For wine lovers, summer and fall bring an abundance of wine events that combine the beauty of Tahoe with a bounty of al fresco wine parties. To help plan all this revelry, here is your guide to wine fun in Tahoe.
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“Wine walks are always better with friends so you can enjoy a common interest and compare tasting notes.”
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Wine on the Water | Chris Talbot Photography
Wine walks are always better with friends so you can enjoy a common interest and compare tasting notes. You can also either assign a designated driver or share the cost of a cab. Outdoor wine events are great for appreciating amazing Tahoe scenery and indulging in some people watching, as well. For singles, there is hardly a better place to mix and meet. Wine has been known to be not only a social lubricant, but also a great conversation starter.
Attendance costs can vary significantly depending on whether you are attending a single event, have a multi-day pass, a VIP pass and so on. Tickets to some events may sell out, so purchase your tickets early. Check the event’s Web site for all ticketing options.
The 2016 Lineup
Kicking off the wine season on June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. is Wine on the Water at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village. This event comes to life from the Hyatt’s Cottage Green with a lakefront setting. It features wine-themed games and small bites. It also benefits The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. | bgcnlt.org
There is barely enough time to catch your breath before the Tahoe City Wine Walk on June 18 from noon to 4 p.m., rain or shine. While the walk takes over several blocks of downtown, the weekend also features the Tahoe City Solstice Festival with live music, art, a car show and outdoor adventure sports. Proceeds go to several local community organizations. | tahoecitywinewalk.com
Northstar hosts Village Wine Walks on the last Saturday of each month from June 25 to Aug. 27. Enjoy a variety of delicious wine samples and light snacks as you meander throughout the Village. | northstarcalifornia.com
Squaw Valley hosts two wine events starting with the Art, Wine and Music Festival on July 9 and 10, which combines exquisite artwork, fine wines and great music. On Sept. 4 is the 28th annual Alpen Wine Fest, a more wine-centric event with opportunity to meet and chat with the people who create great wines. The fest benefits multiple sclerosis research. | squawalpine.com
Art, Wine & Music Festival | Courtesy Squaw Valley
Not to be outdone, Northstar California hosts the 31st annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine on Sept. 9 and 11. At this multi-day wine fest, local restaurateurs bring their best dishes to match with an all-star lineup of wineries. Here is where local chefs and major wineries face off in judged competitions. | northstarcalifornia.com
South Shore offers Sample the Sierra on Sept. 17, with not only an abundance of great wine, but also a pop-up dinner, celebrity chefs and local artists. All of this happens at scenic Bijou Park. | samplethesierra.com
Rounding out the season is the 13th annual Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop on Oct. 1, from noon to 4 p.m. T-Town’s artisan shops host wine and food stations as revelers take over the historic downtown. | truckeewinewalk.com
Set your calendars and carpe vino.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier and his consulting business wineprowest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or lou@wineprowest.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
