Santa Maria Wine Country for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

Santa Maria Wine Country for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

Over the years we’ve had several trips and shared lots about the Santa Maria Valley in California. This is one of our favorite places on the Central Coast, and not just as a road trip stop, but we love visiting for the outdoor experiences and agriculture, the California agritourism, in the area. The Santa Maria Wine Country also is its own AVA, meaning that it’s a special wine producing region. This podcast and article is all about how YOU can enjoy the Santa Maria Valley vineyard culture, both in person and from wherever you are.

I interviewed two seasoned SMV winemakers, Norman Beko (Cottonwood Canyon Winery) and Wes Hagen (J. Wilkes Wines), and we discussed everything from what makes the SMV a special region for growing grapes, to how visitors can tour Santa Barbara County Wine Country during the Coronavirus pandemic. These winemakers and their teams are working hard to keep the wine culture alive and available.

What Makes the Santa Maria Wine Country Unique?

Being located near the coast and between both east/west and north/south mountains, the climate stays remarkably cool for being a central/southern California area. When it’s blazing hot in Los Angeles, it’s nice and cool in the SMV. When it’s cold and foggy up in San Francisco, it’s warm and pleasant down here. This is the ideal climate for growing chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Nearly 80% of the wine grown in Santa Barbara County is chardonnay or pinot.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Niagara Falls Wine Tasting – Out With Ryan

Niagara Falls Wine Tasting - Out With Ryan

Looking for information on Niagara Falls wine tasting? Or are you looking for reasons to go wine tasting in Niagara on the Lake? Well, you’re in luck!

The natural wonder of Niagara Falls is so close to fabulous Niagara wine country! Like literally a 20 minutes drive and BAM… Niagara Wineries! The best way to experience Niagara Falls wine tasting is by driving / taking a wine tour to the wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake!

The Niagara Peninsula is the largest wine region in Ontario! It’s also one of the most popular destinations for tourists and even local Canadians to spend a night or weekend! I find there’s no better way to really taste an area then to drink local wine grown in the area.

From the unique stories of how the wine is made to actually tasting the wine, your time in this Niagara region will truly be one to remember after every sip of wine & knowledge!

Oh, and please remember, don’t drink and drive. There are many locally organised tours that will allow you to sample a generous amount of wineries if you don’t have a designated driver!

By Ryan – Full Story at Out With Ryan

Niagara Peninsula Gay Travel Resources

 

Gay Accommodations: Agriturismo Il Segreto di Pietrafitta, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Agriturismo Il Segreto di Pietrafitta Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.

Il Segreto di Pietrafitta is an elegant structure that rises on the gates of San Gimignano, the most famous medieval town in Tuscany. The origins of the structure are quite ancient, and many historical figures have slept within its walls. The Agriturismo is located on a dominant position, facing towards the magnificent town of San Gimignano. From here you’ll be able to easily reach Florence, Siena, and the Chianti region. There are also many wonderful small medieval towns to visit nearby, such as Volterra, Certaldo, Monteriggioni, and many others.
The structure offers 9 very comfortable rooms, meticulously decorated from local craftsmen, including floors covered with Cotto (typical Tuscan clay bricks), and wooden beams on the ceilings. No small details are left unnoticed here at Il Segreto di Pietrafitta!

See the Agriturismo Il Segreto di Pietrafitta Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Southern Tuscany

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