Tahoe City, CA resident Alenka Vrecek grew up in Slovenia where she spent a lot of time with her grandparents in the majestic foothills of the Alps. Today she grows as much as she can in her garden and shares family meals with loved ones on a regular basis. As the founder of Tahoe Teas, Alenka’s business philosophy is simple: Honest products, people and practices. Her unwavering belief that anything is possible with hard work and passion emerges in full force when she discusses her life and company.
“My daughters and son are active in the business. We base our work on love, trust, respect and freedom. I always wanted to start a company that reflects our healthy Tahoe lifestyle,” shares Alenka.
Officially launched in 2010, Tahoe Teas embodies joy, wellness and health through herbal blends and teas that will be served at Cedar House Sport Hotel on Feb. 9. In addition to having energizing or calming qualities (depending on the type), tea has a fascinating history that has been documented and analyzed in an endless supply of books.
“I spent my summers digging vegetables straight from my grandma’s garden, wiping the soil off on my pants and eating them right then and there. I spent hours picking currents, blueberries and all kinds of herbs my grandparents grew in their garden. I learned how to use herbs as natural medicines from my grandma. My grandpa was a beekeeper and we used honey for sweetener and bee pollen for medicines,” she explains
“Join us to sample a variety of teas. As you immerse yourself in the wonders, scents and healing properties of our herbal blends and certified organic teas, you’ll be recharged and have the mindset to pursue your passions and dreams,” urges Vrecek.
In addition to a variety of teas and scones from Stella, the evening features a screening of "All in this Tea" with fim maker Gina Leibrecht. In the film, Les Blank's handheld camera delves into the hidden world of tea by following world-renowned tea expert David Lee Hoffman remote regions of China in search of the best handmade teas in the world. Hoffman is obsessed; during his youth, he spent four years with Tibetan monks in Nepal, which included a friendship with the Dalai Lama, and was introduced to some of the finest tea. Leibrecht will be at the event to introduce the film and share insights about the filming and hidden world of fine teas.
IF YOU GO
Teas, Scones and “All in this Tea"
Tahoe Teas founder, Alenka Vrecek, will share an abbreviated history of tea and wide selection of flawlessly brewed blends.
When: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Cedar House Sport Hotel, 10918 Brockway Road, Truckee
Tickets are available online: $18. Visit the events tab at nicolecheslock.com
