Hispanic and Latino communities have a long, rich history in the Willamette Valley-from working in the region's vineyards and farms to opening their own restaurants and small businesses. This year, the Willamette Valley is excited to celebrate those cultures and contributions as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15-October 15, 2023.
As part of those efforts, we're excited to share the great work our Hispanic and Latino communities are doing around the Willamette Valley-and encourage you to learn more and support their ongoing efforts.
All across Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, Latino-owned businesses reflect long-standing cultures and traditions-including taquerias, cider makers, flea markets, bakeries, and more. Check out Travel Salem's round-up of 10 Latino-owned businesses to patronize on your next visit.
The Gonzalez family launched La Familia Cider Company in 2017, quickly earning rave reviews of their hard ciders inspired by fruity agua frescas-refreshing fruit drinks popular in the family's native Mexico and throughout Latin America. Today, La Familia's flagship taproom in downtown Salem is a popular community gathering spot, boasting 29 taps of regionally crafted cider-including a few of La Familia's own.
Pouring from Taps at La Familia Cider
Queso handmade and sold at Don Froylan Creamery
Don Froylan Creamery opened its doors to the public in Salem in March 2021-the culmination of more than 20 years of hard work that began in the kitchen of the Ochoa family's home in Southern Oregon. We wrote about the creamery's rise over the years-a story that includes door-to-door sales, award-winning sales, and a new restaurant showcasing the best of the creamery.
Salem's Xicha Brewing is the only Latino-owned-and-operated brewery in the Pacific Northwest, producing regionally inspired takes on classic beers (like guava-infused sour ales) and a food menu that spans tacos, tortas, Cubanos, and more.
And on Sept. 15-16 2023, join the brewery at its North Salem location for Xichafest—featuring live music and other fun attractions.
Xicha Brewing, with three locations throughout the Willamette Valley, has earned acclaim for its wide range of excellent craft beers.
The fourth annual Celebrating Hispanic Roots event is coming up this fall—and will feature two five-course dinners at Subterra Kitchen and Cellar in Newberg.
Each event will include wines from Latino and Hispanic winemakers—and will raise funds for ¡Salud!, which helps provide affordable health care to vineyard stewards and their families. Dinners take place on Sept. 17, 2023, and Oct. 15, 2023.
