavi & Family, Far Niente, Riboli Family Wines and Banfi Vintners.

Additionally, guests explored the grounds filled with a variety of experiences including:

·         Retro-Fitted Stage: No ordinary backdrop would do for the 40th Grand Tasting. The main stage was fitted with neon lights from the old Showboat Hotel that sparkled throughout the night. Guests gathered for an exhilarating live auction where bids soared well into thousands of dollars for high-end packages, where all proceeds went directly to the scholarship fund.

·         Sake Village: A Zen-themed garden located off the Keep Memory Alive Events Center’s breezeway highlighted an array of sake tastings alongside some of Las Vegas’ favorite Japanese restaurants. Among the crowd pleasures were Aburiya Raku’s Grilled Kobe Beef Skewers, Shibuya’s Wagyu Beef Tartare and Jasmine’s Sweet & Spicy General Tso’s Chicken.

·         Beer Garden: Surrounding a seated area of picnic-style tables were trucks serving some of the best brews from around the country including Brooklyn Brewery, Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head and Anchor Brewing, among others. Among the favorite food options in the area was Engine 1 Pizza that served its signature slices from a one-of-a-kind fire truck decked out with a wood-burning oven.

·         Arts Galore: Artwork was spread throughout the festival beginning with an arch welcoming guests at the entrance inspired by world-renowned artist Romero Britto’s 40th UNLVino commemorative painting. An interactive community project – The Wishing Tree – was displayed outside of the Sake Garden where guests personalized wine corks with their wishes and hung them on the immortalized tree’s branches. Local artists displayed their works including Jessica Galindo, Joseph Watts, Lil’ Art Bodega, Niki J Sands and Working Girls Design, Inc.

·         Student Hospitality: Patrons lined up inside the Keep Memory Alive Events Center to taste culinary creations by UNLV students under the direction of Chef Mark Sandoval, including a raw bar that was one of the most popular stations of the evening as well as sumptuous desserts like Strawberry Cheesecake Bites, Éclairs and Cream Puffs. Additionally, nearly 600 UNLV volunteers contributed to the success of the Founders’ Grand Tasting, an excellent hands-on learning experience for students at the Hotel College.

The 40th annual UNLVino festivities featured four evenings of events, kicking off with Sip & Savor at Spago inside The Forum Shops on Wednesday, April 9, and hosted by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. At the event, attendees mingled with the chef and enjoyed an exquisite selection of premium wines and gourmet food from Puck’s six distinct Las Vegas restaurants.

·         Sip & Savor Photos (Credit: Matt Carter/LV Action Images)

·         Sip & Savor Video: B Roll & Interviews

The second day of festivities began with a special presentation at Las Vegas City Hall, where Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed April 9 – 12, 2014, “UNLVino Celebration Week” honoring the event’s co- founders, Larry Ruvo and Dr. Jerry Vallen.

·         Mayor’s Proclamation Photos (Credit: Joe Tholt)

Night two of UNLVino, its second annual BAR-b-q, was a mixology-inspired poolside soiree featuring gourmet twists on barbeque favorites. Taking place amongst the gorgeous scenery of Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods pool, guests imbibed on 16 signature cocktails from the city’s most talented bartenders and mixologists while raising scholarship dollars for UNLV’s Hotel College.

·         BAR-b-q Photos (Credit: Matt Carter/LV Action Images)

·         BAR-b-q Video: B Roll & Interviews

On Friday, April 11, guests sipped bubbly and savored fine cuisine with internationally celebrated pop artist, Romero Britto, under the stars at The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace Plaza. One of UNLVino’s most beloved events, Bubble-Licious delighted patrons with an evening of champagne, sparkling wines and delicious selections from The Venetian and Palazzo’s restaurants.

·         Bubble-Licious  Photos (Credit: Joe Tholt)

About UNLVino

UNLVino was cofounded in 1974 by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, the two organizations which continue to sponsor it today. Over the past 40 years, UNLVino has raised several million dollars for scholarships and other academic development needs of UNLV students. UNLVino is differentiated through unparalleled, hands-on student experiences at all levels of event planning, execution and promotion, as well as the impactful funds raised each year – all testaments to the celebratory weekend’s broader purpose – scholarship.  For more information, visit UNLVino.com.