Inaugural "sample The Sierra" Coming Up On August 21

The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (http://www.TahoeChamber.org), the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (http://www.TahoeSouth.com) and El Dorado County are presenting the first-ever "Sample the Sierra," on Ski Run Boulevard, August 21 from 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

"Sample the Sierra" is a cooperative effort to increase awareness of the region's bounty, heritage, culture and activities through a market-to-table event featuring tastings from the Sierra Nevada's best chefs and restaurants--all created with local produce, and paired with local wineries. Food and wine tasting will be from 1 - 4 p.m. Featured restaurants and chefs include Bistro Danielle, Latin Soul, Blue Angel Caf�, 4 Seasons Soup and Salad, Black Bear Inn, Heavenly and Kids Inc Pies. Restaurants will prepare tasting with fresh products from featured growers including, Sacred Paths, Z & B Ranch, Beal's Orchard, Perez Produce, Rainbow Orchard, Harris Tree Farm and Storm Valley Ranch. Featured wineries include Wofford Acres Vineyards, Lava Cap Winery, Madrona Vineyards, Perry Creek Winery, Picchetti Winery, Latcham Vineyards, Chevalier Winery and Jodar Winery.

The event marketplace will showcase regional products such as honey, jams and soaps. A juried, original art show will feature pottery, painting, photography and handmade crafts by regional artists and artisans. Live entertainment, including local bands Late for Dinner and Left of Cool, storytellers, acoustic musicians and activities will round out the program. This community event aims to develop relationships between local businesses - restaurants with growers, artists with shops and galleries - and increase demand for local products.

Do you love food & wine and all things local? We're looking for volunteers to help out at the festival! Donate a few hours of your time in exchange for great food & wine! Interested? Contact Isabella at 775.588.1728 or Isabella@tahoechamber.org

"Sample the Sierra" could not exist without the generosity of its sponsors - huge thanks to the South Lake Tahoe Endowment funded by El Dorado Community Foundation, Wulstein Financial Services, Buckingham Tahoe Rentals, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Deb Howard & Co Real Estate, Tahoe Beach & Ski Club, Winter's Electric, Tahoe Daily Tribune, Lake Tahoe TV, K-Tahoe and laketahoenews.net.

Festival admission is free. Food and wine tasting is $20; food only tasting $10 and tasting for children is $5. For more information please visit www.samplethesierra.com, check out www.facebook.com/SampletheSierra or call TahoeChamber.org at 775.588.1728.

Ski Run Boulevard is located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and offers shopping, restaurants, pedestrian-friendly walking paths, and outdoor recreation. Ski Run Boulevard is anchored mountainside by Heavenly Ski Resort and Ski Run Marina at the shoreline. Tourists and locals alike can look forward to a variety of family- friendly outdoor and indoor events "On the Run," produced in part by the Ski Run Business Improvement District.

What: "Sample the Sierra"

Where: Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA

When: Saturday, August 21, 2010; 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Food and wine tasting from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.