‘Tis the season for wine tastings and food festivals, and Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe is no stranger to either.

On Nov. 15, the organization will host the 43rd annual “An Evening of Food & Wine Tasting” event at Harrah’s Tahoe Convention Center.

Guests will have the opportunity to try about 30 California wines and test food from 21 South Shore restaurants, including Artemis Mediterranean Grill, which will serve homemade baklava and chicken lettuce wraps.

“We just think that Soroptimist is a very positive, local organization to get involved with,” co-owner Angela Luke said, “and we believe in what they are doing for our community.”

Soroptimist Wine Committee Chair Colleen Manzer said the event is a great time to experience all the area has to offer, as well as catch up with friends.

“It’s a really fun event. Everyone gets to see everyone they didn’t get to see since last year,” she said with a laugh.

More than 600 people have attended the event in previous years, and organizers said they expect this year’s turnout to reach those figures easily.

In fact, Manzer said it is believed that the number of attendees could far exceed last year’s totals. This year’s advanced ticket sales have already surpassed ticket purchases made at the same point last year.

Manzer said she’s happy to see such strong interest in the fundraiser, especially when considering the apparent increase in South Shore food and wine festivals.

“We’re just really excited,” she said. “We have some new things going on.”

Something new to the event this year is a Dress to Impress contest, with winners receiving two tickets to next year’s food and wine tasting.

Guests can also participate in a number of other activities including a silent auction and raffle. Prizes for the raffle include a round of golfing for four people at Edgewood Tahoe, art, a wine cellar with 20 bottles of premium wine and more.

A variety of items are available in the silent auction as well, including wine tasting tours, gift baskets, snowmobile rides and massage sessions.

In previous years, the fundraiser has raised as little as $40,000 and as much as $60,000. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations such as Live Violence Free, Tahoe Youth and Family and other community projects.