AAPI Food & Wine Wins Nonprofit Award

The Portland-based organization earns top honors for its efforts to elevate AAPI chefs and winemakers.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Food and Drink

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wine glass and ceramic bowl, representing the culinary and heritage focus of the AAPI food and wine community. — AAPI Food & Wine has been named the Next Wave Nonprofit of the Year for its work celebrating Asian American chefs and winemakers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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AAPI Food & Wine has been named the Next Wave Nonprofit of the Year. Launched in 2023, the organization celebrates the heritage of Asian American winemakers and chefs through collaborative festivals.

Why it matters

The nonprofit was founded to elevate Asian American-made wine to the same cultural stature as the food it is paired with. By highlighting diverse heritage, the group provides a platform for representation within the culinary and viticulture industries.

The inaugural event featured 12 Portland chefs and 5 AAPI-owned wineries. The nonprofit has successfully hosted three annual walkaround festivals in Oregon and expanded with a three-day residency in New York City.

The players

Lois and Dave Cho

They are the founders of CHO Wines and the nonprofit organization AAPI Food & Wine.

Sylvia Choi

She serves as a board member helping to manage the operations of AAPI Food & Wine.

Jane Barmore

She serves as a board member responsible for the management of the nonprofit organization.

The details

Founded by Lois and Dave Cho, who also launched CHO Wines in 2020, the nonprofit hosts walkaround festivals where participants showcase samples. The organization is governed by a board of members, including Sylvia Choi and Jane Barmore.

Lois and Dave Cho launched CHO Wines in 2020.
The founders launched AAPI Food & Wine in 2023.
The nonprofit held a residency in New York City in March 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This award highlights the growing impact of niche cultural nonprofits on the culinary landscape. It mirrors a broader shift in the entertainment and food sectors toward celebrating specific heritage-based narratives through collaborative, large-scale events.

Readers can anticipate future event expansion into major cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago. These upcoming festivals will provide more opportunities for the public to engage directly with AAPI chefs and winemakers.

The takeaway

Supporting heritage-based culinary organizations can directly increase the visibility of underrepresented producers in the wine industry. Consumers looking to engage can keep an eye on upcoming festivals planned for cities across the U.S.