Sonoma’s Gay Wine Weekend is back and bigger than ever. This weekend, the event takes over Sonoma from July 14-16 with bike rides, winemaker dinners, pool parties, and more. Guests are traveling both nationally and internationally to visit.
Gay Wine Weekend was created six years ago to help bring the LGBT community together around a positive wine country experience, all while supporting the fight to end HIV/AIDs in Sonoma. Today, it has grown into an event with 31 participating wine brands, including two from Oregon.
So, what should you look out for at Gay Wine Weekend? Here are a few highlights:
Jasper Sisco Wines & the girl & the fig
Friday, July 14
8:00 PM – $125
When Gay Wine Weekend adds a dinner from an Oregon winemaker, you know it’s going to be hot. Rising star and LGBT winemaker Justin Paul Russell of Jasper Sisco Wines will be pairing his small-lot, cool climate varietals with dishes Sonoma’s internationally renowned restaurant, The Girl & The Fig.
Into Napa Valley Tour
Saturday, July 15
9:30am – $95
For those looking to branch out from Sonoma, this tour highlights a critically-acclaimed Napa Valley producer: Robert Sinskey Vineyards. The tasting will explore the biodynamic, sustainable “Whole Farm” concept of Robert Sinksey Vineyards. Afterwards, guests will move onto an intimate tasting at the Silver Trident Winery, a boutique winery owned by the cofounder of luxury cruiseline Oceania.
Twilight T Dance
Saturday, July 15
6:30-10:00 PM $80 GA / $165 VIP
Chateau St. Jean opens up its beautiful vineyards to a dance at sunset, with proceeds going to the Sonoma County AIDS Network. A special VIP reception from 5:00-7:00 PM includes additional wines and culinary delights prepared by Classic Culinaire. Chateau St. Jean generously donated their property and wine for the evening.
Recovery Brunch and Wine Auction
Sunday, July 16
10:00 AM – $85
Cap off your wine weekend with a particularly exciting guest of honor: Jim Obergefell, the man who fought and won the U.S. Supreme Court case for marriage equality. Obergefell is sponsoring the brunch along with his new wine brand, Equality Wines, the first wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Obergefell over a Q&A and book signing. 100% of the proceeds from the live auction go directly to the Sonoma County AIDS network.
Guests can purchase tickets to individual Gay Wine Weekend events, or purchase a VIP party pass for $495 that includes an exclusive VIP welcome reception, LGBT business expo and wine tasting, Twilight T-Dance VIP reception and afterparty, and brunch auction and pool soirée. Visit the Gay Wine Weekend website to learn more.