LatinX and Proud
Celebrating Hispanic Roots returns
From around Latin America, the six representatives of the second annual Celebrating Hispanic Roots event forged their own paths to arrive in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. This fall, these Hispanic winery owners and winemakers will unite to celebrate their common roots, the unique journeys that led them to Oregon, the vineyards they manage, the premier wines they produce and their ambitions to give back to the local Spanish-speaking community.
Celebrating Hispanic Roots, a month-long event coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15–Oct. 15, will benefit local nonprofit Adelante Mujeres. Each of the wineries will offer a special package, donating 10% of sales to the charity, which provides holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latinas and their families, helping ensure full participation and active leadership in the community.
Celebrating Hispanic Roots was founded in 2020 by Atticus Wine co-owner/winemaker Ximena Orrego. This year, Carla Rodríguez, co-owner of Beacon Hill Winery & Vineyard, takes the lead, hosting the celebration at her Gaston winery Oct. 3. Guests can sample the showcased wines, speak with the celebrants in person and enjoy culinary creations by Ricardo Antúnez of Pura Vida Cocina. Two-hour scheduled tastings start at noon and 2:30 p.m.
“I really wanted to celebrate the diversity of our cultures and backgrounds, and share our personal stories,” says Orrego. “I was surprised there was really nothing like this that spanned the entirety of the Hispanic region — from Mexico down to South America, the Caribbean and Spain. It was also very important for me to give back to our Spanish-speaking community here in Oregon.”