The city of Prosser, Wash. in Washington’s sprawling farm belt region east of the Cascade Mountains is the headquarters for the newly formed Prosser Wine Network, a volunteer-led non-profit organization aimed on promoting Prosser wine within the community, State and beyond.
The rural town of Prosser is home to more than two dozen wineries and tasting rooms, such as the boutique VineHeart Winery whose estate vineyards are pictured above.
“We chose Network [as part of the name] because we wanted to focus of the connectivity of Prosser wineries and tourism-based organizations within the community, so it’s more of a network collaboration,” says Prosser Wine Network president Jenna Hannan. She studied wine production and wine marketing in California before relocating to the area nearly six years ago where she works for Mercer Estates on the sales side of the wine business. Mercer Estates is one of several dozen wineries and tasting rooms that attract a steady flow of tourists to Prosser.
Many of the local wineries felt the timing was right to form an organization to promote Prosser wines and the area. Hannan cites the opening of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center in May of 2014 as well as the construction of Washington State University’s $23 million Wine Science Center in nearby Richland as growth factors contributing to the launch of the Network. “It has been a long time coming,” Hannan says of the fledgling Network, adding, “In Prosser and our neighboring communities it seemed like the right time to make it official.”
Advocating for its member wineries, the Network will serve as a key point of contact to organize networking opportunities, work to create awareness of Prosser wines, and promote the community. Attracting visitors requires not only inviting tasting rooms and great quality wines, but ongoing education related to all areas of the wine business. The Prosser Wine Network will be an important factor in meeting and exceeding guest expectations to achieve success as a premium wine region.
The Prosser Wine Network will also host events such as the upcoming UnWined, a chance to enjoy Prosser wines, light appetizers and live music in the spectacular setting of The Clore Center.
To learn more about the Prosser Wine Network, inquire about membership opportunities, or for the latest news and events, visit www.prosserwinenetwork.com.