Wineaux

Pure opulence. An oasis in the desert. I’m often underdressed but never made to feel so. Honestly, you will feel better for simply walking through the door. And all of those emotions come true before you even order from the menu or wine list.

Amazing marble and bright colours set the tone for this wine bar slash retail shop in the suburbs of Las Vegas. A joint collaboration between local Master Sommelier Nick Hetzel and longtime colleague, chef Shawn McClain, this place is luxury without the trip to the top destinations on the Strip. Be certain to order from the menu (while the wine list and assortment is commendable, the fare to go along with the selections is incredible). Not to be missed is the romesco sauce and the smoked sturgeon rillette. Order these, but also be adventurous with the rest of the menu. You cannot go wrong.

The seating is mostly centred around tables, but you can pull up to the bar to enjoy a glass as well. The wine list is presented with ‘drink here’ prices, but all bottles have a discount if you opt to leave with one to enjoy at home.

At the helm here is Norman Acosta, a long time veteran of several notable places to drink and eat on the Strip. He is available most days to guide guests through his selections, which cover wines that fit the distinct weather of Las Vegas: dry and dusty weather calls for wines with elegance and nerve to give that ‘refreshing’ feeling. Plenty of high acid whites and Old World earthy reds can be found here. You can be confident there will always be a wine like Chablis by the glass to satisfy the need for something crisp.

The by-the-glass wines always pair well with the food, but this is a wine bar after all, and there are plenty of ripe and fruity wines that stand on their own. While not every label will be recognizable, know that the intention to find the best wine at the best value underpins the goal of the list. Fire off and order for something you have never had, and you’ll be happy you did.