Best Places for Wine on the Vegas Strip

It is certainly easy to go out and find somewhere to let loose clubbing in Vegas. But what about those who prefer a more sophisticated approach? Behold some of the best wine bars in the United States, all right here on Sin’s City’s infamous Strip.   Here are our top picks for wine spots in Vegas.

Aureole at Mandalay Bay

As the website boasts, Aureole is urban sophistication to the max. Its world class wine collection (9,864 bottles to be exact) is stored in a four storied, 14 square foot, stainless steel and glass case inspired by Mission Impossible. And in keeping with the MI theme, “wine angels,” fly 42 feet to the top (by way of a mechanical hoist) in 10 seconds flat and you’ll have wine in hand in 20. 

Incidentally, we've personally wined and dined at Aureole, and we must say that the food, the wine and the atmosphere were all extraordinary.  We're huge fans of this fabulous Vegas restaurant and bar. 

Onda Wine Lounge at the Mirage

Inspired by Old World Italian culture but still sleek and contemporary, this wine and cheese lounge is also one of the most inexpensive in Vegas.  The average check is $18, so you can save some money and slide over to the equally delectable and affordable Onda Restaurant. 

The Onda restaurant is open from 5 pm -- 11 pm, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; the Onda wine lounge is open daily from 5 pm - 11 pm. 
 

Double Helix at the Palazzo

Nestled in the center of a 450,000 square foot luxury retail center, the Double Helix offers a stunning wine selection; perfect for wine connoisseurs of all levels.  The bar offers more than 50 wines by the glass (in either a 2 oz. tasting portion or a 5 oz. glass), a VIP Room with a premium collection of vintage and reserve wines, and a wine boutique with over 300 bottles of rare vintage from all over the globe.  To compliment this elite wine list, Double Helix has enlisted Chef Emeril Lagasse to prepare an equally appetizing menu that is in perfect harmony with their fine wines.  

Double Helix is open every day.  Happy hour happens daily from 2-4 pm and again from 10 pm - close.  Special wine tastings are held every Friday from 5 - 7pm.
 

Alize at the Palms

Alize has been named one of the top restaurants in the world by Conde Naste Traveler and it’s easy to see why.  Perched atop the Palms hotel, this restaurant features sweeping views of the strip, some of the best cognac, wines, and spirits in Vegas, fine cuisine, and a two story wine cellar at the heart of it all.  Alize's extensive wine list boasts more than 1,700 selections, with more than 7,500 bottles in inventory, and comes complete with a sommelier and wine director at your beck and call.  Wine enthusiasts can enjoy their wine with a meal at the restaurant, or can sip a glass or two at the bar (shown at right).

Alize's restaurant and wine bar is open daily from 5:30 pm until closing (which is unspecified).
 

The Wine Cellar at Rio

This is the wine cellar of all wine cellars. The 50,000 bottles, which are valued at more than $10 million, are part of one of the most extraordinary public collections in the United States.  With rustic rock and brick walls and museum quality bottles (like an 1800 Maderia straight from the cellar of Thomas Jefferson) the Wine Cellar is more like a step back in time than a bright, glittering part of the Vegas Strip.

The Rio Wine Cellar's hours are:  Mon - Thur from 4pm - 10pm;  Fri & Sat 3pm - 11pm; Sunday 3pm - 10pm
 

More Places to Wine & Dine on the Vegas Strip

Along with Aureole and Alize, there are plenty of other fine restaurants that offer an extensive wine list to compliment your cuisine.

• Bartoletta at Wynn

Bartoletta offers something a little different. It mixes its wines with Chef Paul Baroletta’s take on traditional Italian coastal cuisine.

• Picasso at the Bellagio

This restaurant showcases the inspiring work of artist Pablo Picasso. And the wine is just as elite as art.  Picasso has nearly 1,500 bottles of only the finest European wines in their cellar.

• Nobhill Tavern at MGM

Nobhill Tavern is an uber trendy Vegas restaurant that offers fun dishes like whole fried chicken with truffle mac & cheese. The restaurant's Sommelier will ensure you find the wine that best suits your dishes.  Nobhill won a 2008 Wine Spectator Award for their great wine pairings.

Photo credits:  Photos of Aureole Restaurant, the Onda Wine Bar are courtesy of MGM Mirage.  Photo of Double Helix is courtesy of Double Helix and the Palazzo.  Photo of Alize s courtesy of the Palms.