Industry-leading beverage education

The Larry Ruvo Academy at Southern Glazer's Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada raises the bar in beverage education for wine, spirits, and beer.

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  • Upcoming classes
  • About
  • Wine
  • Spirits
  • Beer
  • Sake

JANUARY

 

01.09.25 | Wine 101: Introduction to Wine | Registration opens on 11.08.24

01.16.25 | Wine 102: Introduction to Fine Wine Service | Registration opens on 11.15.24

01.22.25 | Aperitivo World Masterclass | Registration opens on 11.22.24

01.23.25 | Wine 103: Principles of Food & Wine Pairing | Registration opens on 11.22.24

01.29.25 | Spirits 101 | Registration opens on 11.29.24

 

February

 

02.05.25 – 03.26.25 | ASFS: Academy of Spirits and Fine Service | Registration opens on 12.05.24

02.06.25 – 02.27.25 | Wine 201: Viticulture & Vinification | Registration opens on 12.06.24

02.18.25 | Cocktail 101 | Registration opens on 12.18.24

 

March

 

03.06.25 – 03.27.25 | Exploring the Wine Regions of France | Registration opens on 01.06.25

 

APRIL

 

04.03.25 – 04.24.25 | Exploring the Wine Regions of Italy | Registration opens on 02.03.25

04.09.25 – 05.14.25 | ABC: Academy of Bartending & Cocktail | Registration opens on 02.10.25

 

MAY

 

05.08.25 – 05.22.25 | Exploring the Wine Regions of Germany, Australia, Greece, and The Levant

Registration opens on 03.07.24

 

JUNE

 

06.05.25 | Beer 101: Introduction to Beer | Registration opens on 04.04.25

06.19.25 | Beer 202: Lagers of the World | Registration opens on 04.18.25

06.23.25 | Cocktail 101 | Registration opens on 04.23.25

 

JULY

 

07.23.25 | Spirits 101 | | Registration opens on 05.23.25

 

AUGUST

 

08.08.24 – 08.29.24 | ASFS: Academy of Spirits and Fine Service  | Registration opens on 06.20.25

 

SEPTEMBER

 

09.11.25 – 10.02.25 | Exploring the Wine Regions of USA | Registration opens on 07.11.25

 

OCTOBER

 

10.09.25 – 10.23.25

Exploring the Wine Regions of Oceania, South America, and Southern Africa

10.29.25 – 12.23.25 | ABC: Academy of Bartending & Cocktail | Registration opens on 08.29.25

 

NOVEMBER

 

11.06.25 – 11.20.25 | Business Skills for the Sommelier | Registration opens on 09.05.25

 

DECEMBER 

 

12.04.25 – 12.11.25 | Introduction to Sake and the Spirits of Asia | Registration opens on 10.04.25

Disclaimer:
Seats for each course are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The submission of your registration form does not guarantee enrollment. The instructor will contact you 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the course to notify you of your acceptance.
If you are accepted into the course, it is imperative that you notify the instructor via email should you be unable to attend a session or must forgo the entire course. Failure to provide such notification may result in the forfeiture of your seat for future courses.

 

For additional information, please contact The Larry Ruvo Academy at Academy@sgws.com

Joe Phillips, Master Sommelier

Joe Phillips was part of the opening team for the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas and became a Master Sommelier during his career there. He is an active examiner and educator for the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Educator for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). Joe is a Director of Product Education for Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits, and Beer of Nevada and makes frequent guest appearances at many venues in Las Vegas, Reno, and UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. He previously managed award-winning wine programs for the Bellagio Hotel & Casino and the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas. 

Livio Lauro, Master Mixologist

Livio Lauro started his beverage career more than 25 years ago in Southern Italy at the famous Club Valentino, and later at the cocktail-centric Dolce Vita. The recipient of several prestigious awards in international cocktail competitions, Livio was recognized in 2002 for passing the final Capo Barman AIBES exam, the most prestigious testing series sanctioned by the Italian Bartenders Association. Livio is widely recognized as one of the most instrumental figures in the resurgence of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) and is the founding President of the Guild’s Master Accreditation program which is the premier national testing body for bartenders in the United States.

Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier, Director of Product Education

Jennifer’s love affair and studies in wine started in her early twenties after taking an interest course. From there, she immediately leapt into the Sommelier Certification from ISG graduating top of class, then Diploma of Wine from WSET, followed by the Advanced Sommelier passing in 2005 and finally the Master Sommelier Exams. In 2011 she was awarded the prestigious Master Sommelier designation becoming the first women in Canada to achieve it.  While studying Jennifer has also worked in the wine business and some notable posting’s have been Head Sommelier for MLSE in Toronto where she was overseeing multiple properties, heading sales and education for Napa Vintner Cliff Lede in Canada and education with Jackson Family Wines. 

5 glasses of Rose wine on table

Wine 101 Series

The Wine 101 courses are designed to work together since they cover the basic ideas for wine appreciation, proper wine service, and how to pair wine with food. Any student taking all three courses will acquire the basic skills necessary to serve wine with confidence in a restaurant or bar. However, each course is a stand-alone course, allowing students the option to take just one, or all three. 

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table with food and drinks

Principles of Food and Wine Pairing

In this seminar we will explore and experience the main principles of pairing wine with food. We will discover the impact that the major flavor components of food have on our perception of wine and discuss ways to create harmony between food and wine.

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Rows of grapevines in vineyard

Wine 201: Viticulture and Vinification

In this four-part series we will unpack foundational knowledge of wine. We will discover where and how wine grapes are grown, how wine it is made, and the major grapes and styles of wine produced. You will walk away with better general knowledge of wine and may even find a few new wines to enjoy.

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Winery bottles

Wine MasterClass Series

Take a deep dive into understanding these important drivers in the wine world. In this class we will unpack the natural ID tags of these styles and varietals and how wine making, climate and quality can play a role in what is in the glass.

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two glasses of white wine on table

Exploring the Wine Regions of Europe

Discover the key wine regions of Europe. We will cover the impact that geography, climate, wine laws, winemaking, and historical traditions have on the style and flavors of the finished wines.

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Winery hillside

Exploring the Wine Regions of Italy

During the five sessions of this immersive class, we will explore the wine regions of northern, central, and southern Italy. We will taste classic examples of wines from key regions of the country while learning about the wine laws and diverse wine styles produced. 

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two glasses of wine on outdoor table

Exploring the Wine Regions of France

During the four sessions of this immersive class, we will explore the main wine regions of France, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, and the Rhône Valley. We will taste classic examples of wines from these regions while learning about their wine laws and diverse wine styles produced.

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two glasses of wine on outdoor table

Exploring the Wine Regions of the USA

In this exciting four-part series, we will learn about the history of wine in the United States. We will take a deep dive into the wine regions of Washington State, Oregon, and California to discover why and how the US has become a huge driver in the world of wine.

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Winery with sky background

Exploring the Wine Regions of North and South America, and Oceania

Discover the key wine regions of the New World. We will cover the impact that geography, climate, wine laws, winemaking, and historical traditions have on the style and flavors of the finished wines.

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server pouring glass of wine

Blind Tasting, Service Technique, and Wine List Construction

Get business basics. We will demonstrate techniques to analyze the structure and flavor of wine through blind tasting as well as cover proper wine service and wine list construction.

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rows of grapevines in vineyard

Certificate Testing Day

It is for those who have taken Exploring Europe, New World, France, and USA and would like to test their knowledge. Students who pass this test will receive a certificate. 

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Trends 101

Trends 101: Wine, Spirits and Beer Trends of Nevada

Details coming soon!

Spirits 101

Spirits 101: An Introduction to Spirits

Get bar ready! This stand-alone, 4-hour session covers the basics of distilled spirits. Learn about the different varieties of spirits, their ingredients, the distillation process, and proper service technique.

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wine glasses on table

Academy of Spirits & Fine Service

This 8-Week MasterClass will take a deep dive into the world of spirits. We will uncover all the aspects of spirits making and understand how they play a role in what is in the glass. Over 50 different spirits and liqueurs will be tasted in class, and we will discuss the proper ways to serve and pair them with food. You will walk away with insights that can be applied at your venue.

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Cocktail bar

Cocktail 101

During this course participants will learn the principles of making drinks, popular cocktail families, basic garnishing techniques, and discuss proper ways to mix various styles of classic cocktails. 

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cocktail bar with ice tub

MasterClass: Academy of Bartending & Cocktail (ABC)

During the five sessions of this intensive MasterClass, we will travel through two centuries of cocktail knowledge to learn classic and contemporary Mixology. We will also provide an in-depth understanding of cocktails and each of their components as well as give the tools required to become a lead bartender at any bar. Lastly, candidates will create their own cocktail list and mix their own signature cocktail.

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Trends 101

Trends 101: Wine, Spirits and Beer Trends of Nevada

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bartender holding beer glass

Craft Beer: The Rebirth of American Brewing

In this course, we embark on a flavorful journey through the fascinating story of craft brewing in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the late 20th century to the explosive growth and innovative trends of today, we'll trace the path of this artisanal movement. Discover the pioneers who revolutionized the industry, explore, and taste the various styles that emerged, and learn about the cultural impact and significance of craft beer in American society.

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flight of beers

Ales, Ales, Ales: A Look and Taste of Traditional and Modern Ales

Welcome to "Ales of the World!" This course explores the history, flavors, and brewing traditions of ales from diverse regions across the globe. From British bitters to Belgian Saisons, American craft ales, and more, we'll delve into the cultural significance and artistry behind crafting each distinct ale. Expand your palate and knowledge as we raise our glasses to the wonderful world of ales.

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tap filling beer glass

The World of Beer: History, Styles, Evolution & Service

The course "History of Beer: Styles, History, Evolution, and Service" offers a comprehensive study of beer's development throughout history. It explores the origins of brewing in ancient civilizations and how it has evolved into the diverse range of beer styles we have today. Students will learn about various beer styles, from traditional ones like ales and lagers to the more recent craft brews, gaining insights into their unique characteristics and flavor profiles. The course delves into the brewing process, ingredients, and techniques that contribute to the distinctiveness of each style. 

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bartender pouring beer

Beer 101: An Overview of Beer

Beer 101 is a foundational course tailored specifically for professionals in the restaurant and bar industry, offering a comprehensive introduction to the world of beer.

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Trends 101

Trends 101: Wine, Spirits and Beer Trends of Nevada

Details coming soon!

server pouring glass of sake

MasterClass – Introduction to Sake and the Spirits of Asia

Build a beverage foundation for Baiju, Shochu, and Soju. Participants will learn the process of sake production, taste examples of the most common styles, and discuss proper ways to serve it.

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Instructor with Students

A Center of Innovation & Education

The Larry Ruvo Academy at Southern Glazer's Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada “raises the bar” in food and beverage education. Established in 2000, the Academy has graduated thousands of food and beverage professionals who have gone on to work in influential positions at resorts and restaurants in Las Vegas and beyond. The unique learning space is fully integrated with a host of impressive audio and visual tools that enable remote learning of various classes and events. Advance your career today!

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