You don’t have to be an educated diner to know that Las Vegas is one of the best places on the planet to enjoy wine. The sheer volume of fine dining destinations on the Strip mandates that an elite selection of labels and varietals will always be on hand. But which restaurants have the perfect combination of a stellar list and exemplary food to go with it? Many of the answers to this question will take you off the Strip, a fact you may find surprising.
At Tivoli Village on the west side of the Vegas Valley, Ada’s Wine Bar (702.462.2795) is satisfying locals with an exciting, versatile, ever-changing wine list available by the glass or bottle, a socially inclined eatery where the folks behind the bar are ready to guide you through your next wine adventure. And you will find that the food menu is just as energetic and innovative, leaning a bit into Spanish flavors and favoring small plates perfect for sampling. Try the harissa-infused olives, Iberico chorizo croquetas, blue corn tamales or the cheese and charcuterie plates that will complement your next beverage selection.
On the other side of town at The District at Green Valley Ranch, The Local (702.665.6050) operates under the belief that great wine is for everyone, and the friendly staff is dedicated to helping visitors find new favorite flavors. Sixty different wines including sparkling and champagne, reds and whites, rosés, and dessert wines from around the world spark curiosity, and tasty snacks like bacon-wrapped dates, an Italian sandwich with prosciutto and mozzarella, and vanilla bean gelato satisfy your growing appetite as your work your way through the evening.
Back in the heart of the city on the Strip, Julian Serrano’s fine-dining institution Picasso (702.693.8105) at Bellagio has long been one of Las Vegas’ premier destinations for an expertly curated tasting menu complete with wine pairing, featuring food and beverage with French and Spanish undertones. The massive, high-quality wine list stretches to nearly 1,600 options at Picasso, but don’t fret, the veteran sommelier staff will help you choose while you enjoy pan-seared scallops, sautéed Chilean sea bass with asparagus and Hollandaise, butter-poached lobster, and big eye tuna carpaccio.
Estiatorio Milos
Another long-beloved destination for such an experience, Estiatorio Milos (702.414.1270), has settled into its new digs at The Venetian and recently launched a monthly Winemaker’s Table dinner series that beautifully explores fine wines from Greece and the Mediterranean alongside its acclaimed cuisine. Ask about it when you call for a reservation, but even if your trip isn’t perfectly timed, you can always enjoy the fruits of some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world at Milos with its trademark fresh seafood dishes and ingredient-driven creativity.
Of course, the newest wine-centric destination making noise on the Strip is at Resorts World, the Las Vegas outpost of Southern California favorite Wally’s Wine & Spirits (702.676.6966). More than 8,000 labels surround diners in this chic space, which extended its offerings earlier this month by hosting its first tequila and mezcal festival. Spirits are fun, but there’s nothing like relaxing with your best bottle with your best friends and sharing steak tartare, grilled California lamb chops, truffle pommes frites and a prosciutto di Parma-topped pizzetta.
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