In this episode, we head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley to meet Remy Drabkin — winemaker, civic leader, innovator, and unapologetic champion for LGBTQ+ visibility in wine.
Remy is the force behind Remy Wines and the founder of Queer Wine Fest, and in this conversation, we explore how equity, intention, and creative problem-solving are not just buzzwords, but daily practices in her winery and beyond.
We get into everything from the power of thoughtful hiring and building inclusive spaces (yes, even bathrooms!) to the unexpected intersection of winemaking and carbon-sequestering concrete. You'll hear how Remy uses wine as a platform for change — whether it’s advocating for sustainable water solutions, supporting the ACLU through sparkling wine, or redefining what leadership in wine can look like.
We also dig into the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills, explore her love affair with the Italian grape Lagrein, and learn why she’s aging wine in chestnut barrels — and what all of this has to do with place, purpose, and legacy.
Whether you're here for the terroir or the truth bombs, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder that wine, at its best, is about people, progress, and pouring with purpose.
Episode Guide (Chapters)
2.45 - How intention shapes everything in the winery
5:38 – Creating Inclusive Wine Spaces
7:19 – The simplicity of building a thoughtful restroom and how this impacts the team
8.30 - Being thoughtful where job adverts go out
9.30 - Inventing Carbon Sequestration structural concrete called Solid Carbon
11.00 - Creative solutions to water challenges
13.24 - The importance of team meetings
17.20 - Creating Queer Wine Fest
22.30 - Winning the Governor's Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
26:34 – Why Willamette Valley Matters
26:15 – The Importance of Speaking Out. Finding your voice
28:50 – Locating Remy’s Vineyards in the South Dundee Hills
28:56 – Soil and Terroir in the Red Hills (volcanic Jory soil)
29:49 – Describing the Local Climate and landscape in Willamette Valley
32:49 – Planting Italian variety Lagrein, what it offers, and why it works here
38:09 – Using Chestnut Barrels and extended aging
42.28: Black Heart Méthode Champenoise wine that supports ACLU
47:15 – What’s next
50.00 - What is one action that someone running a small winery can take this year to create a more inclusive business model?
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
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🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
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Until next time – cheers to you!
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