Our Team

Convivio was founded by a team rooted in Oregon’s food, wine, hospitality, and tourism industries, united by a shared vision to celebrate and elevate Latino voices shaping Oregon’s wine industry.

Ricardo Antunez

Ricardo is the owner of Xicha Brewing and Pura Vida Cocina, two businesses known for blending culture, community, food, and craft beverages in meaningful ways. Ricardo has created welcoming spaces that celebrate Latino heritage while building strong community connections across Oregon. His passion for storytelling, culture, and representation is at the heart of Cónvivio!’s mission.

Elena Rodriquez

Elena, founder of Alumbra Cellars, is passionate about creating greater visibility for Latino voices within the wine industry. Through her work in winemaking, she has helped foster conversations around representation, identity, and inclusion in Oregon wine country. Her perspective as a winery owner and advocate for diverse storytelling helps shape the heart of Cónvivio!’s wine experiences and cultural programming.

Melissa Sanchez

Melissa Sanchez grew up working in her family’s restaurant in California and frequently helps her mom at Juanita’s in Dayton. Those experiences shaped her passion for hospitality, community, and creating spaces where people connect through food and culture. Today, Melissa works in travel tourism and marketing with a strong passion for storytelling. Her background helps bring Cónvivio!’s vision to life by connecting new audiences to the people, culture, and experiences that make the Willamette Valley unique.

Erica Figueroa

Erica is co-owner of Celebra Events and a seasoned event professional with more than 20 years of experience in event planning and operations. Her passion for hospitality is deeply rooted in her Mexican upbringing, where welcoming others, being hospitable, and serving with intention have always been core values.  Her experience and passion for hospitality helps bring Convivios mission and vision to bring people together to enjoy great food and wine to life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Latino Maker Food & Wine Convivio is a two-day celebration honoring the Latino voices shaping the future of Oregon wine. Taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month and just after harvest season, the event brings together Latino winemakers, chefs, vineyard stewards, cellar workers, and hospitality leaders for an unforgettable weekend of food, wine, storytelling, and community. 

    • Friday, September 25, 2026 at The Preserve

    9301 SW Bayou Dr, McMinnville, OR 97128

    Educational Panel and Five-course Wine & Food Dinner

    • 12:00–3:00 p.m. | Latino Change Makers: Navigating Cultural Identity panel and lunch

    • 6:30pm | Five-course Wine & Food Dinner

    • Saturday, September 26, 2026 at The Ground at Stillwater, 12pm-5pm

    455 NE Irvine St, McMinnville, OR 97128

    Festival-style tasting featuring Latino wineries, chefs, food vendors, and makers

  • The idea grew from a desire to create a space where Latino makers could share their work, tell their stories, and connect with the community. While Latino professionals have long played an important role in Oregon's food and wine industries, their stories have not always been highlighted. The Convivio was created to celebrate those contributions.

  • Not at all. The Convivio is open to everyone. Whether you're a longtime supporter of Oregon wine, curious about the culture, or simply looking to learn more about the people behind these businesses, everyone is welcome.

  • Rather than focusing only on tasting food and wine, the Convivio centers the people behind them. Guests will have opportunities to hear directly from chefs, winemakers, and makers while experiencing the hospitality and sense of community that inspired the event. This is not just another stuffy wine event, guests can expect to be met where they’re at and feel right at home.

  • nterview requests are encouraged in advance whenever possible.

    Please contact: Genesis Burton from Qué Chilero Group

    Email: genesis@quechileropdx.com

    Phone: (818) 373-9137

  • A convivio is a gathering centered around sharing food, conversation, and community. It is an invitation to come together, build relationships, and celebrate with one another.

  • If you are interested in a volunteer or sponsor opportunity, you can check out our individual contact forms on our website: https://www.lmfwconvivio.com/volunteer

    Or send us a message at lmfwconvivio@gmail.com