By Ana Maria Gill & Valerie Milano
Photos THT
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/12/26 – The excitement was already building Friday evening as Palm Springs welcomed guests to the VIP, Media, and Vendor Reception for the Fourth Annual Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest.
As a proud media partner, The Hollywood Times was represented by Ana Maria Gill, attending on behalf of publisher Valerie Milano, who is currently recovering at home in Palm Springs.
Hosted at Boozehounds, the invitation-only gathering brought together festival sponsors, participating wineries, media representatives, vendors, and community supporters for an evening of networking, wine tasting, and celebration ahead of Saturday’s Grand Tasting event at the Hyatt Palm Springs.
The invitation-only gathering brought together festival sponsors, participating wineries, media representatives, vendors, and community supporters for an evening of networking, wine tasting, and celebration. Hosted by Boozehounds, the reception featured wines from MacRostie Winery, Markham Vineyards, and Jordan Winery, along with spirit tastings from Kleos Mastiha Spirits and a selection of appetizers.
“The turnout was fantastic,” Gill said. “The venue was packed, and there was a great energy throughout the evening. It was wonderful to see so many people excited about the festival and the community it supports.”
Guests enjoyed wine tastings from MacRostie Winery, Markham Vineyards, and Jordan Winery, along with spirit samples from Kleos Mastiha Spirits, a Greek women-owned brand often described as “your Greek vacation in a glass.” Boozehounds also provided a selection of appetizers as attendees mingled throughout the evening.
One of the featured winery representatives, AJ Smith of Markham Vineyards and MacRostie Winery, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the festival.
“This is our second year. We love it. This is always one of our favorite events to come to every year,” Smith said.
Smith noted that both wineries proudly support diversity and inclusion throughout California’s wine community. He highlighted Markham’s acclaimed Merlot program and MacRostie’s celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay offerings while emphasizing the welcoming spirit found throughout Sonoma County wine country.
With conversations flowing and glasses raised, the reception offered a preview of what attendees could expect at Saturday’s main event. The crowd was so enthusiastic that conducting formal interviews proved difficult — a good problem to have for a festival centered on connection, inclusion, and community.
Now in its fourth year, the Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest has become one of the desert’s premier culinary and wine celebrations. Named among the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ food and wine festivals, the event showcases wineries, distilleries, food purveyors, and businesses owned by or supportive of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women entrepreneurs.
Founded by Michael and Ernie Westman, the festival was created with a purpose that extends far beyond wine tasting.
“We wanted to create an event where every glass poured had a deeper meaning,” the organizers have said. “It’s about visibility, representation, and giving back.”
Strick also spoke with festival co-founder Michael Westman, who reported strong ticket sales leading into Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Organizers expected another successful turnout as attendees prepared to enjoy more than 100 wines and spirits, gourmet food offerings, live entertainment, specialty vendors, and a silent auction benefiting local charitable organizations focused on equality and inclusion.
The festival’s mission is to celebrate and highlight the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and other underrepresented communities within the wine and hospitality industries while supporting organizations that advance equality and opportunity.
This year’s event is also participating in XOXO Palm Springs, further expanding its role as a cultural celebration that promotes inclusion, community engagement, and support for local businesses throughout the summer season.
As Palm Springs prepared for Saturday’s main event, the excitement generated at Boozehounds suggested another successful year for a festival that continues to grow in attendance, visibility, and impact.
Event Information
4th Annual Equality Wine & Food Fest
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Hyatt Palm Springs
Grand Tasting: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
VIP Entry: 12:00 p.m.
Following the festival, attendees can continue the celebration at the official after-party at Canopy Wine Lounge adjacent to the Hyatt.
For many who gathered Friday evening, the message was clear: the Equality Wine & Food Fest is far more than a wine festival. It is a celebration of community, philanthropy, inclusion, and the diverse voices helping shape the future of food and wine.
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