Changes are afoot for the fifth annual Tahoe City Wine Walk, set for Saturday, June 19 at noon. One of the biggest changes is that the event, formerly produced by the Tahoe City Downtown Association with the help of staff and volunteers, is now produced under contract by Wild West Communications in partnership with Sandbox Studio. ‘[The event is a] tremendous amount of work,’ said Lolly Kupec, producer. ‘The TCDA had limited resources, and to expect volunteers to do this was reaching — we stepped up to do it, have a three-year contract and hope that each year will get bigger and better.’
According to Kupec, the last four years have seen the event grow very slowly, due to its minimalist budget and scant advertising attempts. Despite having the event during the ‘Heart and Solstice Festival’ and a large number of participating vendors, the 2009 Wine Walk sold under 200 tickets. In spite of still having a small budget, the 2010 event has already expanded by 30 percent this year with over 30 locations and 30 wineries involved. ‘This year we are doing much more,’ Kupec said. ‘We are hoping to double ticket sales from last year and grow the Wine Walk to be a signature event for Tahoe City.’ (Actual numbers from ticket sales in 2010 were unavailable at press time)
Making the Wine Walk the focal point of the Heart and Solstice Festival seemed to be a no-brainer, Kupec says. ‘It’s the biggest event, it has the biggest budget, most people involved, and the most potential for raising money.’ Also sharing the spotlight during the Festival, which runs June 16 to 20, include the Solstice Stroll classic car show, ‘One Night Only,’ a performance by Tahoe Youth Ballet; the North Tahoe High School Alumni Reunion; Tahoe City Paddlefest; and the Burton Creek Trail Run.
What exactly should someone expect at this bigger, better Wine Walk? Restaurants have been asked to prepare 350 ‘bites’ of something, Kupec stresses she just wants people to be able to enjoy a mouthful of something. A restaurant can have a winery paired with them, or feature something they already carry — and it doesn’t necessarily have to be wine. ‘I would like to get a little more creative,’ Kupec said. ‘Blue Agave is serving tequila and we’ll also have a milk bar for kids at Ruffles and Ruffnecks (in the Cobblestone Center).’ Ticketholders get to take pleasure from music at many locations, a gift bag with a wineglass and assorted freebees. All ticketholders are automatically entered into a raffle, and if you visit at least 20 of the 30-odd locations and get a card stamped you are entered into the grand prize drawing. Grand prize includes a two-night stay for two at Granlibakken including all amenities, dinner at Wolfdale’s, bike rental, a picnic lunch, and kayak rental. Additionally, the PUD is offering child care at the Rideout Community Center. Tickets are $25 if purchased before June 19, and $35 on the day of the event.
Volunteers are still needed for the event. Volunteers receive a free ticket and shifts work in a way that volunteers can also participate in the event. ‘Right now I really need a strong guy with a pickup truck,’ laughed Kupec.
If you love wine and Tahoe City, don’t miss the Wine Walk. Info and tickets: tahoecitywinewalk.com
