EDGE New York City

Grassroots organization Food for Thought provides meals and support for people with HIV in Sonoma County, and hosts festivals that help raise funds to keep their programs open.

On a beautiful September afternoon, members of the LGBT networking group Dot429 enjoyed wine-tasting and lunch prepared by Iron Chef America star Dominique Crenn, as well as art-viewing and scenic schmoozing at Ma(i)sonry, a stylish restaurant in Napa.

The Russian River may have calmed down, with few nightclub options, but it’s still the gayest resort in Northern California, and plenty of bears are still roaming around among the redwoods.

They say great wine is made in the vineyard. Now some vintners are inviting guests to check that out through walking tours aimed at giving the real dirt on winemaking.