Prosser, Wash. — Registration is now open for the 2013 annual Moteur de Vine fundraiser ride. Now in its fifth year, the ride provides an up-close look at Washington State’s grape-growing regions known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The annual ride is the creation of long-time wine industry veterans Bill denHoed and Scott Pontin. The ride is intended to provide people who may not be involved in the wine industry with an in-depth exposure to Washington’s AVAs and a better grasp of what makes each region unique. Each year, the ride grows as it moves around the state, and participants of this year’s ride will experience the Puget Sound AVA and Olympic Peninsula.
Based out of Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles, Wash., this year’s ride will begin on the evening of Friday, August 24, with a no-host social and dinner. On the morning of Saturday, August 25, riders will put their kickstands up and roll westbound toward Neah Bay to explore the 87th Annual Makah Days Arts, Crafts, and Food Fair. A shuttle bus will be available for individuals who wish to participate but who do not ride a motorcycle. Participants will enjoy a 63 mile, 249-curve route. After lunch, motorcyclists and shuttle bus riders will head back taking 101E around Lake Crescent. In addition to the ride, stops will be made at vineyards to visit with local viticulturists and learn about the Puget Sound AVA. Upon returning to Port Angeles, the group will get some down time to relax before enjoying an eventful evening at the Peninsula Golf Club.
Participants of the ride have been offered an exclusive opportunity to taste the award-winning wines of Quilceda Creek Vintners. Sunday morning, the group will head for Snohomish and Quilceda Creek. Additional details will be sent to registered Moteur de Vine participants.
The Moteur de Vine 2008 inaugural ride featured the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Red Mountain AVAs, followed by the 2009 ride exploring the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The Lake Chelan AVA, Washington’s eleventh and newest appellation at the time, was the destination in 2010. In 2011, the group explored the Columbia Valley and Wahluke Slope AVAs. This year, Moteur de Vine participants will get the chance to explore the Puget Sound AVA and Olympic Peninsula. To date, Moteur de Vine has raised more than $60,000 in support of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center.
In addition to the weekend’s events, a raffle is being held for a 2000 Harley-Davidson Millennium Edition Softail Deuce. Tickets are $100 a piece and the drawing will take place during the Saturday night festivities. For more information about Moteur de Vine or to purchase tickets, check out our event page at www.TheCloreCenter.org or call the office at 509-786-1000. All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will be a centrally located, must-see learning center that promotes Washington State wine and food by actively engaging visitors to experience and realize the quality and diversity of Washington’s wine and food products. The Clore Center site is located in Prosser, Washington on 24 acres overlooking the Yakima River and is easily accessible from I-82, Exit 82. The site also offers views of the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Ridge. Prosser is home to the largest irrigated agricultural research center in the United States (WSU-IAREC) where Dr. Clore performed his research.
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”. Still in its infancy, Washington state has much more to reveal in planting areas and suitable varietals.
The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center is being developed in partnership with the Port of Benton, as well as a large contingency of private supporters. Fundraising for the Clore Center is ongoing and contributions are welcome and appreciated. To make a donation, or for more information, call 509.786.1000 or visit www.theclorecenter.org.