Simply the Best: Sample the Sierra this Labor Day weekend

Since its conception in 2010, the Labor Day weekend's Sample the Sierra has continued to grow and evolve. Beginning as a one-day South Lake Tahoe street festival, the event has expanded into an entire weekend of festivities celebrating the bounty and heritage of the Sierra Nevada region.

This year is no exception with even more added to the Labor Day Weekend lineup. The highlight of the weekend — the food and wine tasting festival on Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe — brings in more than 1,500 food and wine lovers ready to sample delicious finger foods paired with the diverse flavors of El Dorado County wines. For the first time in the festival’s history, there will be a variety of beverages to sample including beer, spirits, and locally made kombucha.

These flavorful additions will further highlight all the Sierra Nevadas have to offer. “We are proud to live in an area dedicated to agriculture and supporting local farmers, chefs and winemakers,” says Bumgarner Winery, participating for the third year. “Please join us as we celebrate our outstanding local cuisine and hand-crafted wines.”

Attendees will also enjoy live music performed by Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers, a cooking competition, a marketplace full of locally handmade goods, and the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe. Festival admission is $30 and includes a full tasting ticket and commemorative tasting glass. For festival information, visit www.samplethesierra.com or call (775) 588-1728.

Friday Night Kicks Off the Farm-to-Fork Festivities
Winemakers’ Dinner with Bumgarner Winery and Chef Giovanni Gaudio

Whether you’re a local to the Sierra Nevada region or in need of a well-deserved vacation, you won’t regret attending the Farm-to-Fork Winemakers’ Dinner at Bumgarner Winery. You’ll be greeted by beautiful views of a healthy vineyard and the breathtaking Crystal Ridge beyond it. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 3550 Carson Road, Suite B, Camino. Go here for more information.

Each course will be just as carefully selected and prepared as the wines themselves. Each dish made by the highly accomplished Chef Giovanni Gaudio will be paired with a distinct wine from Bumgarner Winery. Tickets are $85 and include a five course meal with wine. Space is extremely limited and reservations must be made by calling Chef Giovanni at 530.391.6980 or emailing ChefGiovanniGaudio@gmail.com.

Sample Fine Wines & Olive Oils
Olive Oil Tasting at Red Poets & Skyhawk Lane

With a love of wine, an open exchange of information, a friendly atmosphere, and a history of success, Red Poets & Skyhawk Lane has become known as the place to taste. On Friday and Saturday, August 30-31 all are invited to taste the brand new Lake Tahoe Olive Oil for free!
The Olive Oil tasting will be held at the South Lake Tahoe tasting room located in the Heavenly Village. Drop in for the olive oil, and stay for the wine.

Sip on Wine from the Sierra Foothills and Shop Locally Made Gifts
Apres Wine Company Sip & Shop

For those who like variety in their wine tasting experience, Après Wine Company certainly delivers. Operating as a wine tasting room, a well-stocked bistro, and as a gift shop; Après is a more than worthy find for both tourists and locals alike. On Saturday, August 31st, from 2-5pm, experience the flavors of four of C.G. Di Arie’s wines served along with a gourmet cheese sampler.

Once you’ve tasted your favorite bottle to bring home, stop in to their retail area to pick up a locally crafted wine charm or bottle holder to complete your purchase. The tasting is only $10 and no reservations are necessary. Go here for more information.

Get Hands-On at a Working Alpaca Farm
Retiredice Alpaca Farm Tour

Highly prized for having some of the softest wool in the world, the alpaca is a creature which easily captures the interest of fashion gurus, farmers, and everyone in between. Whether you’ve wanted to profit from their lucrative wool by producing alpaca-based clothing, wanted to own one as a pet, or simply wanted to learn more about them, Retiredice Alpaca Ranch is the place for all your needs. On the afternoon of August 31st, they’re offering a free tour to get hands on with the alpacas. Call (530) 620-1415 or email Paige@RetirediceAlpacas.com for a reservation, or just show up at the ranch located at 6899 Mount Aukum Road in Fairplay, Calif. Go here for more information.

Try Out the Newest Craze in Watersports with a SUP and Sip
SUP & Sip with South Tahoe Standup Paddle & Pichetti Winery

South Tahoe Standup Paddle (SUP) offers a new way to see the Lake. Founded in 2010 by the Brackett Family, South Tahoe SUP has become Lake Tahoe’s premier flat-water standup paddle shop. Try out a paddle board, and then take a stroll over to Pichetti’s tasting room. Established in 1896, Pichetti Winery is one of the oldest wineries in California and a local favorite in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy five wines and an hour of SUP including a mini-lesson for $30. Purchase tickets in advance online at www.SampletheSierra.com or go here for more information.

The Food & Wine Tasting Festival Tops Off your Weekend
4th Annual Sample the Sierra Festival

Tasting booths will line Ski Run Boulevard, Sunday September 1st on this day of pure palate indulgence. The Sample the Sierra festival features the very best chefs and top wineries from the Sierra Nevada region. Treat your taste buds to delicious food samples made with local products donated by participating farmers and producers. Each food sample is paired with a local wine, brew, or spirit of equal quality. Shop for handmade products sold by local vendors in the festival market place, while being entertained by live music from Dennis Johnson and the
Mississippi Ramblers.

Don’t miss one of the highlights of the day, the 2nd Annual Sierra Chefs Challenge. Three expert Chefs go head to head and to create a delectable dish using a mystery box of locally grown products. Full tasting tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the gate or in advance online at www.SampletheSierra.com.