How LGBTQ+ Wine Professionals Are Changing Wine Culture

Exhausted by the lack of devoted places for queer folks in New York City, sommelier Ren Peir and food and beverage creative trent cofounded BABE, a pop-up queer wine bar, in 2024. Wanting to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks who enjoy wine, they had no idea the events would become so popular that tickets would sell out in an hour.

Over the past several years, LGBTQ wine professionals around the country like Peir and trent have been reimagining spaces for queer folks in wine. Traditionally, wine spaces have been overwhelmingly white, male, and straight, the opinions, voices, and palates that have been the default.

The vibe at BABE is unapologetically queer. “Wine can feel intimidating and exclusive,” says Peir. “We are intentional about creating moments and a general experience that replaces [intimidation] with approachability, accessibility, and joy.”

BABE is not your traditional neighborhood wine bar experience, and that’s intentional. There are no dress codes, except to be “cute,” to be your most authentic self. A community collaboration, BABE events include DJs and culinary professionals to help curate an unforgettable experience. The music is lively, so dancing is always welcomed. And on special occasions like their holiday curation, you can find beautifully designed grazing tables for feasting all evening. While the team fundraises for a brick-and-mortar space, these wine bar curations are hosted throughout New York City at places like the Ace Hotel Brooklyn and intimate event spaces.

“Queerness is not just about sexuality and gender; it’s our politics. That trickles down into how we show up in the wine world,” says Peir. Challenging the narratives of who is allowed to be a part of wine culture, even as industry professionals, she says “all of our sommeliers are QTBIPOC wine professionals with expansive knowledge and years of experience.”

“trent had many experiences in heteronormative environments where somms felt the need to explain wine only in terms of sweetness,” Peir explains. “They knew it’s because they're Black.”