Annual festival brings together regional chefs, wineries, breweries, artisan makers and live music for one of Tahoe’s signature fall events
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE – By the time September arrives in the Sierra, the summer crowds have begun to thin, the mountain air carries the first hints of fall, and South Lake Tahoe settles into one of its most beautiful times of the year. It’s also when one of the region’s most anticipated culinary traditions returns.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, Bijou Community Park will once again become the gathering place for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, craft beverage producers, artists and families as Sample the Sierra returns for another celebration of the flavors, creativity and community that define the Lake Tahoe region.
Presented by the Tahoe Chamber, the annual event has grown into South Lake Tahoe’s premier food and wine festival, drawing visitors from across Northern California who come to experience much more than a day of tastings. It’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the food, discover local businesses, browse handcrafted artwork and spend an afternoon enjoying everything that makes the Sierra unique.
Set beneath the towering pines of Bijou Community Park, the festival offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can wander from booth to booth, sampling dishes prepared by regional restaurants alongside wines, craft beers, artisan spirits and specialty beverages produced throughout the Sierra Nevada.
One of the traditions that continues to set Sample the Sierra apart is the collaboration between chefs and craft beverage producers. Rather than operating independently, participating restaurants are paired with wineries, breweries or distilleries to create complementary food and beverage experiences. The result is a series of thoughtfully matched pairings that introduce visitors to new flavors while showcasing the creativity of the region’s culinary community.
For many attendees, those conversations with chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers become just as memorable as the tastings themselves. Instead of simply sampling a dish or beverage, guests have the opportunity to hear the stories behind them and learn what inspired the recipes, ingredients and techniques that make each pairing unique.
“Sample the Sierra is a true celebration of the people and businesses that make our region so unique,” said Jessica Grime, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “From talented chefs and craft beverage producers to local makers and artists, the festival brings our community together while giving visitors an authentic taste of everything that makes South Lake Tahoe special.”
While the food and beverages remain the centerpiece of the afternoon, the festival has evolved into much more than a culinary event.
Throughout the park, local artisans will display handcrafted jewelry, fine art, home décor, apparel and other unique creations that reflect the character of the Sierra. The artisan marketplace has become one of the festival’s most popular stops, giving visitors an opportunity to meet the makers behind the products while supporting small businesses from throughout the region.
Live music will once again fill the park throughout the afternoon with performances by The Residents Tahoe and Mic Smith. Rather than rushing from one tasting to the next, many attendees spread out picnic blankets or unfold lawn chairs beneath the pines, taking time to enjoy the entertainment between visits to the tasting booths. The relaxed pace has become part of the festival’s appeal, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the mountain setting.
The event has also maintained a family-friendly atmosphere. While adults sample wines, craft beers and spirits, families can enjoy the music, artisan vendors and a variety of food offerings together. Children ages 8 and younger receive free admission, making the festival an outing that welcomes more than just culinary enthusiasts.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of flavors throughout the afternoon, from savory small plates and handcrafted appetizers to desserts and specialty treats. Beverage selections range from regional wines and locally brewed beers to artisan spirits and specialty non-alcoholic drinks, with many participating vendors also offering vegetarian, gluten-free and alcohol-free options.
One of the pleasures of attending Sample the Sierra is discovering businesses that visitors may have otherwise never encountered. Boutique wineries, independent breweries, small restaurants and artisan producers all come together in one place, giving guests the chance to sample something new while supporting locally owned businesses that contribute to the region’s growing culinary reputation.
The festival has steadily expanded over the years. According to organizers, last year’s event welcomed more than 1,300 attendees, with nearly two-thirds traveling from outside the Tahoe Basin. More than 40 food and beverage vendors participated alongside over 30 artisan exhibitors, all supported by more than 70 community volunteers. Organizers expect attendance to reach approximately 1,500 guests this year as the event continues attracting visitors from throughout Northern California.
That growth reflects the changing identity of South Lake Tahoe itself. While the destination has long been known for skiing, beaches and outdoor recreation, it has also developed into a community recognized for its restaurants, breweries, wineries and locally owned businesses. Sample the Sierra brings those elements together for one afternoon, offering visitors a chance to experience the region through its food, beverages and creative community.
For readers in Folsom and throughout the Sacramento region, the festival makes for an easy mountain escape. Less than two hours from home, visitors can spend the afternoon exploring the festival before enjoying dinner in South Lake Tahoe, taking a walk along the shoreline or extending the trip into a weekend getaway. Organizers encourage visitors to do just that, noting the area’s wide variety of lodging, outdoor recreation and local attractions.
Environmental stewardship also remains part of the event’s mission. Complimentary bike valet service will once again be available, and attendees are encouraged to use the Lake Link transit system to help reduce traffic and support sustainable transportation throughout the community.
As the festival returns for another year, its focus remains much the same as when it began: bringing together the people who grow, craft, prepare and create the products that represent the Sierra Nevada while giving visitors an opportunity to experience them in one place.
Whether someone arrives looking to discover a new favorite winery, sample chef-inspired cuisine, browse handcrafted artwork or simply spend a September afternoon beneath the pines listening to live music, Sample the Sierra offers an experience that reflects the character of the Lake Tahoe region itself—welcoming, creative and unmistakably Sierra.
Sample the Sierra will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bijou Community Park in South Lake Tahoe. Admission includes food and beverage tastings from participating restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and specialty beverage producers, along with access to the artisan marketplace and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Children ages 8 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Advance tickets and additional information are available at SampleTheSierra.com.
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