You’d think it’s enough for the Bellagio to be a AAA Five Diamond Award winner, for its hotel and Picasso and Le Cirque restaurants (in addition to Four Diamond nods for three other dining outlets). But no, that wasn’t good enough for MGM Mirage’s European-flavored 500-pound gorilla – now the resort has garnered another ambitious distinction: It has established the record for the most master sommeliers at a single property anywhere in the world.

This comes in the wake of Sensi’s Joseph Phillips receiving his induction into the Court of Master Sommeliers (is that like a knighting?). Phillips joins Bellagio’s already-established master sommeliers – Robert Smith of Picasso, Jason Smith of Michael Mina and Director of Wine Robert Bigelow.

“We’re proud of Joseph achieving this rare accomplishment which recognizes our team’s desire to be the best in the industry,” Bigelow said. “This recent distinction solidifies Bellagio’s wine program among the finest.”

Bellagio already holds other records in the wine world – among them, being home to the most sommeliers on one property, 18 (four of whom are female, something that is apparently of note in the sommelier hierarchy), and selling more wine than any other hospitality outlet in the country. What’s next? Maybe tearing down a parking lot and planting a vineyard. Oh, you know that’s not as ridiculous as it sounds.

By Pj Perez

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