A Life Worth Being

From Winemaker to World Changer: How Remy Drabkin is Redefining Impact

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In this special episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby sits down with Remy Drabkin, a trailblazing queer winemaker, co-founder of Wine Country Pride, and mayor of McMinnville, Oregon. Remy is not just breaking barriers in the wine industry; she’s reshaping her community and beyond with innovative sustainability practices, including the development of a carbon-sequestering concrete that could revolutionize climate impact. Remy shares her journey of founding Remy Wines, creating the world’s first Queer Wine Fest, and her relentless pursuit of positive change through thoughtful leadership. From tackling DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in a traditionally conservative industry to her mayoral ambitions to "recode" local governance for more inclusive outcomes, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with intention, resilience, and impact.

Tune in as I explore what drives Remy’s passion for community, sustainability, and justice, and learn how she balances an extraordinary life of public service and business leadership—all while staying true to her authentic self.

Takeaways

  • Unexpected encounters can lead to meaningful connections.
  • Locking away technology can cause anxiety for many.
  • Behavior plays a crucial role in how we adapt to change.
  • Disconnection from technology can be beneficial.
  • Chance meetings can lead to new opportunities.
  • The experience at the Ellen show was memorable and unique.
  • Understanding the impact of technology on our lives is essential.
  • Anxiety can stem from the inability to access our devices.
  • The importance of being present in the moment.
  • Meeting new people can change the course of our lives.

    • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: Remy Drabkin's Journey

    05:48 Starting Remy Wines and Maintaining a Small Winery

    07:09 Incubating Nonprofits and High Impact Events

    11:31 Innovating the Wine Industry: Queer Wine Fest and Carbon Sequestering Concrete

    14:51 Creating Lasting Change and Fixing Government Systems

    20:01 Changing Housing Code for Better Outcomes

    29:06 Challenges Faced as a Woman, Gay, and Perceived Age

    30:48 Queer Wine Fest: Creating a Home and Network

    32:34 Challenges from Within the Queer Community

    35:10 Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Wine Industry

    36:08 Remy Drabkin: A Leader in Urban Design and Government

    44:14 Innovative Projects: Mixed-Use Redevelopment and Carbon Sequestering Concrete


    Connect with Remy Drabkin

    Website - https://www.remywines.com

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/remywines

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/remywines/


    Connect with Sue Willoughby:

    ⁠Web: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠

    Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠⁠

    FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠

    LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

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    A Life Worth BeingBy Sue Willoughby