It's Truckee Wine Walk Time!! – by Nick Cisik

According to the Wine Institute of California, winemaking "in California began more than 240 years ago. In 1769, Father Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary, brought settlers from Mexico into San Diego. He established a mission there and the first known vineyard in California." In 1848, gold was discovered in Coloma, California and thus, began the mass migration of people from across the globe looking to strike it rich digging in the hills of northern California. Some did, but many did not, and of those unlucky ones many hailed from Europe, a continent rich in winemaking knowledge and culture. They saw the potential in the climate and soil of that northern California region and began the process of establishing vineyards all over the territory. "Between 1860 and 1880, the industry grew rapidly as numerous wineries were established. The fact that the quality of California wines improved during this period is generally attributed to Count Agoston Haraszthy who brought many vine cuttings back to California from his trips to Europe. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad system in 1869, California wines were soon well represented in the eastern United States and in many European countries."

Today, those of us who are lucky enough to call California home, take it for granted that one can walk into a supermarket, cruise down the wine aisle blindfolded (do not attempt) and choose a bottle of wine at random, there being a very good chance that the bottle of wine selected will pass muster and be pleasing to the tongue. Not many other states in our country can boast of this gold standard for winemaking. In fact, they most likely possess little standard, if any, due to the fact that their state's climate is simply unsuitable for the growing of grapes. So, the fact that we can enjoy, literally, the fruits of the local land and climate so immediately (even if some grapes are technically grown on imported vines) is an aspect of living here that should not be taken lightly...or medium bodied...or full bodied.

Having said all that, one week from tomorrow, on Saturday, October 7th from 12:00-4:00 PM PDT, Truckee will host its 14th annual Truckee Wine, Walk, & Shop! This event has historically brought out over 1,000 local and non-local winos and non-winos every year to sip some of California's finest, award-winning wines while they shop and hopefully not drop. There will also be food pairings offered by some of Truckee's local food purveyors. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Proceeds will be donated to several of Truckee's local non-profit organizations which, throughout the years, have received over $26,000 from the event. Shops along Truckee's historic Commercial Row will have their doors open, food will be served, and el vino will flow! What else need be said? Come on out and enjoy (responsibly)!

AND if you need a place to rest your weary feet after a day spent sipping and shopping, consider renting one of these condos in the conveniently located Village at Northstar offered through Tahoe Exclusive Vacation Rentals. Because why cut the fun short? Stay awhile!