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, 2024.
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.
Xicha Brewing, with three locations throughout the Willamette Valley, has earned acclaim for its wide range of excellent craft beers.
Photo by Joey Hamilton
The Willamette Valley is home to a large Hispanic and Latino population—one that has become an essential part of the region’s thriving wine industry.
In many cases, Hispanic and Latino families have launched award-winning wineries and that rank among the region’s top stops today. Given that strong presence, we take a look at a few groundbreaking Hispanic and Latino wineries in the Willamette Valley.
