Wine brings people together. It turns a shared meal into a memory, and a sunny afternoon into something worth savouring. But when you're LGBTQ+, the setting matters too. Feeling safe, welcomed, and seen isn't a luxury – it's essential. That’s where LGBT wine tours shine. They offer more than great vintages. They create space for connection, celebration, and community.
Whether you're an experienced traveller or new to the world of gay holidays, there's a glass waiting for you somewhere special. Let us show you where.
Why Choose LGBT Wine Tours?
Wine tours are about more than grapes. They're about storytelling, tradition, and the people behind every bottle. LGBT wine tours add an extra layer: a space where queer travellers feel free to be themselves.
- You share experiences with like-minded people.
- You visit destinations that value inclusion.
- You enjoy luxury and authenticity without compromise.
Plus, wine regions tend to be beautiful places to unwind. Rolling hills, charming villages, and welcoming vineyards set the perfect backdrop.
What Makes a Great LGBT Wine Tour?
You don’t need to be a wine expert. You just need curiosity. A great LGBT wine tour brings together:
- Inclusive hosts who welcome all identities
- Comfortable settings that feel genuinely safe
- Curated tastings suited to beginners and aficionados
- Cultural experiences that connect you to the land
At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe a perfect trip balances discovery with ease. That’s why we tailor everything to you.
LGBT Wine Tours in France
France is the beating heart of global wine culture. It’s also home to a growing number of LGBT-inclusive travel options, particularly in Bordeaux, Champagne, and Provence.
Imagine sipping a rosé on a private terrace in Aix-en-Provence, or joining a small group tour in the cellars of Reims. These moments linger.
One standout option is a boutique wine lodge in Saint-Émilion offering vineyard picnics and candlelit dinners.
Ask us about current offers on wine-focused holidays in Provence and Bordeaux.
How Gay Friendly is France?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1791
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes (2013)
- Anti-discrimination laws: Yes
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Generally supportive, especially in cities and tourism areas
Discovering Italy Through LGBT Wine Tours
Italy delivers romance in every glass. From Tuscany to Sicily, the wine is as diverse as the scenery.
In Chianti, you can join small LGBT groups for vineyard cycling tours. In Sicily, you might find yourself enjoying a sunset tasting near Mount Etna.
Some family-run estates even host private tastings led by queer sommeliers.
We often feature tailor-made Tuscan wine retreats—ask us about seasonal offers.
How Gay Friendly is Italy?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1890
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Civil unions (since 2016)
- Anti-discrimination laws: Limited, but improving
- Employment protections: Some regional protections
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Mixed, but welcoming in most tourist areas
Sip and Celebrate in South Africa
South Africa’s wine country is rich with flavour and history. Just outside Cape Town lies the Winelands, with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek at its core.
LGBT-owned guesthouses, queer-friendly wine farms, and guided tours make it a brilliant choice.
You might join a Cape Town Pride celebration before heading to a private cellar tour.
Enquire about our packages featuring luxury stays in the Winelands.
How Gay Friendly is South Africa?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1998
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes (2006)
- Anti-discrimination laws: Yes (in the Constitution)
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Progressive in urban areas, less so rurally
California Calling: Napa and Sonoma
The US has no shortage of LGBT wine experiences. But Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma regions stand out.
They blend fine wine with open-minded communities. Many wineries offer Pride-themed events and private tastings hosted by queer staff.
You can stay in charming B&Bs that proudly fly the rainbow flag.
We can build a custom California wine tour with San Francisco as your base.
How Gay Friendly is the USA (California)?
- Homosexuality legal since: 2003 (nationwide)
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes (2015)
- Anti-discrimination laws: Vary by state (strong in California)
- Employment protections: Yes, federally and at state level
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Highly positive in California
Argentina: Wine, Passion, and Pride
Argentina’s Mendoza region is a must for Malbec lovers. With stunning Andean backdrops and a growing reputation for hospitality, it’s made for relaxed exploration.
LGBT travellers find the area welcoming, especially during Mendoza Pride each November.
Private vineyard stays and horseback wine tours are popular.
We offer bespoke itineraries combining Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
How Gay Friendly is Argentina?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1887
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes (2010)
- Anti-discrimination laws: Yes
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Broadly supportive
Protections You Receive with Jamie Wake Travel
When you book your LGBT wine tour with us, you're never just a booking reference. You're protected and valued.
Every tailor-made holiday includes:
- Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI): If a supplier goes bust, you don’t lose your money.
- Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI): Covers you if an airline ceases trading.
- PTS Membership: Your payments are held in a secure trust account.
- ATOL Protection: Full cover for flight-inclusive holidays.
We also offer 1:1 support, full itinerary control, and a deep understanding of LGBT travel needs.
What to Ask When Choosing an LGBT Wine Tour
Here are key questions to consider before you travel:
- Is the tour LGBT-owned or clearly inclusive?
- Are group sizes small and social?
- Does the region have clear protections and good public opinion?
- Will I feel safe with my partner in public?
- Can I customise the experience to suit my taste and pace?
Need help answering these? That’s what we’re here for.
