Final Queer Wine Fest in Oregon: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Community with One Last Tasting Event

One of Oregon’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ events, Queer Wine Fest, is gearing up for its final celebration. The fifth and last edition of this groundbreaking festival is set for June 28, 2026, in the picturesque Willamette Valley. While it may seem like an ending, organizers emphasize that the event has accomplished its goals rather than shutting down.

Founded in 2022 by queer winemaker Remy Drabkin, Queer Wine Fest quickly rose in prominence among wine enthusiasts. It was proudly labeled as the world’s first wine festival showcasing exclusively queer-owned, -made, and -grown wines, hosted at Drabkin’s 300-acre Remy Wines estate. Over the years, the festival has drawn countless visitors from across the United States and Canada, while providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the wine industry.

The final festival is expected to be the largest to date, featuring over 20 LGBTQIA+ led wineries from the Pacific Northwest and California, each presenting their two varietals for tasting. Attendees can enjoy food from the partly queer-owned Renegade Food Truck, live music by the queer-fronted Portland-based duo Camp Crush, and even purchase queer art. There will also be performances by aerialists and a gender-affirming haircut station.

While the announcement of the festival’s conclusion may sadden some, Drabkin is framing this decision as a celebratory milestone. She reflects on the event as a significant achievement, stating it is a graduation rather than an ending. After five successful years, Drabkin and her team are keen to go out on a high note with the most impressive event yet.

The initiative has fostered more than just a gathering for wine lovers. Queer Wine Fest has reshaped the typical wine festival experience by ensuring participating wineries receive fair compensation rather than imposing fees, supporting emerging producers, and focusing on sustainability through zero-waste practices.

The festival will continue to create a legacy beyond its operations. Over its five-year span, Queer Wine Fest has elevated LGBTQ+ visibility in a traditionally heteronormative industry and transformed into a destination that attracts wine lovers and LGBTQ+ travelers alike, fostering a sense of connection, representation, and celebration.

For attendees, this final edition of Queer Wine Fest presents a last chance to indulge in an event that has redefined wine festivals. Proceeds from the festival will support Wine Country Pride, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating queer communities in rural Oregon. Tickets are now on sale with a limit of just 300 guests, and the festival is expected to sell out.

For more information about Queer Wine Fest and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!