Gay Wine Weekend Returns to Sonoma County July 17-19

Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend is a three-day, immersive LGBTQ+ travel experience set in Sonoma County’s famed wine country. The 2026 edition will take place July 17-19 and will bring queer travelers and allies together for curated events focused on wine, food, music, and community in the Russian River Valley and Healdsburg areas. The weekend includes a VIP opening reception and business expo, winemaker dinners, guided wine tours through multiple Sonoma AVAs, lively after parties, a drag queen brunch and wine auction, and the signature Twilight T-Dance under the stars at La Crema Winery’s estate.

Founder Gary Saperstein created the event to fill a gap in LGBTQ+ representation in wine country, growing it from a single Twilight T-Dance into a flagship annual weekend that regularly draws attendees from across the United States. Along the way, it has become a space where friendships are formed, community bonds strengthen, and the culture of queer wine travel is celebrated against the backdrop of world-class vineyards and tasting rooms.

For a travel feature, emphasize the mix of high-end and playful elements: intimate dinners with acclaimed winemakers, wine auctions with drag performances, and lively dances that extend into the night. You can showcase both Sonoma County’s scenic allure and how Gay Wine Weekend elevates wine tourism for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking inclusion, connection, and celebration in North America’s most welcoming wine regions. Also of note, Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend benefits Face to Face, the Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network, a local nonprofit providing HIV prevention, care, and support services. A portion of the event’s proceeds goes to Face to Face to fund its programs and community outreach efforts.