Second Annual Queer Wine Fest Returns To Willamette Valley This June

The world’s first and only LGBTQ+ wine festival is slated to return for its second annual celebration. Queer Wine Fest brings together wineries with LGBTQ+ leadership in the Willamette Valley for the community to gather together, taste and celebrate.

On Sunday, June 25, Remy Wines will host the second annual Queer Wine Fest. More than a dozen LGBTQ+ winery owners, winemakers, and winegrowers from across the West will unite at the only event that specifically highlights wineries with openly LGBTQ+ leaders. 2023’s 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,” said 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.”

LGBTQ+ owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers will pour red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines poured from wineries across Oregon, Washington, and California, for guests to enjoy alongside live music and catered bites. The food menu includes skewered veggies, truffle risotto, short rib wellington, whitefish (and vegan) ceviche with tostones, pork belly, homemade mac and cheese, and cheese and charcuterie will accompany the wine tastings.

The line-up of wineries for the 2023 festival includes returning favorites and newcomers. “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,” said David Lauer, Bryn Mawr Vineyards’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “It’s a phenomenal opportunity to create and strengthen our community, something so central and dear to the LGBT+ experience.”

Queer Wine Fest will take place the evening of Sunday, June 25, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.at 17495 NE McDougall Road, Dayton, Oregon. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, $95 for early bird tickets and $120 for general admission tickets purchased at the door. Proceeds from Queer Wine Fest will benefit Wine Country Pride, an inclusive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.