Wine Flair

In 2022, The Vinguard and Co-Fermented launched Wine Flair, a series of wine tastings featuring LGBTQ+-identified natural winemakers. 

Why Wine Flair?

Representation matters. We've seen how WINeFare, our signature wine-tasting event with women winemakers, has inspired women to follow their dreams and, in some cases, make wine. We want those who identify as LGBTQ+ to know they belong in wine spaces, whether they work in the industry or not. Wine Flair is not just about wine; it's about empowerment and inclusion and making a significant impact on LGBTQ+ representation in the wine industry. 

PRIDE! We're so proud of the LGBTQ+ winemakers who step forward and voice their support of queer communities. As The Vinguard is a queer-led organization, we're all too aware of the bias, overt and implicit, towards LGBTQ+ identified people. Everyone has a different experience, and we cherish our individuality and how it makes the wine industry an invigorating and more fun place to work.        

Support. We want queer communities, especially in states where LGBTQ+ rights and identities are under attack, to know The Vinguard and our winemaking cohort have their back. We've used a portion of the revenue raised from Wine Flairs in progressive states to fund Wine Flairs in places that have enacted draconian, oppressive policies.

This is not just a pledge; it's a tangible form of support. We've also donated funds from some Wine Flares to organizations helping LGBTQ+ youth. The LGBTQ+ wine community matters to us. 

Who’s participated?

We want to give a shout-out to past collaborators Vinovore (Los Angeles), Jewel (Los Angeles), The Ruby (San Francisco), Lise & Vito (Brooklyn), and The Violet Crown (Austin). Their generosity speaks volumes about their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in and outside the wine industry.

So far, Amy Atwood Selections, Camins 2 Dreams, En Cavale, Ettiella, Hudson Chatham, Kareen Wine, Lars/Statera, Le Petit Mort, Loella, Louis Dressner Selections, Maloof, Margins Wine, NOK Wines, Ram Cellars, Roni Selects, Sylvester/Rovine Selections, and Terah Wine Co. have poured at the tastings! This is not just a list of names; it's a celebration of the diversity and richness of the wine industry. We're excited to see this project grow and to continue showcasing the incredible queer voices and flavors in natural wine. If you are an LGBTQ+ identified natural winemaker and you are interested in pouring at a future wine flair, please email info@thevinguard.com, 

What’s in store? 

We’re looking to host Wine Flairs in other cities, in the U.S. and abroad! If you have a place in mind, please let us know! Please put Café Nell in Portland on your December 3, 2024 calendar. 

If you are interested in hosting Wine Flair, please email info@thevinguard.com. You don’t have to be LGBTQ+ identified; we love our allies.

You can also support WIne Flair by donating to the Wine Flair Fund.. Your contribution will allow us to bring LGBTQ+ winemakers to areas that most need support, representation, and queer joy! Thank you.