Ep. 2658 Ferraro's Ristorante: Building an Italian Food & Wine Empire in Las Vegas with Gino Ferraro | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2658 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 239 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc explores the evolution of the Las Vegas dining scene through the story of Gino Ferraro, from his early beginnings after moving to the U.S., to building one of the city’s most respected Italian restaurants. The conversation dives into his journey from coffee bars and food distribution to the restaurant, his philosophy on authentic Italian cuisine, signature dishes, and the creation of an award-winning wine list with over 1,800 labels. More about today’s guest: Gino Ferraro is the owner, host, and wine curator behind Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Las Vegas, a family-run institution founded in 1985. Originally from Calabria, Italy, Gino moved to the United States at a young age, settling first in Syracuse, New York, before making Las Vegas his home in 1976. Over nearly five decades in the city, he has built one of the most respected Italian dining destinations in Las Vegas. Today, the restaurant, located on Paradise Road, remains a true family operation, co-owned with his wife Rosalba, with their son Mimmo serving as Executive Chef and carrying forward multi-generational recipes. A passionate advocate for Italian wine, Gino has curated one of the most extensive Italian-focused wine lists in Las Vegas, featuring almost 1,800 labels. His dedication to wine has earned international recognition, including the Tre Bottiglie award for the wine list and the prestigious Tre Forchette for the restaurant’s cuisine from Gambero Rosso, as well as the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Connect: Website: https://www.ferraroslasvegas.com/about-us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferraroslv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ferraroslv/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gino-ferraro-26238ba/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!