Event Dates: October 20, 2012

Every October, the Placerville Downtown Association hosts the Art & Wine Festival. This event features over 35 foothill wineries, in addition to local artists and live music, on Historic Main Street. Souvenir wine tasting glasses can be purchased, allowing sampling of all of the wines in all locations. The wide variety of wines include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, sangiovese, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier and more. For "designated drivers," free coffee and water are available.

For the art enthusiast, the "Banners on Parade" community art project is also displayed, and the banners are auctioned for sale that evening with the help of the Soroptimists Club of Placerville. This art project features brightly painted banners that hang from the light poles on Main Street from June through early October. The project is a collaborative effort between artists, businesses, organizations, individuals and city government to promote art in the community. To own a piece of history, patrons can bid on the banners they would like to purchase. To view all the banners, visit www.placervilledowntown.com

The cost to sample the wines is $30. TICKETS ARE LIMITED and are available in September in Placerville at River City Bank, Tony Matthews, The Wine Smith or by credit card at www.placervilledowntown.com . There is no cost to designated drivers or patrons that want to enjoy the art, music and late-night shopping without sampling the wines.

Merchants also offer a variety of hors d'oervres to complement the wines. The Placerville Downtown Association is a non-profit organization and proceeds from this fundraising event go toward the promotion of numerous community events and activities. For more info please call the PDA at (530) 672-3436 or visit www.placervilledowntown.com.

Admission Fee (if any): $30 for wine-sampling ticket

Ages Festival is Appropriate For: All ages, but over 21 years of age to sample wines.