Nevada Best Food and Drink Festivals 

UNLVino Wine Festival: April

 

One of the largest wine tasting events in Las Vegas brings together dozens of notable wineries and local restaurateurs for a sophisticated evening at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLVino showcases over 70 premier wineries including Ferrari-Carano, Robert Mondavi, and Chateau Ste. Michelle, alongside delectable bites from notable Vegas restaurants like Ferraro's and Mon Ami Gabi. The festival, which typically attracts over 2,000 attendees, features wine education seminars led by master sommeliers and interactive tasting experiences where guests can learn about wine production and proper tasting techniques.

 

Local jazz ensembles and acoustic performers provide elegant background music throughout the evening, while culinary students from UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hospitality demonstrate their skills with live cooking demonstrations. The "Bubble-licious" champagne tasting area highlights premium champagnes and sparkling wines, while the "Global Village" section offers international wines paired with corresponding regional cuisines. A signature element of the festival is the annual "Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence" ceremony, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitality education and the wine industry.

 

Barrels and Bites Reno: September

 

This annual Reno event combines the best of local spirits, brews, wines, and cuisine in a festive atmosphere. Hosted at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, the gathering features over 50 themed alcohol and spirit booths, offering a wide variety of tastings from Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. Attendees can sample delicious food provided by some of Reno's most popular eateries, though specific vendor names are not disclosed.

 

The event includes unique attractions such as a silent disco and a violinist performing karaoke-style. A mobile auction and live auction add to the excitement, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. While exact attendance figures are not available, the festival draws a large crowd of adult beverage enthusiasts and foodies from across the region.

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Las Vegas Greek Food Festival: September

 

The longest-running cultural celebration in Nevada returns each fall with authentic Mediterranean cuisine and live entertainment. The Las Vegas Greek Food Festival, hosted at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, draws over 20,000 attendees annually, over 3 days, who come to savor dishes like dolmades, gyros, spanakopita, and honey-drenched baklava prepared by local Greek families and vendors. Traditional Greek bands and dance groups perform throughout the festival, including performances by the Oasis Dance Group and bouzouki musicians who play folk songs while guests enjoy imported Greek wines and beers in the taverna.

 

The marketplace features over 40 vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and traditional clothing to imported olive oils and artisanal cheeses, while cooking demonstrations show visitors how to make traditional phyllo pastries. The church's own Byzantine choir performs religious hymns in the sanctuary, offering visitors a glimpse into Greek Orthodox traditions alongside the cultural festivities. The highlight for many attendees is the late-night Greek dancing where festival-goers join hands in traditional circle dances like the kalamatiano and hasapiko, led by dancers in traditional costumes.