Wine, reggae combine for pool party at Green Valley Ranch

Wine isn't the mind-altering substance that usually springs to mind when reggae is mentioned. But the pairing seems to work for Las Vegas event promoter Rock 'n Roll Wine, which uncorks its sixth annual reggae pool party Saturday at Green Valley Ranch, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson.

"Both wine and reggae make you feel good inside," says Rock 'n Roll Wine co-founder Sonny Barton.

And, on Saturday, both will be served in unlimited portions: four live musical acts and 80 wines from 40 vineyards. (The tunes will flow from 7 to 11 p.m., although the wine stops at 10 p.m.)

"It's not like a wine walk, where they pour you a portion and say keep moving," Barton says. "If you like something, you can camp out." (Barton recommends the Project Paso Chardonnay, the Davis Bynum Russian River Pinot Noir, and, naturally, anything from his own Rock 'n Roll Wine line.)

All seven Green Valley Ranch restaurants will be represented by food tents. These aren't free, but menu items will not exceed $6.

Jamming on the pool stage will be Michael Black and the Jah Guide Band, plus the Makepeace Brothers; with Sean Garnett of One Pin Short and Bermudan sensation Mishka on an acoustic stage set up in Green Valley Ranch's new amphitheater.

"None of these guys are background music," Barton says. "They're energetic enough to capture your attention. But they're all individual in their own right, just like the different wines we're choosing."

Yes, well, hopefully, the "Red, Red Wine" guys (UB40) will be available next year.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@review journal.com or 702-383-0456.