The world’s first Queer Wine Fest brings together wineries with LGBTQ+ leadership for the Willamette Valley-based event
Dayton, Ore. (May 17, 2023) —On Sunday, June 25, Remy Wines will host the second annual Queer Wine Fest, bringing together more than a dozen LGBTQ+ winery owners, winemakers, and winegrowers from across the West. The 2022 event was the first in the world to specifically highlight wineries with LGBTQ+ leaders. Queer Wine Fest will feature 19 producers for a festival-like tasting event, with ample passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music from Portland-based, New Wave Pop sensation Camp Crush.
“Queer Wine Fest is helping to establish professional networks for queer folks in the wine industry. There is now a groundswell of movements in different states that are all seeking to establish this type of community and networking opportunity,” explained Remy Drabkin, owner and winemaker of Remy Wines and founder of Queer Wine Fest. “For consumers wanting to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC producers, this is an opportunity to dive into the diversity of wines that we are bringing to the industry.”
The line-up of wineries for the 2023 event includes returning favorites as well as newcomers. Bryn Mawr Vineyards’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Lauer, is looking forward to his first experience at Queer Wine Fest: “I’m so excited for the opportunity to participate in such a rare and special event like Queer Wine Fest. It’s no surprise something as ever-shifting, dynamic, and exciting as wine would prove a magnet for this eclectic gathering of wonderful queer producers. It’s a phenomenal opportunity to create and strengthen our community, something so central and dear to the LGBT+ experience.”
Guests of Queer Wine Fest will enjoy red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines poured by LGBTQ+ owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers from wineries across Oregon, Washington, and California. Participating wineries include Bryn Mawr Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, Franchere Wine Co., Hooray for You, Sunset Cellars, and others. Wines vary from methode champenoise sparkling such as Roco Winery’s RMS Brut Rosé and Oregon classics such as Westrey Wine Company’s 2014 Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir, to the more unexpected: a 2022 Counoise from Ram Cellars, Landmass Wines’ All Eyes Sparkling Tempranillo, and Circadian Cellars’ 2022 Chenin Blanc sourced from the Rogue Valley.
Live music and catered bites will accompany the festival-style walkaround wine tasting. Camp Crush will headline the stage show – the Portland-based, new-age pop duo produced by Rian Lewis (Doja Cat, Gorillaz, Chromeo, D.R.A.M.) who were featured among OPB’s Top 10 Sessions of 2019. J & F Catering will provide small bites including skewered veggies, truffle risotto, short rib wellington, whitefish (and vegan) ceviche with tostones, pork belly, homemade mac n cheese, and cheese and charcuterie.
Tickets and more information are available at queerwinefest.com.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, June 25, 2023, 4 pm to 7 pm
Address: 17495 NE McDougall Road, Dayton OR 97114
Tickets: Available now via Eventbrite, $95 for early bird tickets purchased before the event and $120 for general admission tickets purchased at the door.
Tickets include: 30+ wines from 19 wineries poured by their LGBTQ+ owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers, ample international food service, live music, and entertainment.
Participating Wineries:
- Augustina Cellars
- Bryn Mawr Vineyards
- Casa S Winery
- Circadian Cellars
- Elk Cove Vineyards
- Fayetta Vineyard
- Franchere Wine Co.
- Hooray for You Wine Co.
- K & M Wines
- Landmass Wines
- Ram Cellars
- Remy Wines
- Roco Winery
- Sis and Mae Wine Co.
- Sunset Cellars
- Sylvi Wines
- Adega Northwest Winery
- Westrey Wine Company
- Zē Wines
About Remy Wines:
Founded in 2006 by native Oregonian and queer winemaker, Remy Drabkin, Remy Wines is a Willamette Valley winery rooted in service to the community. Much like its visionary founder, Remy Wines honors Old World winemaking traditions with a fresh, progressive voice and undeniable flair. Remy Wines boasts an impressive portfolio of Italian-style wines made primarily with Oregon fruit and a welcoming, unpretentious Farmhouse Tasting Room in Dayton, Oregon. Remy Wines hosted the world’s first Queer Wine Fest in June 2022 and will produce the second annual event on June 25, 2023. Please visit remywines.com for more information.
