0

The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas – Being in the Room Where it Happens with Eve Bushman

The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas – Being in the Room Where it Happens with Eve Bushman

This is the second year I covered the Wine Spectator Grand Tour in Las Vegas. Last year it was held in two rooms at Resorts World, and this time it was at the Wynnin one very spacious ballroom. It’s the only tasting that features wines that Wine Spectator magazine scored at90 points or greater, and there are over 200 of these top-scoring wine bottles to taste!

“Plus, delight your taste buds with gourmet bites perfectly paired to enhance your wine experience, and meet amazing winemakers worldwide!”

Last year, I remembered that about halfway through the tasting, I started to ask, what score did the wines I really liked that night get…and come to find they were well beyond the minimum 90 points, most all of my favorites were 94 to 96 points. So, I was really looking forward to what was going to be poured into my glass this year! And this year I also had more friends in the room: wine educator Diego Meraviglia, wine collectors Jonelle and Aaron Gilden, wine bloggers/influencers Steve and Vashti Roebuck, wine collectors Michael Gattuso and Rommel DG, Chef Jackie, influencer/wine educator Maria the Wine Blonde, Publisher of Food and Beverage Magazine Michael Politz, Founder of the Proof Awards Michele Tell, and Facebook friend/Wine Spectator Senior Editor Tim Fish…

wine educator Diego Meraviglia

Eve with wine educator Diego Meraviglia

I will begin by sharing my social media and notes on our favorite wines, and also give you the Instagram accounts for most, followed by a hyperlink to the winery list and scores in their entirety.

If you just want photos, go here. 

Social Media and More

How was your Saturday night? We were in The Room Where It Happens: we got to cover the Wine Spectator Grand Tour again in Las Vegas! As you can see by my photos, I covered a LOT of ground! Here are some of the 90+ scored wines I really liked; I used the program booklet to share some of the exemplary scores:  

2021 Don Melchor (96 points and the #1 wine of the year)

2021 Don Melchor (96 points and the #1 wine of the year)

Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux: 2021 Don Melchor (96 points and the #1 wine of the year), 2019 Yalumba The Signature Cab and Shiraz, 2018 Chalk Hill Estate Red, 2018 Hall Mount Veeder (95 points), 2021 Darioush, 2021 Pahlmeyer Jayson, 2022 Lewis Cellars, 2022 Chateau Lascombes, and 2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. (awarded 96 points). 

Lewis Cellars, The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas

Lewis Cellars, The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas

Other Reds: 2020 Pio Cesare (95 points), 2019 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 798 (96 points), 2020 Fontanafredda Barolo (95 points), 2022 Domaine De Beaurenard Chateauneuf Du Pape, Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape (94 points), 2022 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz, 2021 Purple Angel Carmenere (94 points), 2021 Torbreck RunRig Shiraz, 2021 Guadal Al Tasso, 2018 Reserva Pradorey, 2021 Saffredi, 2022 Capo Martino, and a 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico.   

Chianti Classico, The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas

Chianti Classico, The 2025 Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas

Whites and sparkling: 2021 Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot (94 points), Franciacorta Berlucchi ’61 Rose, Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Champagne, 2015 Schramsberg Blancs (94 points), 2021 Livio Felluga Illivio and 2023 Round Pond Jannine Bovet Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.

Ports: 2000 Croft Vintage, 2016 Fonseca Vintage (97 points), Graham’s 20 YO Tawny, Taylor Fladgate 20 YO Tawny (94 points), and Ramos Pinto 20 YO Tawny.

@DonMelchorWine @YalumbaWine @ChalkHillEstate @HallWines @DarioushWinery @PahlmeyerWine @LewisCellars @StagsLeapWineCellars @MollyDookerWines @TorbreckBarossa @PradoreyBodegas @ChampagneLaurentPerrier @RoundPondEstate @Schramsberg @CroftPort @FonsecaPort @RamosPintoWines @Wine_Spectator @WSGrandTour

One Final Note

Besides the fabulous wines, we did enjoy meeting and finding out the favorites from other wine lovers in the room, as well as rubbing elbows with the top winemakers from all over the world. This is a not-to-be-missed event!

Complete winery, wine list, and their scores can be found here. 

https://grandtour.winespectator.com/

 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

 

 

Advertisement

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Bold flavor, in its purest form: Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength for the Fans

Bold flavor, in its purest form: Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength for the Fans

Knob Creek®,  a proud member of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a favorite among American whiskey lovers, is rolling out a game-changing update to its Single Barrel Select Program: Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength.

This exciting new release gives Las Vegas retailers the chance to handpick exclusive barrels of uncut, unfiltered Knob Creek® Bourbon and Rye, offering a unique and elevated whiskey experience that can’t be found anywhere else. With its cask strength, expect an even more intense and authentic flavor profile, delivering an unparalleled tasting experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you’re enjoying a glass at a local hotspot or adding it to your home bar, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is bound to make a bold statement.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength: Pure, Bold Whiskey at Its Finest for Las Vegas

Bottled directly from the barrel with no water added, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength brings you the bold, signature flavor you’ve come to expect from this iconic brand, but in its purest and most intense form.

With proof ranging from around 110–130 for Bourbon and 100–120 for Rye, each barrel offers a one-of-a-kind, full-flavored experience that’s as unique as the city itself. This new release is a tribute to Booker Noe, the visionary founder of Knob Creek®, and his dedication to delivering a bourbon that embodies what whiskey was always meant to be: rich, flavorful, and unrelenting in its complexity.

For those in Las Vegas who appreciate the finer, more robust side of whiskey, this is the ultimate pour. Whether you’re sipping it neat or with a splash of ice, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is sure to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.

“When my grandfather created Knob Creek,

he set out to make a whiskey that stood out—

bold, robust, and no shortcuts,” Eighth Generation Master Distiller,

Freddie Noe

“With our Single Barrel Select Program, we pay tribute to that legacy by offering fans the chance to experience Knob Creek® in its most authentic form—uncut and unfiltered, creating the most unadulterated single barrel selection in Knob Creek’s® history.”

Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Cask Strength Rye

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength: A True Whiskey Experience Now in Las Vegas

For Las Vegas whiskey lovers who want to take their passion to the next level, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength is offering an exclusive experience that’s hard to match. When you choose your own barrel, you’re not just picking a bottle—you’re stepping into the world of Knob Creek® with a one-of-a-kind adventure at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY.

This immersive journey includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, where you’ll select your barrel in the historic Warehouse K, taste whiskey directly from multiple barrels, and discover the perfect pick through comparative tastings. The experience culminates with a curated dining event at The Kitchen Table, where you can celebrate your selection in style.

Can’t make it to Kentucky? No problem. For Las Vegas retailers who can’t join the distillery experience in person, Knob Creek® brings the fun to you with remote selection sample kits. This allows local retailers to participate in the selection process, ensuring they still have access to the same high-quality experience.

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Cask Strength will be available at participating retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 750mL bottle, so you can bring home a taste of Kentucky’s finest right here to Las Vegas.

If you’re looking for even more personalized experiences, The Private Barrel Club at the James B. Beam Distillery invites consumers to handpick their own favorite barrels after tasting through a selection. It’s an opportunity to become part of the Knob Creek® legacy, offering whiskey fans an unforgettable, tailored journey.

For more details, please visit www.beamdistilling.com/private-barrel-club.

To learn more about Knob Creek® and its award-winning whiskey portfolio, visit www.KnobCreek.com or follow us on Instagram @KnobCreek.

Vegas wants the “Taste of a Kiss” World’s #1 limoncello Pallini Celebrates 150 Years

“Taste of a Kiss” World’s #1 limoncello Pallini Celebrates 150 Years

In a sparkling celebration of its 150th anniversary, Pallini Limoncello, the world’s #1 limoncello, is inviting Las Vegas to rediscover the magic of this iconic Italian liqueur with its new global campaign: “Taste of a Kiss.”

This sensory-driven campaign invites cocktail enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer tastes of life to experience Pallini’s signature Limoncello, crafted with love and kissed by the warm Amalfi sun. It’s a blend of timeless tradition and contemporary mixology that makes every sip a celebration of Italian craftsmanship.

Whether you’re enjoying it neat, in a cocktail, or paired with dessert, Pallini Limoncello embodies the essence of Italy’s rich heritage and passion, bringing you the perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and smooth sweetness. Designed for both classic enjoyment and modern cocktail culture, it’s the ideal addition to Las Vegas’ vibrant bar scene and cocktail culture.

As Pallini Limoncello marks its milestone year, the “Taste of a Kiss” campaign is your invitation to savor not just a drink, but a moment—one that’s as memorable as the city itself.

the world’s #1 limoncello, proudly announces the launch of its new global campaign, “Taste of a Kiss.” Timed to coincide with the brand’s 150th anniversary, this sensory-led campaign invites consumers to rediscover the magic of limoncello – crafted with passion, kissed by the Amalfi sun, created for both timeless enjoyment and modern mixology.

"Taste of a Kiss" World's #1 limoncello Pallini

Pallini Limoncello’s “Taste of a Kiss” Campaign Takes Over Las Vegas in 2025

To mark its monumental 150th anniversary, Pallini Limoncello, the world’s #1 limoncello, is inviting Las Vegas to explore the true essence of Italian passion and flavor with its exciting new global campaign, “Taste of a Kiss.”

The campaign’s creative centerpiece, “What Does a Kiss Taste Like,” will run throughout 2025, bringing to life the irresistible allure of Pallini Limoncello through digital storytelling, influencer collaborations, and carefully curated lifestyle content. It’s all about celebrating the vibrant passion and rich flavor that’s been at the heart of the brand for over 150 years.

Founded in 1875, Pallini remains proudly family-owned, now under the leadership of Micaela Pallini, a fifth-generation member of the founding family. With a background in chemistry and over 15 years of experience with the company, Micaela is the first woman to lead Pallini, continuing the legacy of crafting perfectly balanced limoncello kissed by the sun of the Amalfi coast.

For Las Vegas, known for its bold flavors and innovative cocktails, this campaign is a perfect fit. Whether you’re sipping it neat, mixing it into your favorite cocktail, or enjoying it after dinner, Pallini Limoncello offers a sensory experience that invites you to savor the kiss of Italian craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for the campaign throughout 2025 as it connects the magic of the Amalfi Coast with the energy of Las Vegas.

“This campaign is a love letter to our Italian roots,”

Micaela Pallini

“It reflects everything Pallini stands for – joy, beauty, togetherness, and timeless taste. Sharing our 150th anniversary as the world’s leading limoncello is both humbling and exhilarating.” The campaign was developed by Luther DSGN, a rising Rome-based agency known for its creative expertise in lifestyle branding, visual storytelling, and experiential design.

At the heart of the campaign is the Pallini Spritz—now among the top three spritz-style cocktails served in the U.S. Elegant, light, and refreshingly simple (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Pallini, 1 part water, served over ice in a large wine glass), the cocktail is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite across bars, rooftops, and at-home occasions. Pallini is supporting this momentum with retail cross-merchandising initiatives, encouraging consumers to bring the spritz ritual home.

Pallini Limoncello is distributed across the U.S. by Lucas Bols, the Dutch spirits company known for nurturing heritage cocktail brands. “Pallini is a rare brand that blends craftsmanship, legacy, and modern appeal,” said Brett Dunne, Managing Director, USA and Canada, The Lucas Bols Company. “We’re excited to help expand its reach across the U.S., bringing the spirit of the Amalfi Coast to American consumers and bartenders.”

Pallini Limoncello is available nationwide in fine wine and spirits retailers, as well as leading bars and restaurants across the U.S.

Vegas Unstripped with Eve Bushman: Tasting Las Vegas best local food, wine and spirits

Vegas Unstripped with Eve Bushman: Tasting Las Vegas best local food, wine and spirits

We’ve been to a few whisky, wine, and spirit tasting events since we moved to Las Vegas. But truth be told I had been eyeing the Vegas Unstripped event with some interest for some time. Come this year, the stars aligned, and I was lucky to attend. It’s the only event that I know of where the focus is on the chef and not a restaurant, and this is even more remarkable, “Virtually all expenses of the independent chef/restaurateurs are covered by event revenue. Most principal staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time.”

Ed Bushman at Vegas Unstripped

Ed Bushman at Vegas Unstripped

 Checking in on their social media for teasers before the event and found this, “We’re serving up something special at this year’s Vegas Unstripped; a signature espresso martini crafted with Ketel One Vodka and Mr.Black Spirits.

Big thanks to both brands for fueling this celebration of local flavor, creative spirit, and community connection. Don’t miss your chance to sip the night’s most memorable cocktail!” and, “Big thanks to MGP Specialty Food for supporting this year’s Vegas Unstripped!

Your commitment to our local culinary scene helps make this chef-driven, community-powered event possible. We’re grateful to have you on the team!”

Diane’s Bloody Mary at Vegas Unstripped

Diane’s Bloody Mary

How about one more, from Diane’s Bloody Mary, “This year our menu will host the classic bloody mary made with vodka, a bloody maria which is made with tequila and a spicy micheladas for our adventures guests and a booze-free mary all of which will be served with savory garnishes.”

When we got to the Palms we were struck first by the friendly and helpful staff, which really put us in a good mood.

Palms Casino Resort for Vegas Unstripped

Palms Casino Resort for Vegas Unstripped

Then, entering the event, we were struck again by the number of booths all manned by chefs and their staffs. Samples were plated and replaced quickly, same for the drinks which you know is my focus. All of the restaurants are listed below in an excerpt from the news release. I will begin with my social media:

Social Media

What was the last really great food and drink event you attended? One that features local chefs, mixologists and held around the pools of a Las Vegas resort? That’s just part of the picture of last night’s Vegas Unstripped! The photos and videos I have here tell only part of the story. You had to BE THERE to experience all of the outstanding flavors we enjoyed. Read EveWine101.com on May 9 to see who gets all of the credit and who donated their time to be there! For now, thank collaborators Eric Gladstone and Jim Trees for knocking it out of the park, all of the amazing innovative chefs, and a few shout outs to Nick Palmeri from Gaetano’s, Adam Rains from The Golden Tiki, and The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganimfor keeping my cocktail glass full!

Diane’s Bloody Mary

Diane’s Bloody Mary

#EveBushmanWhatsOnYourPlate #EveBushmanWhatsInYourGlass #VegasUnstripped #FoodEvent #CocktailEvent #LasVegas #ThePalms #Gaetanos #TheGoldenTiki #TheModernMixologist @GoldenTiki @Palms @GaetanosRistorante @VegasUnstripped 

Yes, I was truly wowed by the talent at Vegas Unstripped. Only thing to add besides the above are my notes on the food. Amazing. Chefs that I was able to photograph include Johnny Church and oysters, Steve Kestler with Latin dishes, Joel Ott made a Pastrami pizza BBQ, Luke Palladino and his Frittelle, Gary FX Lamorte made an amazing grilled oyster, sweets from the Summer House, and Kari Garcia baked spicy cookies.

From the News Release

Vegas Unstripped Announces Full List Of Participating Chefs & Bartenders For 2025

Culinary Fest at Palms Casino Resort Pool Deck Promises Biggest Line Up Yet

LAS VEGAS, NV – Vegas Unstripped producers Eric Gladstone & James Trees have announced the full list of chefs and bartenders participating in this year’s Vegas Unstripped food festival. This year, the festival will gather more of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and creative culinary leaders than ever before, who will each create a new dish or drink for one night only. The event (tookplace on) Sunday, April 27 at the Palms Casino Resort. 

Confirmed Chefs include: 

  • John Arena (Metro Pizza, Truly Pizza) World Pizza Champions member
  • Myrhissa Bautista (Soulbelly)
  • Geno Bernardo (The Summit Club) 
  • Sterling Buckley (Palate)
  • Anthony Carron (Alexxa’s)
  • Johnny Church (Johnny C’s Catering) “Chopped” winner
  • Steve Cook, Erica Joyce & Daniel Schneider (Wild Fig BBQ) 
  • Kari Garcia (TSP Bakery)
  • Brian Howard (Sparrow & Wolf, Spaghetti On The Wall Hospitality) James Beard Semi-Finalist
  • Jason Janson (Vetri Cucina)
  • Bruce Kalman (SoulBelly BBQ) James Beard Award nominee and “Chopped” winner
  • Steve Kestler (Aroma Latin American Cocina), James Beard Award finalist
  • Keris Kuwana (Electric Playhouse)
  • Gary LaMorte (Honest Hospitality, Fortune Events)
  • Marty Lopez (Scotch 80 Prime)
  • Gina Marinelli (La Strega, Harlø Steakhouse), James Beard Award semi-finalist
  • Sean O’Hara (Esther’s Kitchen)
  • Joel Ott (Joel’s Chophouse, Ahern Hotel)
  • Luke Palladino (Meta-Hospitality, Laguna Pool House & Kitchen)
  • Ellie Parker (Main Street Provisions)
  • Taylor Persh (Goose Hospitality)
  • Vincent Pouessel (Summer House)
  • Rachel Rang (Rang’s Coccina)
  • Adam Rios (Al Solito Posto)
  • Eduardo ‘Lalo’ Saavedra (Casa de Juliette)
  • Josh Smith (Bourbon Steak)
  • Stephen Smith (Mabel’s Bar & Q)
  • Jackson Stamper (Ada’s Food + Wine)
  • Yuri Szarzewski (Partage, Le Club)
  • Jamie Tran (The Black Sheep) James Beard Award finalist
  • James Trees (Bar Boheme), James Beard Award finalist

 

Confirmed Bartenders include:

  • Tony Abou-Ganim (The Modern Mixologist)
  • Jonah Gibbs (Petite Boheme)
  • Francesco Lafranconi (Carver Road Hospitality)
  • Adam O’Donnell (Jive Turkey)
  • Nick Palmeri (Gaetano’s)
  • Adam Rains (The Golden Tiki)

 

This year’s Vegas Unstripped event will donate proceeds to two local charities:

 

 

  • Help of Southern Nevada – Assisting families and individuals throughout Southern Nevada to overcome barriers and attain self-sufficiency through direct services, training, and referral to community resources.

 

“Every year we are honestly blown away by the excitement from local chefs and bartenders about participating in this event,” said Gladstone. “It really helps inspire us to go the extra mile to make this an unforgettable only-in-Vegas night.”

 

“As the host resort of the Vegas Unstripped culinary event, Palms is proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent of our local chefs,” said Greg Van Stone, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Palms Casino Resort. “Supporting and celebrating our local culinary community is at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled to have Chef Michael Symon of Mabel’s Bar & Q and Chef Marc Vetri of Vetri Cucina joining us to champion their restaurants’ executive chefs.”

 

A few other unique elements of Vegas Unstripped:

  • Vegas Unstripped is an independent event focused on promoting local chef talent (vs. particular restaurants or brands).
  • Participating chefs are chosen to represent the cutting edge of talent in Las Vegas and challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions.
  • Named chefs are requested to attend and serve guests personally.
  • Tickets are priced affordably to encourage participation from all food fans.
  • Virtually all expenses of the independent chef/restaurateurs are covered by event revenue. Most principal staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time.
  • Net proceeds donated to underserved local charities. To date, Vegas Unstripped has donated nearly $30,000 locally (details on the vegasunstripped.com website)
  • The event has grown in size every single year.
  • Ticket price has remained the same and fees have actually been reduced from last year.

 

About Vegas Unstripped and The Feast of Friends

Vegas Unstripped is Las Vegas’ only festival by chefs, about chefs, and for the Vegas community. Participating chefs represent the cutting edge of independent talent in Las Vegas, and are challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions. The evening is augmented by beverages from Las Vegas’ best local bars, local musicians, local art and more. Created in 2018 as a reaction to the Strip-focused Vegas Uncork’d event (now defunct), Vegas Unstripped initially only invited chefs working off-Strip but now welcomes Vegas chefs regardless of where they cook, offering open submissions. All necessary expenses of the independent chef/restaurateur are covered by event revenue to the extent possible, with net proceeds going to underserved local charities. To date, VU has donated nearly $30,000.

 

The Feast of Friends is a multi-faceted branding agency, incorporating brand development, traditional and digital marketing, media & influencer relations, social media, websites, and events based in Las Vegas and focused on independent food & beverage. 

 

https://www.vegasunstripped.com/

 

https://www.thefeastoffriends.com/

 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *