Prosser, WA — Founder and managing partner of Long Shadows Vintner, Allen Shoup has been selected as the 2014 inductee into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame. Shoup was the former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle, taking the company from a single brand generating $5 million annually to revenues over $140 million during his 20 year reign.
The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center will honor Mr. Shoup during the Legends of Washington Wine induction gala to be held at 6:30pm on Friday, August 8, 2014 at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center.
Allen Shoup is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Chateau Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company’s CEO for 17 years. Currently, Allen is managing partner of Long Shadows Vintners, which he established in 2002, as well as managing partner since 2008 of the Benches at Wallula Gap, a 650-acre vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills.
Long Shadows is a continuation of Allen’s on-going commitment to building the reputation of Washington wines. It is a collection of ultra-premium wineries comprised of internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world. In 2007, Food & Wine magazine selected Long Shadows as its “Winery of the Year”.
Allen began his wine career in Modesto, California as a marketing director for Gallo. In 1980, Allen came to Washington to lead Chateau Ste. Michelle, its affiliate wineries and the growing region from obscurity to international prominence. Under Allen’s guidance Chateau Ste. Michelle grew from 4,000 acres of unsung vineyards into a world-class 30,000 acre Columbia Valley appellation. Allen also initiated joint ventures as CEO of Ste. Michelle that brought Tuscany’s Piero Antinori and Germany’s Dr. Ernst Loosen to Washington. Out of these partnerships came Col Solare and Eroica. Allen knew Dr. Walter Clore, respected his vision and sought Dr. Clore’s counsel from the early days of his arrival in Washington.
Allen is founder of the Washington Wine Institute and the Auction of Washington Wines. He helped create the Washington Wine Commission and was instrumental in organizing the American Vintners Association. Allen has received numerous industry and business awards in recognition of his work on behalf of Washington wine, including Sunset Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement award and has served has the honoree chair of dozens of prestigious charity wine auctions. Allen and his wife Kathleen reside in Seattle.
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; and Mike Hogue, whose vision helped define the Washington wine industry. A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center to memorialize each inductee.
About the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is 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 15,000 square foot Clore Center will feature exhibits that focus on the Washington state wine and agriculture industries, a demonstration kitchen, a tasting area (wine and food), retail space, and will offer indoor and outdoor venues for conferences, classes, meetings, business and social events. The Clore Center facility has recently been completed, and will open to the public in Spring of 2014.
The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center has been 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. For more information or to make a donation, call 509-786-1000 or visit www.theclorecenter.org.