Gay Wine Weekend 2017

For the first time this highly anticipated three-day event allows Sonomads and visitors alike to take part in both the annual Pride celebration in June and Gay Wine Weekend in July.

That said, though the dates have changed, the always-stellar weekend collection of memorably fun-filled activities — including VIP receptions, wine tasting excursions, Champagne brunch, wine auction, and pool party — remains unaltered. Book a VIP pass and plunge into the pool of wine-filled delights that Gay Wine Weekend 2017 has in store, or pick and choose the events that you want to attend … whatever suits your fancy.

This year the Gay Wine Weekend festivities officially kick off on July 14 with a VIP welcome reception & wine tasting from 3-6 p.m. that will be hosted

exclusively for Gay Wine Weekend guests staying at the event’s deluxe host hotel, the Sonoma Valley Inn, and VIP Pass holders.

Welcome reception will then be followed by a range of intimate and exclusive winemaker dinners, wherein some of wine country’s most talented winemakers (many of whom are part of the LGBT community) perfectly pair the wines of various estates with mouthwatering creations from some of Sonoma’s most celebrated chefs and eateries.

Always a highlight of Gay Wine Weekend, tickets to each of these dinners can be purchased individually – just don’t wait until the last minute because they often sell out fast.

To wind down (or some might say wind up) the weekend’s first evening, all are welcome to head down to Sonoma’s legendary square for another kick-off celebration at B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille which will, for one night only, be transformed into a pop-up of Midnight Sun, the nation’s premiere video bar located in San Francisco’s legendary Castro neighborhood. Party like a Castro local in the beautiful depths of wine country? What is there not to like about that story?

On day two of Wine Weekend, explore the many flavors of Sonoma vis-à-vis Out in the Vineyard’s exclusive wine tasting tours to some of the best producers in Sonoma. Bike through the vineyards of Sonoma Valley to Gundlach Bundschu Winery or hop on tours to West Sonoma County, the Carneros Region of southern Sonoma Valley, or the very heart of Sonoma County to get up close and in person with noted wine producers from the extensive Russian River Valley to the tiny hamlet of Kenwood. After the tours on Saturday, comes the highlight of the weekend – a Twilight T-Dance at the iconic 1920’s Chateau St. Jean Winery tucked away in the heart of the stunning Sonoma Valley. Expect to sip award-winning wines alongside culinary delights created by Classic Culinaire and the hands Chef Chad Carlsted. Then expect to dance the night away at the T-Dance until closing time, only to keep the party going at the Apres-T After Party slated to be held at the brand-new SIGH Lounge — Sonoma’s only “bubble room” — located across the street from the host hotel, Sonoma Valley Inn, just steps off the historic Sonoma Plaza.

On the final day of weekend, Equality Wines hosts what is appropriately billed as a Gay Wine Auction & Recovery Brunch, where alongside a brunch buffet, patrons are encouraged to bid on select auction items with 100 percent of the monies raised benefitting Face to Face, Sonoma County’s AIDS Network.

And just so guests don’t walk away unsatiated in any way by the weekend’s festivities, a Sunday Pool Soiree held at fabulous private home and featuring the musical strains of DJ Jeremy will offer guests a chance to relax into the afterglow of Gay Wine Weekend 2017 in splendid “Sunday in Sonoma” style as they contemplate next year’s fun.

Sounds lovely, yes?

For more information, to order VIP passes, or to purchase tickets to individual Gay Wine Weekend events, click here.

Details: Gay Wine Weekend 2017

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