Top LGBTQ+ and Women-Owned Wine & Spirits Brands to Explore
For LGBTQ+ and women travelers, discovering new destinations is not just about the sights—it’s also about experiencing the unique flavors and stories of the local culture. What better way to do that than by supporting wineries, distilleries, and spirit brands that champion diversity and inclusivity? From bold wines to artisanal spirits, these LGBTQ+ and women-owned brands offer rich histories, distinct flavors, and a commitment to community and craftsmanship. Here’s a look at some standout wine and spirits brands you should know about, and where you can enjoy their offerings on your travels.
1. Equality Vines – Sonoma County, California, USA
About the Brand: Founded by Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the historic U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage, and his partner, Equality Vines celebrates love, equality, and inclusion. Each bottle supports a social cause, including LGBTQ+ rights, with portions of proceeds going to advocacy organizations.
What Makes Them Special: The wines are named to honor milestones in the fight for civil rights, such as “The Decision” wine series. The brand embodies the spirit of progress and community with every bottle.
Where to Taste: Visit their tasting room in Sonoma County for an experience that blends advocacy with fine wine tasting in a beautiful vineyard setting.
2. Red Thread Wines – Napa Valley, California, USA
About the Brand: Helmed by winemaker Amy Bess Cook, Red Thread Wines is a women-owned and operated winery that celebrates connections—represented by the “red thread” that, according to an ancient legend, connects people destined to meet. Cook is dedicated to creating community-driven wines and elevating underrepresented voices in the industry.
What Makes Them Special: Red Thread Wines focuses on small-batch, high-quality wines that are crafted with attention to sustainability and community building. Each bottle tells a story of human connection and artistry.
Where to Taste: Look for Red Thread Wines at wine events in Napa or order directly from their website to support their vision from anywhere.
3. McBride Sisters Collection – California and New Zealand
About the Brand: Robin and Andréa McBride, two sisters who discovered each other later in life, turned their bond into a successful business. As the largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., they focus on sustainable winemaking and empowering women through their SHE CAN initiative, which provides professional development for women in wine.
What Makes Them Special: The McBride Sisters blend their heritage from New Zealand and California into unique, vibrant wines. Their commitment to representation and female empowerment resonates throughout their brand.
Where to Taste: Visit their partner wineries and tasting rooms in California, or explore their wines online and in major U.S. retailers.
4. Republic Restoratives – Washington, D.C., USA
About the Brand: Founded by Rachel Gardner and Pia Carusone, Republic Restoratives is an LGBTQ+ and women-owned distillery known for its award-winning spirits. The distillery was crowdfunded by a community of supporters who shared their vision of creating a space that values inclusion and quality craft spirits.
What Makes Them Special: Their products, such as Rodham Rye (a tribute to Hillary Rodham Clinton), showcase the brand’s focus on political and social activism. Republic Restoratives is known for crafting spirits with bold flavors and a commitment to community involvement.
Where to Taste: Visit their tasting room in Washington, D.C., to sample their unique line of whiskeys, vodkas, and seasonal cocktails.
5. Queer Wine Lovers Collective – Global
About the Brand: The Queer Wine Lovers Collective brings together LGBTQ+ wine producers and enthusiasts from around the world. This collective supports queer winemakers by offering a platform that highlights their stories, fosters connections, and builds a community within the industry.
What Makes Them Special: The collective showcases wines from LGBTQ+ owned or operated vineyards, focusing on quality, tradition, and the voices behind the bottle.
Where to Taste: Look for Queer Wine Lovers pop-up events and tastings at LGBTQ+ festivals or boutique wine shops in major cities. You can also order curated boxes from their online platform.
6. Finger Lakes Distilling – Finger Lakes, New York, USA
About the Brand: Co-owned by LGBTQ+ advocate Brian McKenzie, Finger Lakes Distilling is a craft distillery in the heart of New York’s wine country. Known for using local ingredients, they produce a range of high-quality spirits, including whiskey, gin, and vodka.
What Makes Them Special: The distillery’s focus on farm-to-glass production highlights their commitment to sustainability and local community support. Their Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey and Seneca Drums Gin are particularly popular for their distinctive flavors.
Where to Taste: Visit their distillery in the scenic Finger Lakes region to enjoy tastings, tours, and views of the surrounding vineyards and lakes.
Tips for Enjoying LGBTQ+ and Women-Owned Brands on Your Travels
Support Local: When visiting wine regions or cities, seek out LGBTQ+ and women-owned brands to support local producers and taste their unique offerings.
Attend Tasting Events: Many of these brands participate in Pride festivals, LGBTQ+ events, and women-focused tastings. Keep an eye on event calendars for chances to meet the owners and hear their stories firsthand.
Take a Tour: If you’re in areas like Napa Valley, Finger Lakes, or Sonoma, arrange for a guided tour that highlights LGBTQ+ or women-owned wineries and distilleries.
Final Thoughts: Savoring Every Sip with Pride
Traveling and enjoying wines or spirits made by LGBTQ+ and women-owned brands is a beautiful way to support inclusivity and community in the industry. These brands offer more than just beverages; they share stories, champion diversity, and connect people through the love of craft and culture.
Join Us for Exclusive Tastings and Experiences Ready to sip, savor, and explore? Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips and visit some of these incredible brands during our specially curated tours. Experience the world with a group that values diversity, safety, and community. Book your next adventure today!
