Lake Tahoe News and the El Dorado Winery Association are teaming up to offer LTN readers two free tickets (value $150) to Passport Weekend. Twenty-six wineries will be participating, with lots of deals and food at each one.

The annual event is the weekends of April 10-11 and April 17-18. It’s your choice which weekend you go.

Of course you have to do a little work to get them. Three judges are going to determine who describes their favorite wine experience the best. And if we really like what you write, it will be published on Lake Tahoe News. Even if you don’t win, we might publish what you write.

Some rules: no more than 500 words, must use your first and last names (which will be published), home town (you don’t have to live in El Dorado County), phone number (so we can verify you wrote it, but it won’t be published), photo of yourself-wine-something (optional, but will be worth extra points), deadline is April 5 (winner will be announced on LTN April 6).

The writing: wine is the subject matter; it can be about the health benefits, the perfect bottle for that perfect occasion, a favorite winery, a bad experience, cooking with wine — anything about wine. Extra points will be given to people writing about El Dorado County wines.

Send story and photos to info@LakeTahoeNews.net.

For those who don’t win the tickets for the 19th annual Passport Weekend, you can still buy them. A limited number exist. Tickets are $75 each, which is good for one full weekend. Designated drivers pay $25 per person for food and non-alcoholic refreshments.

During Passport Weekend, El Dorado’s foothill wineries feature gourmet food and wine pairings, library and barrel tastings, and special wine sales. Many of the wineries showcase the work of local artists and offer musical entertainment.

For tickets, event details and a map of participating foothill wineries, click here or call 800.306.3956.