July 1, 2025Vino Vanguards: Part OneLearn how several wine events are finding successBy Neil FergusonRecent headlines point to a range of challenges facing our beloved fermented grape juice. In Eastern Washington, straddling the Oregon border, sits the bustling wine community of Walla Walla. Nearly 300 miles away, the Willamette Valley is seeing a new generation of wine events that feel fresh, focused and inclusive. AAPI Food & Wine spotlights Asian winemakers and chefs, while Queer Wine Fest celebrates the LGBTQ+ wine community. Instead of charcuterie plates and jazz bands, you’ll find tacos and an eclectic, punk-disco playlist at Alt Wine.