Vegas Uncork’d stands as a premier culinary festival in Las Vegas, drawing food and wine enthusiasts from around the world. This annual event showcases the city’s world-class dining scene through a series of exclusive tastings, demonstrations, and dining experiences. Vegas Uncork’d brings together renowned chefs, mixologists, and culinary experts for a multi-day celebration of gastronomy and oenology.
The festival, presented in partnership with Bon Appétit magazine, transforms Las Vegas into a foodie paradise each spring. Attendees have the opportunity to rub elbows with celebrity chefs, sample exquisite dishes, and sip fine wines in some of the city’s most glamorous venues. From intimate chef-hosted dinners to grand tastings at iconic casino resorts, Vegas Uncork’d offers a diverse array of culinary adventures.
Since its inception, Vegas Uncork’d has become a highlight of Las Vegas’ event calendar, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The festival not only spotlights the city’s culinary prowess but also contributes to its reputation as a top destination for food lovers. With its blend of star power, gourmet offerings, and Las Vegas flair, Vegas Uncork’d continues to elevate the city’s standing in the culinary world.
Overview of Vegas Uncork’d
Vegas Uncork’d is a premier culinary event that showcases the vibrant food and wine scene of Las Vegas. This gastronomic celebration brings together world-renowned chefs, sommeliers, and food enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience on and off The Strip.
History and Significance
Vegas Uncork’d was conceived by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in partnership with local resorts. The event debuted in 2007, quickly becoming a highlight of the city’s culinary calendar. It has played a crucial role in cementing Las Vegas’ reputation as a top dining destination.
Over the years, Vegas Uncork’d has featured culinary icons like Bobby Flay, Thomas Keller, and Giada De Laurentiis. The event has grown to include over 50 local restaurants and wineries, offering guests a comprehensive taste of Las Vegas’ gastronomic landscape.
Annual Event Schedule
Vegas Uncork’d typically takes place in late April or early May, spanning four days of epicurean delights. The event kicks off with a VIP champagne sabering, often held at a prestigious venue like Caesars Palace.
Key components of the schedule include:
- Grand Tastings featuring signature dishes from top chefs
- Intimate dinners with celebrity chefs
- Cooking demonstrations and workshops
- Wine and spirits tastings
- Off-Strip experiences showcasing local culinary gems
Events are held at various luxurious locations, including The Venetian, The Palazzo, and select off-Strip venues. This diverse schedule allows attendees to explore the city’s culinary scene while enjoying unique experiences with renowned chefs.
Featured Events
Vegas Uncork’d offers several signature events that showcase the city’s world-class culinary scene. These gatherings bring together top chefs, sommeliers, and food enthusiasts for unforgettable dining experiences.
The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace
The Grand Tasting is the premier event of Vegas Uncork’d. Held at Caesars Palace, it features over 50 award-winning chefs and 100 wines and spirits. Guests can sample signature dishes from Las Vegas’ most acclaimed restaurants.
The event takes place in the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. Chefs prepare dishes at live cooking stations, allowing attendees to interact with culinary stars. Sommeliers and mixologists offer expert wine and cocktail pairings.
Participating restaurants include Nobu, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and Gordon Ramsay Steak. The Grand Tasting provides a comprehensive taste of Las Vegas’ diverse culinary landscape in one extravagant evening.
Picnic at the Park by MGM Resorts International
Picnic at The Park offers a more casual daytime event. Set between New York-New York and Park MGM, this outdoor celebration features creative picnic fare from top MGM Resorts chefs.
Guests enjoy gourmet bites, refreshing cocktails, and lawn games in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music and entertainment add to the festive vibe.
Participating venues include Eataly, Primrose, and Best Friend by Roy Choi. The event highlights innovative twists on classic picnic foods, from artisanal sandwiches to elevated desserts.
Epicurean Affair at The Palazzo
The Epicurean Affair at The Palazzo presents an elegant evening of fine dining and wine. Held poolside at The Palazzo’s Azure Pool, this event features Las Vegas’ most upscale restaurants.
Guests indulge in exquisite tasting portions from renowned establishments like CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Bacchanal Buffet. Expert sommeliers pour premium wines to complement each dish.
The sophisticated setting and curated culinary offerings make this a highlight for serious food enthusiasts. The Epicurean Affair showcases the luxurious side of Las Vegas dining in an intimate atmosphere.
Chef Showcases
Vegas Uncork’d features an impressive lineup of culinary talents, offering attendees the chance to experience world-class cuisine firsthand. The event highlights both celebrity chef appearances and interactive culinary demonstrations.
Celebrity Chef Appearances
Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Mina, and Nobu Matsuhisa are among the star-studded roster of chefs who have graced Vegas Uncork’d. These culinary icons often host exclusive dinners and meet-and-greet sessions.
Guests can savor signature dishes prepared by these world-renowned chefs in intimate settings. For example, Guy Savoy has led multi-course epicurean meals at Caesars Palace, showcasing his Michelin-starred expertise.
The event also spotlights rising stars and local culinary talents, providing a diverse range of gastronomic experiences.
Culinary Demonstrations
Interactive cooking demonstrations are a highlight of Vegas Uncork’d. Attendees can watch master chefs in action as they reveal techniques and share culinary secrets.
These sessions often include:
- Step-by-step recipe walkthroughs
- Knife skills workshops
- Food and wine pairing tutorials
Chefs like Susan Feniger have conducted hands-on classes, allowing participants to learn directly from culinary experts. The Master Series events feature in-depth explorations of specific cuisines or cooking methods.
Demonstrations cover a wide range of topics, from molecular gastronomy to traditional comfort food preparation. Many sessions conclude with tastings, giving attendees the opportunity to sample the featured dishes.
Culinary Experiences
Vegas Uncork’d offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with world-class chefs and savor exquisite cuisine. Attendees can refine their culinary skills, indulge in rare tastings, and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by renowned culinary masters.
Master Classes
Top chefs lead hands-on cooking sessions, sharing their expertise and techniques. Gordon Ramsay demonstrates his signature dishes, revealing professional tips for recreating Michelin-starred meals at home. Nobu Matsuhisa teaches the art of sushi-making, guiding participants through proper rice preparation and fish selection.
These intimate classes allow food enthusiasts to learn directly from culinary icons. Attendees gain insights into flavor pairings, plating techniques, and ingredient sourcing. The skills acquired during these sessions can elevate home cooking and deepen appreciation for haute cuisine.
Exclusive Tastings
Rare and premium ingredients take center stage in curated tasting experiences. Guests sample luxurious delicacies like truffles, caviar, and aged spirits. Julian Serrano presents a journey through Spanish olive oils and iberico hams.
Wine experts lead tastings of rare vintages and limited-production bottles. Craft cocktail sessions showcase innovative mixology techniques and artisanal spirits. These events offer a chance to expand palates and discover new flavors in a guided setting.
Gourmet Dinners
Multi-course feasts prepared by celebrity chefs highlight Vegas Uncork’d’s culinary offerings. Rao’s Italian Brunch recreates the flavors of the legendary New York restaurant. Gordon Ramsay hosts an intimate dinner featuring his most acclaimed dishes.
These exclusive meals often incorporate theatrical elements, such as tableside preparations or synchronized service. Chefs mingle with diners, sharing stories behind their creations. Carefully curated wine pairings complement each course, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.
Signature Venues
Vegas Uncork’d showcases the city’s finest culinary destinations across several iconic locations. These venues provide luxurious backdrops for the festival’s gourmet experiences and celebrity chef encounters.
Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas
The Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas are premier venues for Vegas Uncork’d events. The Bellagio’s elegant fountains and gardens offer a picturesque setting for outdoor tastings. Inside, its award-winning restaurants host exclusive dinners and culinary demonstrations.
Wynn Las Vegas contributes its opulent spaces to the festival. The resort’s fine dining establishments welcome guests for intimate chef-led experiences. Attendees can savor exquisite dishes prepared by renowned culinary masters in these sophisticated environments.
Both properties feature state-of-the-art kitchens where chefs showcase their skills during interactive cooking classes and demonstrations.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan brings a modern edge to Vegas Uncork’d. Its diverse collection of restaurants provides unique settings for festival events. The property’s spacious terraces offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip, enhancing outdoor tasting experiences.
Signature restaurants at The Cosmopolitan host special dinners and culinary workshops. These venues allow guests to engage with celebrated chefs in more intimate settings. The resort’s innovative approach to dining is reflected in its Vegas Uncork’d offerings.
Interactive mixology sessions often take place at The Cosmopolitan’s bars, highlighting the property’s cocktail expertise.
Garden of The Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace’s Garden of The Gods Pool Oasis serves as a stunning backdrop for Vegas Uncork’d’s Grand Tasting event. This expansive outdoor venue transforms into a culinary paradise featuring over 50 top restaurants and wineries.
The Grand Tasting allows guests to sample signature dishes from world-class chefs and sip premium wines and spirits. Multiple food stations and bars are strategically placed around the pools, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere.
Celebrity chef appearances and live cooking demonstrations add to the excitement at this flagship event. The Garden of The Gods’ Roman-inspired architecture provides a unique ambiance for this gastronomic extravaganza.
Beverage Programs
Vegas Uncork’d showcases an impressive array of beverage offerings. Attendees can experience expertly crafted cocktails and exclusive wine tastings guided by industry professionals.
Craft Cocktails and Mixology
Top mixologists converge at Vegas Uncork’d to demonstrate their skills. They create innovative cocktails using premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Tequila often takes center stage, with mixologists highlighting its versatility in both classic and contemporary drinks.
Attendees can watch live demonstrations of cocktail preparation techniques. They also have opportunities to sample unique concoctions. Some events feature interactive sessions where guests can try their hand at mixing drinks under expert guidance.
Wine Tasting Sessions with Master Sommeliers
Master Sommeliers lead educational wine tasting experiences at Vegas Uncork’d. These experts guide attendees through flights of carefully selected wines. They share insights on tasting techniques, wine regions, and food pairings.
Sessions often focus on specific varietals or wine-producing areas. Attendees can sample rare vintages and learn about emerging wine trends. Some events pair wines with specially prepared dishes to showcase ideal flavor combinations.
These exclusive tastings provide a chance to interact directly with renowned wine professionals. Participants can ask questions and gain deeper knowledge about the world of wine.
Participating Restaurants
Vegas Uncork’d features an impressive lineup of both iconic Strip establishments and hidden gems located off the main boulevard. These participating restaurants showcase the diverse culinary landscape of Las Vegas, from celebrity chef outposts to local favorites.
Gourmet Eateries on The Strip
The Strip boasts an array of world-class restaurants that participate in Vegas Uncork’d. Nobu at Caesars Palace, helmed by renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto, offers innovative Japanese cuisine. Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The LINQ serves up bold, flavorful American dishes. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian is known for its over-the-top milkshakes and gourmet burgers.
Rao’s at Caesars Palace brings a taste of New York’s legendary Italian-American cuisine to Las Vegas. Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar at The Cosmopolitan delights dessert lovers with its creative confections.
Acclaimed Off-Strip Dining
Venturing beyond The Strip reveals a treasure trove of culinary experiences. Local favorites like Lotus of Siam showcase authentic Thai cuisine. Raku, a Japanese robata grill, offers an intimate dining experience in Chinatown. Other notable off-Strip participants include Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District and Sparrow + Wolf in Spring Valley.
These restaurants provide a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining high culinary standards. They often feature innovative menus that blend local ingredients with global influences, offering a unique perspective on Las Vegas dining.
Ticketing and Access
Vegas Uncork’d offers various ticket options for attendees to experience the culinary celebration. Guests can choose from general admission passes or opt for exclusive VIP packages.
Purchase Options
Tickets for Vegas Uncork’d typically go on sale several months before the event. General admission passes grant access to the main festival areas, including The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace. These tickets often sell out quickly due to high demand.
Bon Appétit’s website and authorized partners provide online ticket sales. Prices vary depending on the specific events and experiences chosen. Some popular options include chef-hosted dinners, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings.
VIP and Exclusive Offers
VIP packages offer enhanced experiences for discerning attendees. These may include priority access to events, meet-and-greet opportunities with celebrity chefs, and exclusive tastings at venues like The Cromwell.
Some VIP tickets provide early entry to The Grand Tasting, allowing guests to sample dishes and interact with chefs before the main crowds arrive. Exclusive offerings might feature intimate dinners with renowned culinary personalities or behind-the-scenes tours of restaurant kitchens.
VIP packages often come with additional perks such as dedicated concierge services, luxury transportation, and commemorative gifts. These premium options tend to sell out rapidly, so early booking is recommended for those seeking top-tier experiences.
