Usually a day-long food and wine festival celebrating the region’s bounty, Sample the Sierra faced a unique situation: transitioning an IRL festival incorporating taste and smells into an online event.

Through creative thinking and planning, Sample the Sierra became a month-long initiative to raise awareness and, more importantly, dollars for local restaurants, winemakers, and artisans.

Using video and live virtual events, as well as a 10-day takeout restaurant week, individuals could shop, sip, and sample the area’s best without risking their safety.

The online festival was featured in 7x7.