I’ve heard great things about the Wine Cellar at Rio for years. Numerous people have called it a hidden gem and after my first visit, I have to say that I get it.

The Wine Cellar is literally below the casino floor on the east end of the Rio, near KISS World and its glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course. Guests walk down a long winding staircase into a relatively large, cavernous, wine cellar. 

The decor is very on the nose for what one might expect from a wine cellar. There’s plenty of stone, brick, and wood but it’s well lit and there are ample different seating options. 

Between the very fair prices, tasting room, and relaxing vibe it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that there are people who love the Wine Cellar tasting room. This truly is one of the unique settings for a Las Vegas lounge. 

When the Wine Cellar reopened last March, President Trevor Scherrer said: 

“We recognize how many memorable occasions happened in this iconic wine cellar, and guests can expect more of the same when it reopens. Not only will we have an outstanding selection of wines, but we are excited to now serve some of the best tequilas, whiskeys, and specialty bourbons.”

I like wine but it doesn’t excite me enough to leave the house very often. I like a decent red with a meal or a cold white or rosé when it’s the dead of summer in Las Vegas but that’s about it. I usually let others make the choice when we go out.

Despite all the expensive bottles available to drink and buy, the Wine Cellar was never high on my radar. (Semi-related: Pub 365 at Tuscany has a great selection of limited beers.)

My Experience At Rio’s Wine Cellar

Since reopening last year, the Wine Cellar has been offering more than just wine, as Scherrer mentioned. Now they have my attention!

I finally found a reason to visit a couple of weeks ago when the Wine Cellar hosted a Macallan tasting. The Wine Cellar has regular tastings and it appears as though there’s one for spirits about 25% of the time. You can see upcoming events here.

Prices for wine tastings are around $65, while a wine and steak pairing costs about $100 for the combo. The price for the Macallan tasting was $80 for five different scotches, but I was lucky enough to be offered complimentary entry.

I had a great time, and everyone—from the Wine Cellar staff to the Macallan ambassadors—was wonderful. We heard stories about what makes each of the five Macallan variations unique.

We sampled half-ounce pours of Macallan 12, 15, 18, The Harmony Collection, and A Night On Earth. The last was my overall favorite. Among the traditional offerings, the 15 stood out, even though the 18 is more expensive—it just tasted smoother than the three. Macallan 25 might be my favorite of all, but it wasn’t on the menu that night.

I tried each type of Macallan twice to make sure my opinions were accurate—at least for the night.

I will definitely return to the Wine Cellar, regardless of comps. The vibe was perfect for a relaxed hangout, and the tasting was both fun and somewhat educational.

Rio Transformation Still Underway

I visited Rio under its new ownership once prior to the Macallan tasting. Even though the exterior looks great at night, I’m not a fan of visiting casinos mid-transformation. 

I visited Monte Carlo monthly when it was transitioning into Park MGM and I hated seeing the property in such a mess. I didn’t want to have the same sour taste in my mouth when I visited Rio. Yes, I appreciate Hard Rock closing The Mirage for its transformation.

My first visit to the new Rio was to check out the new Canteen Food Hall. While our dishes were good and the space looked great the rest of the property wasn’t ready for primetime. 

Even though the first phase of renovations is completed, there’s still work to be done. The table games area and much of the slot floor look good. So do the new bars and restaurants. 

However, the sportsbook (my favorite part of a casino) needs a major overhaul. The TVs are old, small, and a few seconds ahead of the rest of the casino. I could hear cheers from the sportsbook while walking past a bar—only to see what caused the roar moments later. That’s annoying.

The east part of the casino is set to be upgraded during the next phase of renovations. Currently, there’s free live music on weekends in this area, but otherwise, the space sits empty as it awaits whatever comes next.

Ironically, this barren environment is kind of perfect for the Wine Cellar. The people who visit are true fans who respect the space and its vibe. While it might not be ideal for business, fewer people in this part of the casino make the Wine Cellar a great spot for a secret rendezvous or a chill bro-down with your favorite crew.

Bringing back the Wine Cellar was a smart move as Rio continues its transformation. The new operators hope to restore the love so many people once had for the property.