Summer may be months away but that doesn’t stop us from getting excited about one of Sonoma County’s most iconic summertime events: Gay Wine Weekend. And it seems others are, too. The three-day event, held every year in July, was recently named “Best Summer Event” by Gay Travel Awards, beating out more than 100 national nominees.
Every year, an estimated 700 LGBTQ wine lovers and friends from around the world attend Gay Wine Weekend, not only to indulge in Sonoma County’s fine wine and food but also to celebrate the welcoming atmosphere Sonoma County offers – no matter who you love.
“Gay Wine Weekend stands out because they represent everything that is special about coming together to celebrate,” shares Victoria Prisco, Sponsorship Director of Gay Travel, “A beautiful venue, great weather…did we mention wine?”
In true Sonoma fashion, the event ensures that guests always have a glass of wine in hand whether attending LGBT winemaker dinners, winery tours and luncheons, or dancing the night away to the beats from famous gay club DJs.
Mark Vogler, partner at Out in the Vineyard; the company that produces Gay Wine Weekend, calls the award an honor and says that it “validates our vision of putting Sonoma on the global map as a top LGBT travel destination – not only in wine, but as the top gay event destination in the world.”
The weekend wraps up with the Gay Wine Auction & Recovery Brunch, which benefits Face to Face Sonoma County AIDS Network. The auction and brunch is a key component to Gay Wine Weekend earning the “Summer Event of the Year” award says Prisco. Last year, the auction raised over $50,000 for Face to Face, which provides fresh food and meals, and support, to individuals in Sonoma County living with AIDS and HIV.
The 2018 Gay Wine Weekend is July 20-22 in Sonoma. Visit outinthevineyard.com to learn more.
