LGBT winery adventures, from weekends to once-in-a-lifetime

Seeking a break from city life for a weekend — or more? Take a quick drive and leave it all behind in Northern California’s sublime wine country, or opt for even greater adventure abroad.

“Out In The Vineyard” is a Sonoma event company that creates tours specifically for LGBT travelers and their friends. Area tours range from three to six days, exploring vineyards and eating and drinking the region’s best. A new offering from the group is an all-inclusive South African wine safari. The intimate trips are limited to 12 people and include hotel, tours, meals and plenty of wine.

The three-day Sonoma tours (Friday through Sunday, perfect for a long weekend) begin with a wine reception and dinner at a private estate. Then guests spend a day exploring Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon and its boutique wineries, followed by dinner at one of the area’s finest restaurants. The group then tours the famed Carneros region, where a picnic lunch and a private course in wine blending await. Guests stay at the MacArthur Place Hotel near historic Sonoma Plaza.

The six-day Sonoma tours (Sunday through Friday) are designed for travelers who seek total immersion in the wine country experience. Included are visits to some of the region’s top wineries, where guests meet with artisan winemakers at their tasting rooms. Then travelers dine on exquisite cuisine at private estates while spending a week immersed in the luxury that is the hallmark of California’s wine country.

The South Africa wine safari, Oct. 13 through 26, is for the most adventurous of travelers. This Cape Town-based adventure includes overnight stays at historic LGBT-owned farms and wineries. Guests will experience a dinner at Africa’s top restaurant, the Tasting Room, then sojourn in world-famous wine regions. An added bonus is a private safari experience at Dulini Private Game Reserve. Those wanting even more can opt for three-day Victoria Falls trip extension that gives a more complete view of Africa’s majestic open spaces.

For full itineraries and booking information, visit www.outinthevineyard.com.

-By Adam Sandel, Brand Publishing Writer