Wine Country is a region of California in the northern Bay Area known worldwide as the premier wine -growing region. The region is famed for its wineries, its cuisine, Michelin star restaurants, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, historic architecture, culture, and nearly perfect year-round weather. Picturesque Sonoma County is among the LGBT-friendliest areas in the nation and was identified as the number two gayest area in the US, just behind San Francisco. This is the backdrop for one of the premier gay getaway events in the country, Gay Wine Weekend, brought to us by Out in the Vineyard, an experiential Wine Country event and travel company promoting positive LGBT lifestyles. Gay Wine Weekend started in 2008 as a way to introduce the LGBTQ community to this wine region and support local gay causes. It’s grown in participation over the years from 300 to an anticipated group of 700 this year. “We have a number of guests who plan their vacation around Gay Wine Weekend and return annually,” noted Gary Saperstein, owner of Out in the Vineyard. “Gay wine enthusiasts come from as far as New Zealand to participate each year,” he added.