McMinnville wine-making mayor and founder of Queer Wine Fest Remy Drabkin wants to pour you a glass.
An 60 minutes SW of Portland , wine maker teem everything from the region ’s noted Pinot Noir to toast - suitable effervescent varietal wine . After all , June is one banger of a celebratory calendar month . Pride has get across the country and here , throughout Yamhill County in the Willamette Valley .
You ’ll hardly take GPS to voyage your fashion to the LGBTQ+ epicenter of the area , Remy Wines , because you may much take heed the infectious laugh of Remy Drabkin from miles off . She ’s a force of nature who wears several hat on any turn over day : winery proprietor , winemaker , and mayor of nearby McMinnville . Yet when you ’re in her front , she ’ll make you experience like you ’re the only mortal in her eye socket .
The McMinnville indigene grew up hang out in the cellars of some of the best winemakers in the Willamette Valley and get laid by the time she turned eight age old that she wanted to produce up to be a winemaker , too . In 2006 , Drabkin did just that . Nearly two decades ago , She open Remy Wines in a 1900s farmhouse on a picturesque plot of ground in the Dundee Hills where northerly Italian grapeshot are grown and harvested and made in the Old World mode .
Photo by Zachary Goff
Under the tone of Douglas Fir Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Pride flags waving in the breeze nearby is where you ’ll find the third annualQueer Wine Feston June 30 .
After the successful launching of the non-profit-making organizationWine Country Pride , Drabkin founded Queer Wine Fest in 2022 as a way to unite the LGBTQ+ vino community . The fete continue to grow in background and popularity far beyond the local who sky-high embraced it in its other class .
To pour at the intimate out-of-door tasting event , wineries must be queer - possess , apply poof - develop grapes , and/or employ queer winemakers . Plus , what startle as an Oregon - only wine-coloured event has also flesh out .
“ We have multiple land with chatter wine maker , include several new wine maker coming this year that have n’t participated before , ” Drabkin says . “ It ’s not just a wine fete for the makers and creative person . We host a lunch for them before Queer Wine Fest , and it ’s a real community activator . It ’s about developing relationships , and we ’ve really realize that happen . ”
For attendees , Queer Wine Fest feel like a assemblage among friends . It ’s small enough that you may easy chat every winery — and taste every wine — quite maybe meet every person in the process . Yet with 15 wineries , each sampling multiple expressions , nobody will leave hungry . This class , Zab Shavrickspearheads a first - in - the - region queer art show , Portland - basedCamp Crushprovide the euphony , Renegade Mobile Kitchenserves up local fare , whileSalt and Strawscoops up glass cream treats for a sweet ending . inflict artistVictoria Bradleyalso collaborated with Remy Wines to release a special Pride bottleful .
Drabkin , clearly in Mayor mood , says there ’s more bump beyond the Queer wine - filled festival . “ You ’ll get to a welcoming community that is cover in [ Pride ] fleur-de-lis , but it ’s not just the visibility of the flags , although that ’s very important when you ’re in rural places — exceptionally important — but you ’ll find that the queer community has really kind of come out of the closet here and it ’s great , ” she says . “ Someone came up to me after the first year and aver it was the first time they were ask over to a June Pride event that they did n’t feel like they were on show , but truly belong . ”
Remy Drabkin drinking, surely, an Old World Italian wine from her vineyards.|Photo by Cheryl Juetten
When Queer Wine Fest uncork its last feeding bottle , Drabkin will shift back to Mayor Mode , campaigning for re - election this November . Perhaps enjoy a glass or two of wine along the way .
Tickets are $ 105 . If price is a barrier to involvement , emailGretchen@remywines.comfor selection .
Drive Time
1 hour from Portland
More Things to Do in North Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley shoot a line more than 919 wineries and the modish data evince that nearly 80 % of those can be found in the northern section . To help you narrow down options , we commend a few favorites , each with unique charm and specialties . Outside of Queer Wine Fest , Remy Winesin Dayton should be on the leaning for a traditional tasting . Also in town , Durant at Red Ridge volunteer both wine-coloured and Oregon - milled Extra Virgin Olive Oil . Nearby in Newberg , delay outNicolas - Jay WineryandAdelsheim Vineyard . In Carlton , adjudicate in for a spell atFlaneur WinesandRésonance Wines .
As you’re able to differentiate , it ’s truly a wine - lovers nirvana , but because this is first and foremost Oregon , natural dish abounds . Chances are mellow your visit to the domain will focus on food and wine , so consider operate up an appetence ( or burning off some Pinot Chardonnay Calorie ) at theErratic Rock State Natural Sitehiking trails . Paddle your mode down 187 mi of theWillamette River Water Trail . Or cycle along theWillamette Valley Scenic Bikeway .
Where to Stay in North Willamette Valley
Lean into Oregon ’s most hipster of hipster vibraharp with a glamping stay atThe Vintages Trailer Resortin Dayton . base to 36 fully restored Airstreams and other trailers , quirky touch comfort at every twist . The pond make believe for a pleasant escape from the summer heat , and full - service shower adroitness offer an fantabulous choice to the tiny shower in the poke restrooms . Or if luxury ’s an absolute when locomote , Atticus Hotelin McMinnville delivers a high - quality experience with mess of paying attention touches .
Where to Eat and Drink in North Willamette Valley
Prepare yourself for small - town appealingness overload ( in the upright potential way ) at each tiny hamlet dotting the Willamette Valley . Get your day off to a upright kickoff with a hearty breakfast . Try the large breakfast sandwich on freshly bake croissants atCarlton Bakeryin Carlton , Pacific Northwest salmon goner atLoam Kitchenin Dayton , or the RHM Biscuits & Gravy with wild mushrooms and blimp atRed Hills Marketin Dundee .
If you may schedule your trip around the once - monthly Cinque Cose five - course chef ’s taste atAlloro Vineyard , the food — and vineyard views — pay back you for your efforts . The mid - good afternoon meal means you plausibly wo n’t be hungry for dinner , but legion options agree the bill for the other days during your vacation . hear the lamb hummus and kofta kebabs atCypress , a farm - refreshful creation from the tiny , ever - changing menu atThistle , or fried wimp ( Mondays and Tuesdays ) and the occasional drag brunch atHumble Spirit — all in McMinnville and preferred resort of Mayor Drabkin . In Carlton , brunch it up atThe Horse Radishwith apple Proto-Indo European stuffed French toast or a famous Carlton sandwich .
When you require a rupture from wine , head back to McMinnville . conservatoire Bartreats you right with gorgeously presented , forward-looking craft cocktails , while beer tops the agenda atStickmen Brewing Company .
Queer Wine Fest|Photo by Aly M. Winstead
Courtesy Alloro Vineyard
