Eureka Uncorked-03-31-16When the Eureka Casino Resort hosted its first hugely popular Eureka Uncorked Wine Seminar and Grand Tasting last year, it was obvious they had a hit on their hands. Building on that unqualified success, the resort offers its bigger and better 2016 Eureka Uncorked weekend on April 15 and 16. The 2-day event consists of an informative Wine Seminar and a lavish Grand Tasting that will acquaint attendees with a unique selection of great wines and fine wineries.

Two Uncorked Wine Seminars are offered at the Eureka Grand Canyon Ballroom on Friday, April 15 at 6 p.m. and on Saturday, April 16 at 3 p.m. Wine enthusiasts can choose from either of these two convenient times to learn the elements of wine and fine points of wine identification from Master Sommelier Christopher P. Bates.

Attendees will sharpen their understanding of wine by sampling several different varieties under Bates’ direction. They will learn tips about the factors involved in pairing wine with food while tasting popular hors d’ouvres with selected wines. To build on new-found knowledge, each seminar attendee will receive an informative booklet on wine tasting plus a souvenir wine glass and high quality wine opener.

Christopher Bates, a foremost food and wine educator, wants everyone to enjoy wine. He earned his Master Sommelier title in 2013, one of only about 280 wine experts currently holding that degree worldwide. He had previously distinguished himself as a leading wine expert, or sommelier, being name TopSomm in 2013 and Best Young Sommelier in the World in 2012 by the Chaine de Rotisseur. Before that, he won the World Cup of Wine title in 2010 and was named Best Sommelier in America in 2011. He writes and teaches about wine for top wine publications, and authored four of the chapters of the American Sommelier Association textbook.

His entire career has been spent in the hospitality and wine industries. Bates has experience in management of fine hotels and restaurants, as well as owning his own specialty winery.   Bates was executive chef and general manager of two leading European inns that are members of the Relais et Chateaux association, a discriminating group of unique smaller properties noted for their extremely high standards in dining and hostelry.

In 2005, wine lover Bates co-founded Element Winery in Arkport, New York, where he followed his dream of using the terroir of the Finger Lakes region as a blessing, not a curse. Element Winery produces delicate wines balanced with focus on mineral and flora aromas, low alcohol and higher acids that allow grapes to speak for themselves.

Eureka Uncorked pairs wine education with enjoyment as it presents its Grand Tasting at Seasons Ultra Lounge on Saturday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Here is chance to sample outstanding wines and meet the winemakers. Meet Bates and his own Element Winery vintages. Gray Hartley, owner of Hitching Post Winery, where the movie Sideways was filmed, will be pouring his fine wines. Tastings of J. Lohr, Imperial Wines, Johnson Brothers, Ramsay, local St. George winery Iron Gate, and other choice wines selected by Southern Wine and Spirits will be offered.

A delectable set of hors d’ouvres will allow guests to experiment with their own personal food and wine pairings. This is an opportunity to compare notes and learn from the vintners who produce highly sought-after varieties of wines, from dry whites to dessert ports. Special case prices on wines are offered by vendors as a “thank you” for enjoying their product. Each Grand Tasting guest is provided a memento Eureka Uncorked wine glass.

Eureka Uncorked is offered in separate admissions of $50 for the Wine Seminar, and $75 for the Saturday Grand Tasting, or as a combined $100 package for the two events, which includes souvenir wine opener and wine glass. Tickets can be purchased now at J.S. Merchant at the Eureka Casino Resort, or online at eurekamesquite.com. To round out an unforgettable weekend, Eureka Uncorked may be paired with a stay in the Eureka’s luxurious resort hotel and a round of golf on a world-class Mesquite golf course.

The Eureka Casino Resort is an employee-owned family business, proudly offering Nevada’s finest in accommodations, food and recreation. Call 702-346-4600 for more information, or go online to eurekamesquite.com.