Gold In-Glass

Growing up in rural Eastern Washington, Vivianne Kennedy thought she’d wind up a scientist of some sort, probably a fisheries biologist. Then there was that undergraduate degree in information systems. But all along, another future beckoned.

That future was sparked in her 20s when she happened upon a barrel tasting event at a winery. The winemaker took the time to help lead Vivianne through the tasting and they had a long conversation about the impact of different oak treatments on Cabernet Franc. She realized wine was a way to combined her passion for art with her scientific bent.

Soon, Vivianne was the assistant winemaker at Portland’s ENSO Winery — and before long, she’d launched RAM Cellars. Those initials? An homage to her grandfather, whose legacy of care, kindness, and support she hopes to emulate.

In 2018, four years after launching RAM, she made the decision to come out as a transgender woman. It wasn’t easy. She lost friends, vineyard contracts, and wine club members. But “viv” is the French root word for “alive”, and for Vivianne, it was the decision that saved her life. Today, Vivianne is living up to her grandfather’s legacy by donating significant portions of RAM’s revenues to support the trans community.