Nestled in the heart of the Sierra, the 34th annual Autumn Food & Wine Festival presented by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association is sure to inspire your palate and bring you an elevated culinary experience. The annual festival brings together renowned winemakers and some of the region’s finest chefs for an intimate 3-day weekend full of wine tastings, culinary seminars, vendors and mountaintop dining.

The weekend begins with an Opening Night dinner and cocktail pairing on the mountain at sunset, followed by Saturday’s pop-up seminars, tastings, and the Wine & Brew Walk, and finally concluding with Sunday’s Grand Tasting event. New this year, Saturday’s tastings and pop-up seminars are all included as part of your day pass.

Reserve a one, two, or three day festival pass, with the option to add on special additional events, like the legendary Charbay Distillery annual spirit release party. This festival will take place rain or shine!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 ($125 Evening Pass)

6–9PM  |  Opening Night on the Mountain (21+, limited capacity): Your evening begins with not one, but two gondola rides to reach Northstar California’s iconic and LEED-certified Zephyr Lodge at nearly 8,000 feet. Enjoy a locally sourced, sustainable dinner including beer, wine and craft cocktails while savoring the breathtaking views of surrounding valleys. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap outside on the deck as the sunsets before your gondola departs back down to The Village. Must be 21 and older to attend this event. Lift ticket, tax and gratuity is included.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 ($45 Day Pass)

11AM–5PM  |  Pop-Up Seminars & Gourmet Marketplace: Explore our open-air marketplace that features vendors displaying kitchen gadgets, local ingredients, utensils and so much more. New this year, you can also visit various seminars to learn from experts in the Food & Beverage industry. Schedule coming shortly.

12–4PM  |  Wine & Brew Walk (21+): Come sample craft beer and wine tastings throughout the festival grounds. Each ticket holder receives a souvenir wine glass. Must be 21 and older to participate in this event, tickets are non-transferable.

11AM–1:30PM  |  Progressive Picnic up Northstar Mountain ($75 Add-On Experience, 21+, Limited Capacity): Enjoy a scenic hike with 3 trailside tasting stations sampling various varietals of craft beers, paired with gourmet tapas. A professional trail guide will lead you through the Tahoe National Forest, teaching you about local flora and fauna. Be sure to wear clothing and shoes suitable for hiking. This experience is suggested for people of intermediate hiking abilities. Must be 21 and older to participate in this event. Hiking pass, tax and gratuity is included.

11:30AM (Session 1) & 1PM (Session 2)  |  Vertical Mountainside Tasting ($75 Add-On Experience, 21+, Limited Capacity): Northstar will be partnering with a premier winery to take you on an adventure that elevates your taste buds as you ascend up the mountain. Starting in The Village at 6,330′ elevation for the first tasting, then stopping at Mid-Mountain for the second tasting with light snacks and culminating at 7,870 elevation for the final tasting. Here you will enjoy a full pour of your favorite wine from the experience while taking in the views of the Sawtooth Ridge.

6:30–9PM  |  Charbay Release Party and Bartender Competition ($75 Add-On Experience, 21+, Limited Capacity): The official launch party for Charbay’s latest handcrafted spirit – R5 Lot No. 5, Fire Relief Whiskey, held at the Overlook. Local bartenders will use the previous lot in a battle for the title of Autumn Food & Wine Master Mixologist, while guests enjoy their cocktail creations, Charbay’s newest release (+ a surprise pour) and a family-style dinner curated by Charbay Distillery. Must be 21 and older to attend this event. Tax and gratuity is included.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 ($85 Day Pass)

11AM–5PM  |  Gourmet Marketplace: Explore our open-air marketplace that features vendors displaying kitchen gadgets, local ingredients, utensils and so much more.

1:30–4:30PM  |  Grand Tasting & Culinary Competition (21+): The most anticipated food, wine, spirits and brew event of the year, featuring 20+ top chefs in the region paired with premium wines, spirits and brews. In the center of The Village, Chefs will be competing for the Best Marriage of Food and Wine/Beverage and Best Food categories, in addition to the coveted People’s Choice Award. The pairings are judged by a panel of industry experts before they are offered for ticket holders to enjoy.