In this episode of Pour Memories, we sit down with our metal-loving, community-building friend Stacy Buchanan, founder of Blood of Gods, a zine and cultural force that smashes together the worlds of wine and heavy metal in a most delightful way.

We talk about Stacy’s journey from the music scene into the wine industry, the magical weirdness of Walla Walla, and how Blood of Gods started as a “social experiment” and evolved into a community-driven, culture-shifting project. Stacy shares how the annual Merrymaking event came to life, what it means to create space for wine folks who don’t fit the mold, and how ego and elitism have sucked the joy out of wine for too long.

This is a warm, wide-ranging, and at times cathartic conversation about the power of storytelling, the joy of building subculture, and why wine should be fun, loud, and deeply inclusive.

About Our Guest:

Stacy Buchanan is the founder and editor of Blood of Gods, an independent print zine based in Walla Walla, WA, that blends wine, heavy metal, art, and alternative culture. He’s also the creator of Merrymaking, an annual event that champions inclusivity and creativity in the wine world. Stacy is a punk at heart, a zinemaker by trade, and a champion for people who love wine but hate the pretense. He was also named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers in 2023.

Instagram: @bloodofgodszine

“Wine has been the no fun club for a while” – Stacy

Awesome People, Places, Wines, & Wineries Mentioned in This Episode:

* Blood of Gods Zine

* The Annual Merrymaking in Walla Walla

* harles Smith Grenache “The Boy”

* Yallerhorn Wines (featured at Blood of Gods)

* Quilceda Creek

* Pepper Bridge Winery

* Kiona Vineyards

* Foxen Vineyard & Winery — especially their Chenin Blanc

* Delmas — Viognier and Syrah

* Jolie-Laide Wines

* Iruai

* Jett Wines

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