master sommelier Andrea Immer; Bellagio Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nev.

To start things off, Andrea visited Aureole Restaurant where she soared high as a wine angel in the restaurant's 42-foot wine tower, holding over 10,000 bottles of the world's finest wines. Then it was off for a vertical wine tasting with Master Sommeliers Andrew Vadjinia Bradbury (Aureole) and John Burke (Bellagio's Prime Steakhouse), followed by a trip to Renoir to meet the next generation of wine — and sommeliers — that you should keep an eye on.

Wine Vintages

• The Bellagio's wine warehouse is housed below the hotel. In addition, there are several smaller warehouses where excess inventory is stored.
  
• White burgundy is chardonnay; red burgundy is pinot noir.
  
• Most Bordeaux wines are cabernet and merlot based.
  
• Chablis is a district in the Burgundy wine region of France. Most wine regions in France are known for certain grape varieties.
  
• Wines not aged in barrels are aged in tanks. Oak barrels can be expensive.
  
• Price comparison — Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche at Prince Restaurant:
  • 1993 vintage: $700
    
  • 1994 vintage: $605
    
  • 1999 vintage: $520
• Older vintages can be found at auctions, restaurants and on specialty websites. They cost more because, over time, there are fewer bottles.
  
• You can check online or in wine-buying guides to find out which vintages are good.
  
• As always, if you're not sure what to drink, ask the sommelier.
  
• Price comparison — Chateau Margaux at Aureole:
  • 1996 vintage: $695
    
  • 1990 vintage: $1,142
    
  • 1983 vintage: $695

Aureole (located in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino)
Las Vegas, Nev.
702-632-7401
Resort: 877-632-7800
www.aureolelv.com

Prime Steakhouse (located in Bellagio Resort & Casino)
Las Vegas, Nev.
702-693-7223
Resort: 702-693-7111, 888-987-6667
www.allinfo.net/jg/prime

Renoir Restaurant (located in the Mirage Resort & Casino)
Las Vegas, Nev.
702-791-7353
Resort: 702-791-7111
las.vegas.diningguide.net

Good Combinations

Domaine Laroche Chablis ($16/glass) and fish and chips or oysters
Château de Pez Red Bordeaux ($19/glass) and Lamb

Create an unforgettable dining experience with Andrea Immer's Entertaining Made Simple CD collection. Each CD includes music, menus, recipes, affordable wine recommendations and video demonstrations.