The beverage alcohol industry has made considerable strides in recent years in improving and highlighting diversity and inclusion. Many successful brands, businesses and entrepreneurs have contributed towards this admirable goal.

From a purely business perspective, appealing to a wider consumer base makes sense. People of all backgrounds drink alcohol. Products that reflect the reality of our country’s increasingly diverse legal drinking age population are better positioned for growth going forward.

Also on the West Coast, Gentleman Farmer is a boutique, gay-owned winery that specializes in Old World-inspired wines from sustainably farmed vineyard sites in Napa Valley. The company donates a portion of proceeds to LGBTQ+ causes.

“We are visible; we participate, we tell our story, we make wine that we are proud of, and we give back,” explain Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham, partners and owners. “10% of June sales went to three LGBTQ+ youth organizations: It Gets Better, LYRIC, and VOICES.” It’s important to remember that helping minority individuals also helps the industry as a whole. The goal goes beyond assisting specific groups, as fostering diversity can have a greater positive impact.

“Wine is a diverse beverage, including the diversity of people who create it,” say Wolosz and Durham. “A curiosity about the multifaceted histories and stories of the people who create individual wines supports the whole craft industry.”