Wine lovers can enjoy early fall in the Sierra at the 24th Annual Alpen Wine Festival held Sunday, September 2 from 2-5 p.m. at The Village at Palisades Tahoe. All proceeds from the festival benefit Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a national nonprofit organization sponsoring lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. 

With a $40 donation, guests can enjoy wine from more than 40 Northern California vineyards. The String Beings and Milton Merlos will perform on two different stages to accompany the festival. Among the 40 featured vineyards are Dogwood Cellars, Masut Vineyards & Winery, Donum Estate, Duckhorn Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Heitz Wine Cellars, Truchard Vineyards and Venge Vineyards.

Amidst the background of wine and music, guests can peruse the silent auction and raffle, which includes lodging packages at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, shopping sprees, restaurant gift certificates, lift tickets, art and unique wines by the bottle and case.

Guests who to stay in the heart of the action can book two nights at The Village at Palisades Tahoe for $95 per person/per night and receive two commemorative wine glasses and wine tasting tickets. Rate is based on double occupancy for a one bedroom condo for September 1-2, with a two night minimum stay. Click here or call 1-866-818-6963 for lodging details. 

Last year, the Alpen Wine Festival raised more than $20,000 for Can Do MS. Fundraising events like Alpen Wine Festival allow Can Do MS to continue to bring lifestyle empowerment programs to Northern California for people living with MS. For more information about Can Do MS’ lifestyle empowerment programs, please visit www.mscando.org.

Tickets for the event will be available on site starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 2, 2012 or in advance with online purchase at www.mscando.org. The majority of wines served at the event will be available for purchase at Uncorked in The Village at Palisades Tahoe.

This year, the Alpen Wine Festival kicks off North Lake Tahoe’s Autumn Food and Wine Festival. The week-long festival features a grape stomp, classes, tastings, music, art, wine and a grand finale featuring a culinary competition and grand tasting. For more information about the Autumn Food and Wine Festival, visit www.tahoefoodandwine.com