Are you and your beloved in search of a fairy-tale kind of holiday that would include picturesque views, delicious wines, and remarkable adventures? Maybe it is time to plan a trip to the wine country. From the countryside of California up to the lakes of British Columbia, North America has many great wine producers that offer the best blend of romance, leisure, and adventure. That is why today, let us look into some of the most beautiful locations for gay wine tours and LGBTQ-friendly vineyards. Fancy yourself a gin and juice kind of lover? Then, it is time to toast to love and go on the wine tour of your choice!
Why LGBT Wine Country Getaways Are the Perfect Romantic Escape
For gay couples who want to have a romantic holiday, there is nothing that can compare to a wine country vacation. Imagine yourselves walking hand in hand through the greenery vineyards, tasting mouth-watering wines in beautiful wine sheds, and eating delicious meals with the view of the great love in your eyes. Travelling to wine country destinations as an LGBT couple is not only a scenic experience for your love story but also a more inclusive one.
These regions have progressive attitudes towards people of different gender or sexual orientation, and many of the wineries and towns are located here. As for gay venues, it’s hard to miss gay-owned or gay-friendly bars, restaurants, shops and other establishments. From risqué Pride events to wine tasting for lesbians and gays and group tours, these people embrace differences and encourage you to do the same. From romantic and quiet times in the country to a luxurious party of wine and wine, the best wine states for gay couples have everything a couple could desire.
Best Wine Tours For Gay Couples
Fall in Love All Over Again in California’s Dreamy Wine Regions
As the “Golden State,” California is home to some of the most stunning wine-producing areas on earth, all of which appeal to gay wine lovers. Napa Valley is the classic destination known for its luxurious vineyards, fine dining, and picturesque scenery. Indulge yourselves in comfort of the luxurious hotel, the relaxing massage sessions, and the privileged vinous tasting of the famous Cabernet Sauvignons of the region.
For a more relaxed experience, one can go to the next county, which is Sonoma County. Here you will find everything from small, boutique family owned wineries to large impressive castles. The scenic beauty of the region will light up the flames of romance and there are opportunities to take a hike through redwood forests, take a picnic to the Russian River, or watch a sunset at the wild Pacific Coast.
Southern California also offers several interesting wine producers, such as the Temecula Valley. This beautiful valley found between Los Angeles and San Diego has more than 40 wineries, and many of the wineries are owned by gay people or are gay-friendly. Picture being in a hot air balloon, floating over the vineyards and holding hands with your beloved.
Sip and Swoon in the Pacific Northwest’s Pinot-Producing Regions
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is your go-to region if you have a special place in your heart for Pinot Noir. This area is characterized by a cool climate and has gained international recognition for fine and richly flavored Pinot Noir that wine lovers can taste in hundreds of wineries. Stay in front of a warm fire at one of the many Bed and Breakfast establishments, stroll through the picturesque towns of McMinnville and Newberg, or take in the splendor of the Cascade Mountains range. This is a perfect place for LGBT couples because the region has a natural beauty and is a very private place. In the Washington State of the USA, Walla Walla Valley is another emerging wine region famous for producing big reds and non-conventional winemakers. This is a small town but it is very active in terms of gay establishments and activities, and there are gay-owned businesses and there are festivals with gay themes held in this town every year. Guzzle Cabernet and Merlot in posh tasting rooms during the day and wake up to farm-to-table dining in the evening
Experience the Romance of the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley
New York may be full of sights like the Big Apple, but it also has some amazing wine touring that is perfect for a couple getaway. Finger Lakes – Central region of New York: This region is a beautiful region packed with sparkling lakes, stunning waterfalls, and wine producing farms. Riesling is especially popular here, but the other varieties that can be tasted here include Gewürztraminer, Pinot gris, and sparkling wines.
Enjoy the countryside views, exploring the beautiful lake shores, local wineries, and quaint towns. Several of the wineries in the Finger Lakes are either owned by or are very supportive of the LGBT community, so no one should feel out of place. Whether you’re splashing around in a kayak in the calm waters or on the gorges of Watkins Glen, or cuddling up with your lover and a bottle of wine, one is guaranteed of the romantic feeling.
Stretching along the shores of the fabulous Hudson River, the Hudson Valley is another treasure of New York wine-making. This area is located just a short drive away from New York City and has a rich historical background, beautiful landscapes, and a diverse craft beverage industry. There are plenty of wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries that you can visit, and a good number of them are openly gay and welcoming. Take leisurely walks around picturesque towns by the river, see sites such as the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, or enjoy a nature trail in the gorgeous countryside.
Fall in Love with Canada’s Okanagan Valley
If you’re looking for a wine-country weekend with a more cosmopolitan feel, drive north to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. This beautiful area boasts over 200 wineries, most of which are scenically located overlooking the valley’s many lakes and mountains. The wine industry in the Okanagan is famous for its fresh refreshing white wines and full-bodied red wines, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Syrah
The region’s largest city, Kelowna, has a thriving LGBT community and hosts the annual Okanagan Pride festival. You’ll find plenty of gay-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. Spend your days sipping and savouring at picturesque wineries, relaxing on the shores of Okanagan Lake, or hiking through the region’s beautiful parks and trails.
Create the Perfectly Tailored LGBT Wine Country Getaway
Whichever wine country you decide to visit, there are numerous ways to make honeymooning all about the two of you. Today, most of the wineries organize gay wine tasting and tours wherein you get to know other gay wine enthusiasts and the history of the area as well. You could also look for gay-run or gay-welcoming venues, including boutique B&Bs, stylish hotels or even fancy glamping with a view over the vines.
