The LGBTQ Presence in the Wine and Spirits Industry

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The wine and alcohol sector represents a large portion of the economy. This is not surprising, given the depth of an industry that includes agriculture, packaging, distribution, sales & marketing, and more. In the United States alone, the industry employs 4 million people and generates almost $70 billion in tax revenue for government. Globally, the industry is valued at US$ 1.4 trillion.

Notable LGBTQ people in the industry are rare. It seems that they are there, but largely invisible. A few are winery owners, such as Krista Scruggs and Evan Lewandowski who are founders and owners of their own wineries - the former was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers of 2018. There are winemakers on the list, including Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Winery, and also some distillers such as Hollis Bulleit of Bulleit Bourbon, Brady Konya of Middle West Spirits, and David Haskell of King's County Distillers. The majority on the list work with large distribution agencies such as Diageo.

The industry is a great supporter of the LGBTQ community. This is in large part due to the fact that the community has a lot of disposable income. It is a large consumer of alcohol, both personally and through activities and events. Gay people like to drink alcohol: 16% more than straight people. According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs some 75% of gays and lesbians were described as "current drinkers," as compared to 68% of bisexuals and 59% of heterosexuals. And lesbians out-drink gay men.

A lot of marketing by the industry is geared to the LGBTQ community. Many producers have created product specifically targeting LGBTQ consumers.

We have identified the following notable LGBTQ individuals in the wine and spirits industry. Simply click on their names to read their fascinating biographies.

Australia

Canada

Great Britain

The Netherlands

United States

See Also

Further Reading/Research


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