This summer I learned about the inaugural Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio, which will take place in McMinnville during Hispanic Heritage Month. It takes place over two days, and is a celebration “honoring the Latino voices shaping the future of Oregon wine.” Gathering together are Latino winemakers, chefs, vineyard stewards, cellar workers, and hospitality leaders, focusing on food, wine, storytelling, and community—and you’re invited.
I was also fortunate enough to attend a media preview, where I got to hang out at Alumbra Cellars and catch the vibe. It was a chance to chat with folks there, learn some things, and expand my own perception of Latinos in food and wine.
Overview of the Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio
The Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio takes place Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 2026. The organizers are Ricardo Antunez, Elena Rodriquez, Melissa Sanchez, and Erica Figueroa. You can read more about them here.
The organizers define “convivio” as a “gathering centered around sharing food, conversation, and community.” Think of the related word, “convivial,” which means feasting in good company. The Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio takes place at multiple locations:
- Friday: There will be a five-course Vineyard Dinner at Alumbra Vineyard, 12655 SE Stringtown Road in Dayton, from 6:30pm to 9pm. Tickets are $130.
- Saturday: This is the day of the Grand Tasting at The Ground at Stillwater, 455 NE Irvine Street in McMinnville from noon to 5pm. Tickets are $100.
- Both days: Enjoy the entire weekend for $220.
- Tickets can be purchased here.
Dinner includes food and wine pairings—wines, of course, from Latino winemakers in Willamette Valley—and a chance to hear the stories of the people from the Latino food and wine community. That includes chefs, winemakers, and producers. From the website: “Designed to foster conversation and connection, this special evening celebrates community, craftsmanship, and the cultural richness that continues to shape Oregon Wine Country.”
The Saturday tasting event is festival-style, family-friendly, and a chance to connect directly with Latino winemakers, local chefs, and community members over wine, food, and music, all impressed with the richness of those traditions. Your ticket includes:
- Wine tastings from participating wineries.
- Chef-crafted food bites.
- Live music throughout the afternoon.
- Opportunities to meet winemakers, chefs, and local artisans.
- A community celebration of Latino culture in Oregon wine country.
Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio: Participating Winemakers and Chefs
Here’s who you can expect to see at the Convivio. First, the winemakers:
- Adrian Cornejo, Founder of Nueva Aventura Wine.
- Cesar Medina Maldonado, Owner of Medina Winery.
- Coria Estates, A Mexican-American Family-Owned Vineyard, Winery, and Tasting Room in South Salem, Oregon.
- Cristina Gonzales, Founder of Gonzales Wine Company.
- Elena Rodriquez, Founder of Alumbra Cellars (Convivio co-organizer).
- Gabriel Jagle, Winemaker from Scenic Valley Farms.
- Juan Pablo Valot, Founder of Valcan Cellars.
And the chefs:
Makers include OROX Leather Co., Three Sisters Nixtamal, and Alicia Hernandez.
Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio: Why Now?
At the media preview I had a chance to speak with Convivio co-organizer Melissa Sanchez, who also works as the social media marketing coordinator for the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, a DMO (direct marketing organization) based in Salem. They are active throughout the Willamette Valley. One question that stood out in my mind was, why now? What made them want to produce this event in 2026?
It turns out there was a similar event around the time of COVID. “There was a group called Hispanic Winemakers, led by Hispanic winemakers,” Melissa explained. This effort does not seem to be active (but correct me if I’m wrong).
She continued, “Our community has been suffering. It’s been impacted a lot and I think we all have been wanting to find a time to gather everybody and bring to light what is happening.”
She added, “People are still making wine, but the wine industry is being impacted, as well.” Their goal is to highlight Hispanic wine makers, and are inspired by the success that the AAPI community has experienced on this level. As they say, representation matters.
She’s happy to devote some of her free time for this event. “Everybody who’s part of the committee knows folks in the industry. It’s a really good group that is able to make this event happen this year—and we hope to bring it back next year.”
Melissa told me that Elena Rodriguez, owner, and founder of Alumbra Cellars, is a third-generation farmer who took over the family vineyard. She also hosted this media preview event. “I think that’s a very important story to tell other folks who worked in the vineyard that they made their own label as their side hustle,” she said. “This was with the hope of making it their full-time work. So I think it’s super important to highlight them.”
“One of the things we kept coming back to while planning this event was the people,” said Elena.”The Convivio is about recognizing the work, talent and traditions that have always been part of Oregon’s food and wine story. We want to create an opportunity for people to gather around the table together and experience Oregon wine country through a different lens.”
NA Pinot Noir
I haven’t done a lot of wine-focused events personally because I don’t drink wine. But at this event, Alumbra Cellars had an NA wine option! That was a really pleasant surprise, and to be honest, it made me feel more included.
The wine is called Pascual. It’s a wine with alcohol removed through something called “spinning cone distillation.” Like most NA beverages, it has a tiny bit of alcohol (less than .5%); this may be problematic for some, but for myself that is a non-issue.
Here’s the copy from the label:
Hecho por Winemaker Elena Rodriquez, daughter of a Mexican immigrant man full of love and music. Who planted a crop just like his grandfather, Pascual. The land he grew up on flourished with sugarcane, maiz, orange trees, and more. The Rodriguez family are third generation farmers, second generation grape growers, and first generation winemakers. This non-alcoholic Pinot Noir was made to honor the strong men that have been present in Elena’s life.”
The wine was on the dry side, not overly sweet. It was very nice and it felt good to have a glass of wine in hand.
And We Ate Something Delicious With it
Ricardo Atunez—owner of Xicha Brewing and Pura Vida Cocina—was at the comal cooking up some of the tastiest tortillas I’ve had, plus some beefy carne asada.
I asked him why he spelled Xicha (“chee-cha”) with an X. “Because I can!” he exclaimed. The name has connections to chicha morada, the fermented purple corn drink popular in Peru.
There were also salsas and chips, some pulled pork, warm slices of fried Queso Panela, cilantro, and some pickled onions.
Everything combined made for a good time. It was very family-friendly—lots of kids running around, laughter, and conversation.
From the press release I received, this is a great summary of the Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio:
“More than a food and wine festival, organizers hope the Convivio becomes an annual gathering where community comes first and every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for the people behind Oregon’s vineyards, kitchens and small businesses.”
Also note that the Convivio is open to everyone, not only those who identify as part of the Latino community. If you love Oregon wine, there’s a place for you. Curious about Latino culture? Come and learn! Wanting to get to know the people that make the food and wine in the Willamette Valley? Join them! All are welcome.
I hope you will consider attending—you can purchase tickets here. And I hope it’s a fantastic couple of days in September!
Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio
Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26, 2026
Alumbra Estates, 12655 SE Stringtown Road, Dayton and The Ground at Stillwater, 455 NE Irvine Street, McMinnville
Ticketing link
Latino Makers Food & Wine Convivio website | Instagram
Bridgetown Bites is edited and published by Meg Cotner in Portland, Oregon. She loves avocados, fresh produce, NA drinks, and cats.
