LAS VEGAS – Bellagio is proud to announce the induction of Joseph Phillips of Sensi into the Court of Master Sommeliers. Phillips becomes the fourth of Bellagio’s already impressive team of Master Sommeliers, joining Robert Smith of Picasso, Jason Smith of MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, and Director of Wine Robert Bigelow. This honor further validates Bellagio’s commitment to excellence and establishes the record for the most Master Sommeliers at a single property anywhere in the world.

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

Home to a record 18 sommeliers, four of whom are female, Bellagio has become a place where aspiring sommeliers become masters. Believing you can’t sell it if you haven’t seen it and touched it, training at Bellagio focuses on seminars, frequent tastings and travel.

Considered the highest honor among wine professionals, the title of Master Sommelier recognizes the utmost level of wine and spirits knowledge. Three levels of training must be completed before pursuing the Master Sommelier diploma: Introductory Sommelier, Certified Sommelier and Advanced Sommelier. Upon completion of these courses, candidates are required to pass a rigorous 3-part exam, testing the extent of their knowledge. The test consists of written exams, service exams as well as blind tastings.

Known for its dedication to personal and attentive wine service, Bellagio caters to a variety of palates, occasions and budgets. Bellagio sells more wine than any other hospitality outlet in the country, maintaining approximately 50,000 bottles, 5,000 selections and 250 wines by the glass at any given time. Bellagio also is able to secure entire allocations of a particular wine, contributing to the vastness and exclusivity of the selection.

In an effort to create a guest-centric wine experience, diners can request a bottle of wine from one restaurant at Bellagio while dining at another. The team of sommeliers share resources allowing them to locate bottles that do not exist in their own cellars and deliver them to guests within eight minutes.

Randy Morton, president and COO of Bellagio, said, “We will continue to offer our guests a transcendent wine experience that is accessible, educational and enjoyable. With this latest accomplishment, Bellagio continues to further its reputation as one of the premier resort destinations.”