Prosser, Wash. — March 2016 — WSU food scientist Dr. Charles Nagel has been selected as the 2016 inductee into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will honor Dr. Nagel with this posthumous award during the Legends of Washington Wine gala to be held at 6:00pm on Friday, August 12th, 2016 at the Walter Clore Center.
Dr. Nagel was born in California, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bacteriology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1950, followed by his Doctorate in Microbiology from the University of California, Davis in 1960. Nagel joined WSU as an assistant professor of horticulture. His early work focused on studying the effect of sugar on the perception of acidity in wines and juices. After leaving to work for United Vintners in California, he returned to WSU in 1974 as a professor and food scientist, and retired in 1993. Dr. Nagel passed away on July 5th, 2007.
Nagel became an important fixture in the earliest days of Washington’s wine industry, working closely with Dr. Walter Clore and George Carter, making and testing wines from the early experimental vineyards. Starting in 1964, Nagel coordinated consumer tasting panels, comprised of WSU faculty and spouses in Pullman, to evaluate the experimental wines. This early feedback helped shape the foundation of this burgeoning industry. Many of the exercises used today originated from Dr. Nagel’s pioneering research, laboratory work, and instruction.
In his later career, Nagel touched many early winemakers as he became “the undisputed voice of authority on matters related to wine science and technical issues” said Rob Griffin of Barnard Griffin Winery. Dr. Nagel provided a “present and active source of information and support at a time when Washington wine was generally unknown and only grudgingly accepted.”
According to Rick Small, of Woodward Canyon Winery, “Before the state of Washington had viticulture and enology programs, aspiring winemakers like myself relied on advice and encouragement from individuals like Chas.” Small also notes that Nagel’s willingness to help a young winemaker like himself was most impressive.
Kay Simon of Chinook Wines shares that “Nagel’s many contributions to our understanding of wine chemistry are an important part of the body of understanding for the world’s wine industry – not only Washington’s.”
Dr. Nagel is survived by his wife Bea of over 50 years who was always by his side, sons Robert and Bill, and daughters Kathy, Liza, and Trish.
Nominees of Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame are individuals who exemplify legendary status because of contributions and commitment to the Washington wine industry. Nominees must have been Washington residents involved in the wine industry for 25 years.
Previous inductees to the Hall of Fame include:
- S.W. “Bill” Preston, founder of Preston Premium Wines;
- John and Ann Williams and Jim and Pat Holmes, wine pioneers from Red Mountain;
- Stan Clarke, a 30-year industry veteran;
- John Anderson, a visionary and mentor who believed Washington would compete globally based on premium quality grapes;
- David Lake, MW, renowned for his experimentation with new varietals and for wine innovations;
- Bill Powers, pioneer of low-impact and organic viticulture;
- Dr. Myles Anderson, founder of the Institute for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College;
- George Carter, research partner of Dr. Walter Clore;
- Mike Hogue, whose vision helped define the Washington wine industry;
- Allen Shoup, an industry leader who is committed to building the reputation of Washington wines;
- Don Mercer, Horse Heaven Hills pioneer.
A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center to memorialize each inductee. Tickets and sponsorship options for the Legends Gala on August 12th, 2016 will be available soon on www.theclorecenter.org.
About The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
The Clore Center is your destination to enjoy Washington’s wine, food, and agriculture through engaging experiences and innovative programs. The Center offers daily wine tasting featuring a rotating selection from Washington’s wine regions. The property and buildings are owned by the Port of Benton, and the project is operated by the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center Board of Directors. The late Dr. Clore began his life’s work in 1937 studying vinifera grapes and their potential for growth in Washington soils. His research, a cornerstone of the industry’s development, earned him official recognition from the Washington State Legislature as the “Father of the Washington Wine Industry.”