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Discover Guerneville: Wine Country’s Hidden Gem

When most San Franciscans venture into wine country, they do so for, well, the wine. But nestled in the sky-high redwood forest closer to the Sonoma County coast is a pastoral slice of paradise that marches to the beat of its own drum. Welcome to Guerneville—an eclectic little town that feels worlds apart from the rest of California wine country.Unlike the swanky stylings of Healdsburg or the see-and-be-seen shenanigans of Napa, Guerneville is a small community with a decidedly hippie vibe. And as evidenced by the surplus of omnipresent rainbow flags, it’s a whole lot gayer too.

Originally nicknamed “Stumptown” due to the mass amounts of redwood stumps left in the wake of loggers, Guerneville emerged practically overnight as a logging town during the Gold Rush era. Savvy city-dwellers soon got wise to this wooded oasis. Preservationists like Colonel James Boydston Armstrong came to the defense of these gentle giants, transforming the area from industry to recreation. By the turn of the century, “Vacation Wonderland” was attracting visitors from throughout the Bay Area, drawn to its quiet serenity, sky-scraping forests, coastal proximity, and the crystalline Russian River.

As Guerneville’s bucolic reputation grew, so did its appeal to San Francisco’s LGBTQIA+ population. Especially in the summer months, the small town became a bastion for queer city-dwellers in search of fresh air, free from the homophobia and political rhetoric that was unavoidable in the big city. Eventually, many of these visitors began planting their own roots, opening businesses and solidifying Guerneville as the sanctuary it is today.

While much of the rest of Sonoma County evolved into a thriving wine-making community, Guerneville maintained and fostered its bohemian spirit, prioritizing inclusive havens, outdoor recreation, and queer-owned businesses. Today, Guerneville is gayer than ever, teeming with evergreen rainbow flags and popular annual events like Lazy Bear Week. There’s still plenty of quality wine here, of course, but more than ever, Guerneville is the quintessentially queer summer retreat of your dreams.

Whether you’re drawn by the enchanting redwoods, the rich history, or the vibrant community, Guerneville is a must-visit destination that offers a refreshing alternative to the usual wine country itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore a town that’s as unique as it is welcoming.