Membership Opens A World Of Opportunities

Membership at The Stirling Club means more than the very best of Las Vegas. While the club is well known for events, entertainment, and amenities, it also includes privileges at more than 60 reciprocal clubs throughout the world. From time to time, The Stirling Club Courtier highlights some of these clubs, providing members with a glimpse at the world that awaits them.

Three Amazing Reciprocal Clubs For Stirling Club Members.

The Royal Automobile Club of Australia in Sydney, Australia.
Founded in 1903 as a motoring organization, it has become one of the country's premier private clubs, set in a beautiful historic building that is centrally located in Sydney, Australia. The club is a short walk from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and other major attractions.

Among its many events and amenities, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia is known for its historic Harbour Room, which offers stunning views across Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This room also serves as the main members' dining area, with an à la carte menu five days a week.

The Balboa Bay Club at Newport Beach, California.
The Mediterranean-style waterfront Balboa Bay Club includes a private membership club and resort (which is public), is a Four Diamond property, and the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach. It combines an illustrious past tied to California's renowned gold coast. It was founded in 1948.

The members-only portion of the club includes two private dining rooms with views of the bay, a private pool, lawn, and beach area bayside. Like many reciprocal clubs, it also features a state-of-the-art private health club, daily activities, and monthly special events. Visiting the club includes access to an amazing spa, open only to members and resort guests.

Genesee Valley Club in Rochester, New York
This year marked a special occasion for the Genesee Valley Club in New York. It is celebrating the 125th anniversary of when it was conceived in the Powers Block, Room 49 at the office of Hobart F. Atkinson (the club’s first president). Today, it is one of the 235 most highly regarded private clubs in the United States.

In addition to a fitness center, pool, and tennis, the Genesee Valley Club provides fine dining for guests inside its elegant Green Porch, historic Red Grill, casual Armstrong Grill, and seasonal Front Club and Armstrong Grill Terraces. The culinary staff at the club has held the Rochester Chapter of the American Culinary Association's 'Chef of the Year' title for two consecutive years.

Protocol At Reciprocal Clubs.

Once you contact a club to ensure availability of reservations, services, or other amenities, Stirling Club members may then contact the The Stirling Club, which will send a letter of introduction to the visiting club. While there may be some limitations and different club rules, all clubs generally accept reciprocal members with open arms while they are visiting that area.

One notable difference: all members should keep in mind that it is customary to pay for club services as they are enjoyed (there are no bill backs). Several Stirling Club members have made friends all over the world by visiting dozens of these clubs.

For additional privileges, current members are encouraged to call for information about Signature Gold memberships. For inquiries and a tour of The Stirling Club, please contact Membership Director Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603.

Spooktacular Ball Set For The Stirling Club

"If you are looking for a tamer experience, there is only one place to go. The most exclusive club in Las Vegas will be hosting a Halloween Spooktacular Ball at The Stirling Club. Entertainment will be led by popular entertainer Kelly Clinton." — Tour Guy Field Guide.

Halloween has had plenty of facelifts over the years. It has been traced back to both the Roman festival of Parentalia and the Celtic festival of Samhain. Even the advent of wearing costumes and asking for candy has some old roots. Shakespeare even mentions it in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1593).

In the play, Speed accuses his master of "puling [whimpering or whining] like a beggar at Hallowmas." In the United States, Halloween seems to have taken hold after a large immigration of Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants in 1920. Now, Halloween is slowly becoming recognized as a global event. And in Las Vegas, it is just as much an adult festival as it is for kids.

The Halloween Spooktacular Ball At The Stirling Club.

Organized by Kelly Clinton, the Stirling Club's Spooktacular Ball (wear a costume) has become one of the most time-honored traditions at The Stirling Club. There will be live entertainment, a DJ, games, food, drinks, and a costume contest. Not only does the ball attract some celebrity participants (unbeknownst to members), but the costume contest is judged by several surprise guests.

The Halloween Spooktacular Ball at The Stirling Club will begin at 8 p.m. in the Cigar Bar and Piano Lounge. Reservations are required and participation is $24.95 per person. (Non-members may request a pass by contacting Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603.)

"This is a must-attend event as the costumes are always fantastic and the night takes on a life of its own," said Mike Saye, general manager of The Stirling Club. "Every year, this party grows in size and there will be some surprises you won't want to miss."

Concurrently, Clinton will also be performing her Saturday show, Kelly Clinton and Friends, between 8 p.m. and midnight, but the haunting tends to last longer. So, please do not be surprised to see ghouls, ghosts, and costumed guests roaming the property.

Valckenberg And Bedford Wineries Arrive In Las Vegas

Hosted by 20-year-old Renegade Wine Imports, The Stirling Club will become the center of a European wine tasting sensation, featuring imports from Valckenberg International and Bedford International. Together, these reputable wine makers and distributors have fashioned an intense collection of wines from Germany and Italy.

If you are unfamiliar with Valckenberg, it is the oldest family-owned wine merchant in Germany. It began when Dutch trader Peter Joseph Valckenberg (1808) purchased a winery that dated back with the Romans more than 2,000 years. Bedford International has a much younger history, being founded in 1949. However, it quickly grew to become an exclusive importer to the United States of fine Italian wines, a beautiful country where one of every 15 acres is dedicated to wine.

The Stirling Club German White And Italian Wine Tasting.

This remarkable wine tasting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited.

The selection of the evening represents some of the finest wines from both countries. From Germany, imports include the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, known for the finest Riesling wines in the world, and the Saarstein estate, which owns the oldest vineyards in the village of Serrig. From Italy, selections hail from the famed Piedmont region, the renowned Villa of Vignamaggio, an ancient hilltop town in southeast Tuscany.

What To Expect From The German Wines Highlighted.

Valckenberg Gewürztraminer, 2008 is a full-bodied, medium-dry white with a lovely aroma of roses, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach and litchi. Fruity on the front, it finishes finishes a bit drier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.

Maximin Grunhauser QbA Riesling, 2008 is spicy and fruity with aromas of peach and hints of black currant, typical for wines from the Abtsberg during the great years. It is packed with fruit and minerals, leaving a powerful and elegant taste.

Schloss Saarstein Kabinett Riesling, 2008features a crisp fruit taste, with the aroma of pear and kiwi. Expect a light and elegant flavor, with a touch of sweetness.

What To Expect From The Italian Wines Highlighted.

Volpi Barbera d'Asti, 2007 is medium-bodied wine with bright red fruit tones that feature hints of violet, earth, plum, and tannin. It is made with the barbera classic grapes in the Piedmont region.

Vignamaggio Chianti Classico, 2007 features a beautiful grape with soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is extremely easy to drink and often versatile as a dinner wine.

Umani Rochi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2008 is a velvety red with supple fruit and a characteristic nutty, almost chocolate flavor often associated with Italian reds.

Castellucio Sangiovese, 2008 is known for soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is noted as a pure drinking pleasure blended with an unusual consistency.

Rivera Rupicolo (Mediterranean Blend), 2007 is generally characterized by its fruitiness and drinkability with a moderate structure. It will present a beautifully vibrant finish.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Website or by calling 702-784-4603. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members are asked to place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.

Carolina Herrera New York Visits The Stirling Club

There are only five Carolina Herrera flagship boutiques in the world, and one of them happens to be in Las Vegas (opened last December). But if you are one of the few unfamiliar with the name, Herrera is an amazing designer who won the "Womenswear Designer of the Year" in 2004 and the "Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2008.

Recently, she received the distinguished "Mercedes-Benz Presents" title for her spring/summer collection, an award that should excite anyone who has a passion for fashion. While most designers were trying to find ways to cut corners in the last two years, Herrera has continued her dedication to using only quality materials, unique styles, and innovative designs.

Hats, High Tea, And High Fashion.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12, the Stirling Club will host its wildly popular High Tea and High Fashion event with very special guest Carolina Herrera New York. Served alongside bite-sized sandwiches, scones, and other treats, guests will get a preview of the designer's pre-fall and fall 2010 collections weeks before they go on sale to the general public.

The pre-fall and fall collections are among the finest ever offered to seasoned, style-savvy customers. And this year, the pre-fall collection is especially perfect for the warmer West because most of the collection was designed to feel lighter than air, with a revival of colorful 1920s prints featuring bold hues. The fall collection is equally stunning with a return to the ultra-luxe look.

The line will also offer guests something remarkable, making this a rare opportunity to plan some seasonal purchases while socializing with other club members. The entire collection will be available for 50 percent off.

Attendance for members is only $18.95 per person. Non-members are invited to contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site. Hats are optional.

What Makes Carolina Herrera So Unique?

Herrera appeared on the fashion scene almost three decades ago after being prompted by fashion legend Diana Vreeland and her great friend, the late Count Rudi Crespi. And, as someone who came from a long line of Venezuelan landowners and statesmen, Herrera helped fill a fashion niche that returned the look to a more cultivated and noble sensibility.

"I love the idea of elegance and intricacy, but whether it is in a piece of clothing or a fragrance, the intricacy must appear as simplicity," Herrera told Fashion Infomat. "I think that standard has served me well; women seem to love my clothes. I am extremely grateful for the success that they have given me."

Her first full collection was shown at New York's Metropolitan Club in April 1981. In 2000, she opened her first retail store and never looked back. The Las Vegas boutique opened adjacent to the Mandarin Oriental, just steps away from Crystals.