Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend is exactly what it sounds like: a fun weekend of wine and queer people in the gorgeous Sonoma wine country. Out in the Vineyard founder Gary Saperstein is expecting to sell out to another record-breaking 1,000+ attendees at this year’s Gay Wine Weekend which takes place July 18-20 at The Lodge at Healdsburg.
“Historically, we’ve shown that nothing can dim the vibrant spirit of our LGBTQ+ family. We’ve always known how to unite and stand strong, turning adversity into a celebration of resilience. This year’s Gay Wine Weekend, along with our other fabulous events throughout the year, is all about us—our Community,” said Saperstein. “Coming together is where we find our joy, our power and our resilience.”
Gay Wine Weekend is a welcome refuge from the current landscape as it is filled with wine excursions, VIP receptions, a wine auction, tea dances, winemaker dinners, and the signature weekend event: The Twilight T-Dance. And this year, a portion of this year’s proceeds go to benefit local HIV/AIDS non-profit, Face to Face. View more information about Out in the Vineyard and purchase tickets to Gay Wine Weekend here.
And read our interview with Gary Saperstein below.
What made you want to start Out in the Vineyard?
Out In The Vineyard was born from something I couldn’t ignore — an undeniable rise in LGBTQ+ tourism and a growing number of our community members putting down roots in Sonoma Wine Country. At the time, I was working in the restaurant industry, which gave me a front-row seat to the cultural shift happening around me…but there was something missing.
Despite the fact that San Francisco — our very own LGBTQ+ mecca, the Castro — was just an hour away, no one in the wine industry, local tourism or hospitality sectors seemed to be speaking to us. Our community was showing up, but the welcome mat wasn’t fully rolled out. I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t anyone creating space for us?” And that question was the spark.
That’s how the idea for Out In The Vineyard came to life — a way to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, community, and connection in one of the most beautiful and iconic wine regions in the world. What started as a simple observation turned into a mission to make Sonoma Valley a truly inclusive destination.
How have you seen the event change and grow over the years?
Our very first event was the Twilight T-Dance, hosted in partnership with a local winery that was open to say yes to the idea of a queer dance party among the vines. We had no idea what to expect, but then 300 people showed up, ready to dance, celebrate, and be seen.
That one unforgettable night became the seed for something much bigger. What started as a single event has blossomed into Gay Wine Weekend — a full three-day celebration of wine, community, and LGBTQ+ joy in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country. Each year, more and more people make the journey, and while the attendance numbers are thrilling, the real magic is in the connections made.
Friendships have been forged. Relationships have begun. Community has deepened.
That’s the part I love most—watching people return year after year, not just for the wine, but for the bonds they’ve built and the memories they continue to make.
What about LGBTQ folks and friends who are sober? Are they invited to participate and are there things for them to do during the weekend?
One of the most beautiful shifts we’ve seen over the years is the growing presence of our sober community at Out In The Vineyard events — and we couldn’t be happier to welcome them. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable.
More and more wineries are stepping up by offering non-alcoholic options for those who choose not to drink, and we’re proud to say that every event over the course of Gay Wine Weekend includes a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic beverages. We want everyone to be able to celebrate no matter what is in your glass!
What are some events that you are looking forward to this year at Gay Wine Weekend?
That’s always a tough question because truthfully, I look forward to savoring every single moment we create for our guests throughout the weekend. Each event has its own unique flavor, and this year, we’re introducing some truly exciting new experiences that I can’t wait to share.
One highlight I’m especially thrilled about is our all-women’s Winemaker Dinner at the renowned Silver Oak Wineryin Alexander Valley. It’s a celebration of incredible women in wine, set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the region.
Also new this year is our all plant-based dinner at Little Saint in Healdsburg—an all-vegan restaurant that’s making waves. This special evening brings together Little Saint’s own Chef Baruch Ellsworth, LA-based vegan chef and TV personality Chris Tucker, and the exceptional Vegan Rebel Cheeses. All of it will be paired with vegan wines from Smith Story, making for one unforgettable (and entirely plant-powered) culinary experience.
Of course, we couldn’t do Gay Wine Weekend without the Drag Queen Brunch & Wine Auction, which is getting a fabulous new home this year at Rodney Strong Winery. Guests will enjoy amazing wines, drag performances, and a most fun wine auction—all set among the winery’s stunning vineyard landscape.
And last but never least, there’s our signature event: the Twilight T-Dance at the iconic La Crema Estate Winery. It’s the biggest party of the weekend, and where the energy, joy, and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community come alive under the stars.
A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS non-profit organization Face to Face. How does this year’s event ring differently than previous years considering many people are at risk of losing HIV/AIDS care?
Quite simply organizations such as Face to Face are facing funding cuts during these challenging times. More and more non-profits like this are going to have to rely in grass roots efforts to raise the funds they are going to lose. This years auction is so important to me as I am hoping to raise a record number of dollars to help offset the losses for the organization. It is going to take a village!
What do you hope people take away from Gay Wine Weekend when they leave?
At a time when our rights are once again under threat, the importance of community has never been more vital. We are living in a moment that demands both celebration and resistance. It’s not enough to simply exist—we must come together, stand together, and shine together.
That’s why Gay Wine Weekend is more than just a weekend of fabulous events this year — it’s a reminder of our strength. When we gather, we restore our joy. We reignite our power. We reinforce our resilience. These moments of connection give us the fuel we need to fight the good fight.
This year, our motto is simple and true: “When We Gather, We Shine.”
And my hope is that every guest leaves with their light a little brighter—ready to go back into the world, proud, empowered, and united to do the work.
