By Valerie Milano
With reporting by Ana Maria Gill and Jennifer Corday
The Hollywood Times | Media Partner
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/13/26 -Palm Springs once again uncorked a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and outstanding wine as the Fourth Annual Equality Wine & Food Fest returned to the Hyatt Palm Springs. Bringing together wineries, distilleries, food vendors, community organizations, and supporters from across California, the event highlighted the contributions of LGBTQ+, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses while raising funds for important local causes. Celebrate Diversity at Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest
The excitement began the evening before at the VIP, Media, and Vendor Reception held at Boozehounds Palm Springs. The invitation-only gathering welcomed participating wineries, sponsors, media representatives, and community leaders for an evening of networking, wine tasting, and anticipation for the main event.
Local television station KESQ was on hand to capture the festivities. News Director David Strick described the gathering as “a wonderful afternoon celebrating wine and equality,” noting how the festival has become a signature Palm Springs event.
Here is our coverage of the Equality Wine & Food Fest with Ana Marie Gill doing the intro and Jennifer Corday having a blast interviewing the vendors with Ana Maria Gill as the videographer. Great job ladies!
Festival founders Michael and Ernie Westman created the event to celebrate diversity within the wine and hospitality industries while supporting local nonprofits that serve the Coachella Valley. Over the years, the festival has grown into one of Palm Springs’ most anticipated annual gatherings.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed samples from dozens of wineries and spirit producers while learning about the stories behind the labels.
Now in its fourth year, the Equality Wine & Food Fest returned to the Hyatt Palm Springs, bringing together wineries, food vendors, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and local businesses in a celebration that has become much more than a traditional tasting event. Downtown Palm Springs Hotel in Coachella Valley | Hyatt Palm Springs
Created by producers Michael and Ernie Westman, the festival was built around a mission of elevating LGBTQ+, women-owned, and BIPOC-owned businesses while supporting charitable causes and promoting inclusion throughout the food and wine industry.
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From the moment guests entered the Hyatt atrium, the atmosphere was lively and energetic. Visitors sampled wines from a variety of producers, explored vendor booths, enjoyed entertainment, and connected with organizations dedicated to creating positive change in their communities.
One of the festival’s most meaningful voices came Paul Santello, (not pictured here but in the YouTube interview) HRC Palm Springs Governor & Federal Club Co-chair (HRC). HRC maintained a strong presence throughout the event. HRC | Human Rights Campaign
Speaking with The Hollywood Times, Santello emphasized both the celebratory and advocacy-focused nature of the festival.
“We have a great crowd here. Everybody’s having a good time,” Paul said. “This is an amazing opportunity for HRC.”
He also discussed the organization’s continued commitment to advancing equality and supporting transgender youth, reminding attendees that the fight for equality remains as important as ever.
Sparkle & Toast Instagram
One of those stories came from Jordan Winery in Sonoma County, where Jennifer Corday spoke with Kelsey Suddarth about the winery’s unique approach to winemaking.
“We have a woman winemaker, Maggie, who is wonderful,” Suddarth said.
Jordan combines traditional techniques with innovative practices, utilizing French oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, and concrete egg-shaped fermentation vessels. According to Suddarth, the concrete eggs are especially important in the winery’s Chardonnay production.
Using concrete eggs instead of stainless steel for Chardonnay fermentation naturally enhances the wine’s creamy texture without relying heavily on oak influence. The shape of the vessel creates a natural vortex that keeps yeast solids suspended throughout fermentation, continually mixing the wine and helping develop a rich, round mouthfeel.
The festival floor also showcased the diversity of businesses that continue to make Palm Springs one of the country’s most welcoming destinations.
Representatives from Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquors shared their enthusiasm for introducing guests to new wines while discussing charitable initiatives connected to select bottle sales. Their passion for wine education and community involvement reflected the spirit found throughout the festival. Perry’s Fine Wine & Liquors Palm Springs | Liquor Store Palm Springs
Another popular exhibitor was the Palm Springs Surf Club, one of the city’s newest attractions. Melody, a member of the Surf Club’s marketing team, spoke with Corday about the venue’s unique combination of surfing, dining, entertainment, and community events.
Many attendees were surprised to learn that the facility offers far more than surfing, featuring pools, food and beverage experiences, special events, and entertainment programming designed for both visitors and local residents. Palm Springs Surf Club | Your Surf Paradise | 760.205.3634
The Social Cafe & Lounge also attracted attention during the festival. Located just minutes from Palm Springs International Airport, the venue describes itself as “a cafe by day and a lounge by night.”
A representative shared details about the restaurant’s breakfast offerings, famous buttermilk biscuits, pizzas, wings, salads, and weekend entertainment. Guests were especially intrigued by the venue’s partnership with a luggage storage service that allows travelers to securely store their bags before check-in or after checkout, freeing them to enjoy Palm Springs without being tied to their luggage.
“It’s a great way to free up your day,” the representative explained. The Social Café in Palm Springs ☕ | Best Café & Luggage Drop Near Palm Springs Airport
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Equality Wine & Food Fest continues to be the opportunity for attendees to engage directly with business owners, winery representatives, hospitality professionals, and nonprofit organizations. The event creates an environment where conversations flow as easily as the wine itself, encouraging discovery, education, and connection.
Of course, no growing event is without its challenges.
While the overall mood remained upbeat and positive, several attendees shared concerns regarding food availability as the afternoon progressed. Others commented on the temperature inside the Hyatt atrium, noting that the venue became quite warm as crowds increased throughout the day.
Despite those concerns, attendees appeared focused on enjoying the wine tastings, supporting exhibitors, and celebrating the festival’s broader mission. As the event continues to grow in popularity, attendee feedback regarding food service and venue comfort may provide valuable insight for future festivals.
What remains undeniable is the impact the Equality Wine & Food Fest has had on the community. In just four years, the event has evolved into one of Palm Springs’ signature celebrations, creating opportunities for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and attendees to come together around shared values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Corday also visited with representatives from Benovia Winery, a family-operated Sonoma County winery that has been crafting premium wines for more than 21 years.
“We are a female-owned business, and we’ve been at the Equality Wine & Food Fest since its inception, and we’re just really happy to be here to support,” said the winery’s out-and-proud director.
Known for its acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Benovia draws inspiration from the world-renowned vineyards of Burgundy while embracing the unique terroir of California’s Russian River Valley.
“Russian River really has the perfect weather, perfect soil, perfect climate for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir,” she explained. “Everything is done with intention and everything is done by hand. Our approach is very traditional, old-world style, taking a lot of inspiration from Burgundy.”
Benovia also offers guests a memorable wine country experience. Visitors who purchase a case of wine receive a two-night stay in the winery’s cottage overlooking the vineyard.
“You can walk to our tasting room from the cottage,” she said. “You also get a complimentary tasting for four people.”
The festival wasn’t just about wine. Local food vendors offered an array of bites designed to complement the beverages being poured, while community organizations shared information about their missions and services.
Jennifer Corday also connected with representatives from several participating organizations, all of whom emphasized the importance of creating spaces where diversity is celebrated and inclusion remains at the forefront.
The Equality Wine & Food Fest has become more than a tasting event. It serves as a gathering place where people from different backgrounds can come together, support worthy causes, and discover businesses that share a commitment to equality.
For many attendees, the event offered an opportunity to learn about wineries and producers they may never have encountered otherwise. For the participating businesses, it provided a chance to connect directly with consumers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and community engagement.
As glasses were raised throughout the afternoon, one message remained clear: great wine has a way of bringing people together, and when paired with a commitment to inclusion and equality, the result is something worth celebrating.
The Fourth Annual Equality Wine & Food Fest once again demonstrated why Palm Springs continues to be a destination where diversity is embraced, community is strengthened, and everyone is welcome at the table.
For additional information about participating wineries, visit Jordan Winery and Benovia Winery online.
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