Pride in Wine: Raul Toscano
Raul Toscano started his wine journey in 2019, doing a harvest internship with Helen Keplinger. Currently, he works at ACME Fine Wines as an Executive Assistant and is pursuing his WSET Level 2 certification. He identifies as gay.
When did you know you were LGBTQ?
Deep down I think I always knew I was gay but it wasn't until I was in high school in my junior year that I started identifying as gay. I had come out to my closest friends then and officially came out to my family and everyone else in 2018. It was absolutely terrifying but my friends and family were so loving and supportive.
How did you discover your love of wine?
I discovered my love of wine through my dad. During family dinners there would always be a bottle of wine, and once I was old enough to drink we would share it and talk about it. By living and working in Napa, I've also been able to meet fellow wine industry people who have helped further my love of wine.
What challenges do you think are unique to LGBTQ people in wine?
I think it would have to be the attitude people have towards the LGBTQ+ community and thinking we are "less than" straight, white men specifically. This industry tends to cater more to straight, white men so sometimes it feels like walking on eggshells trying to ensure that we get taken seriously and not dismissed.
If you had to choose just one, what would be your favorite wine so far?
Choosing one is so difficult! If I had to choose one, it would have to be the 2016 Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Cavanos. The wine was absolutely stunning but what made it my favorite was the two people I was able to share it with. It's either that bottle or the 2015 Domaine Dujac Charmes-Chambertin.
What is your go-to wine and food pairing?
My go-to wine and food pairing would have to be Champagne and potato chips!
What does the future of queer people in wine look like to you?
The future of queer people in wine looks hopeful to me. This past year I've been able to meet and be introduced to more queer people in wine which has been incredible. While there is still a lot of work to do to diversify the wine industry, I think that there are a lot of great organizations that are helping create access for more queer people to become visible in this industry.
As a queer person in wine, do you ever feel that your visibility leads to being treated like a token or being pigeon holed?
I will say that I personally haven't felt like my visibility as a queer person in wine has lead to me being treated like a token or being pigeonholed.
Answers written by Raul Toscano. Follow Raul @raultoscao or contact him at toscanoeraul@gmail.com!