Squaw Valley, CA – 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 Squaw Valley. 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 Squaw Valley, shopping sprees, restaurant gift certificates, lift tickets, art and unique wines by the bottle and case.

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.

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 Squaw Valley.

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.

Visitors to Squaw Valley over the Labor Day holiday weekend will also find a giant Labor Day ski and snowboard sale and the 23rd Annual Foam Fest. Those looking for deals on ski and snowboard gear and breezy summer attire for the whole family will save up to 80 percent off on skis and outerwear from top brands such as Volkl, Marker, KJUS, Dakine, Burton, K2 and Line. The sale will be set up on First Street in The Village at Squaw Valley (next to Uncorked) from Friday, August 31 through Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Purchase $200 or more in sale items and receive early season rates on the 2012-13 Tahoe Super Pass.

A craft brew festival complete with blues music from Johnny “Guitar” Knox and Ro Harpo and the Blues Busters, Foam Fest is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the Tahoe area. Beer enthusiasts can sample from more than 40 craft beers from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 1 while supporting Disabled Sports USA Far West. The famous “hit the slopes” raffle will feature prizes including season passes, lift tickets, skis, snowboards and winter gear. Tickets for the music plus beer sampling (five brews) are $25. Additional sampling tokens may be purchased after initial sampling purchase at $5 for two tickets. Designated drivers, those under 21 years of age, and concert goers admitted free ($10 donation requested, no ticket needed).