You may have heard the buzz about Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame gala coming to Prosser on Saturday, August 28, 2010, beginning at 6pm. In a nutshell, it’s a chance to witness firsthand one of Washington State’s wine legends being inducted into the Hall of Fame. During this magical evening, you’ll dine on a gourmet dinner prepared by famous chef Dave Martin from Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” Season One. Taste a one-of-a-kind wine from winemaker Gordon Hill created for this special event. Get your photo taken with perhaps the most famous vines ever planted in Washington—those planted and tended to by Dr. Walter Clore himself.
But Legends is so much more than we can describe in a few words, so we asked the Walter Clore Center to provide us with answers to all your questions:
What is Legends?
Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame is a program of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore—the “Father of Washington Wine”—the Clore Center, opening in Prosser in 2011, will be a centrally located, must-see learning center that promotes Washington wine and food by engaging visitors to experience the diversity and quality of Washington’s wine and food products. Annually, the Clore Center holds a gala dinner to honor a legendary inductee into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Clore Center.
What makes a Legend?
A Legend of Washington Wine is someone whose contributions to the community and the wine industry are of historical and lasting significance. Previous inductees include: S.W. “Bill” Preston, Preston Premium Wines; John and Ann Williams and Jim and Pat Holmes, Red Mountain; Stan Clarke, a 30-year industry veteran; and John Anderson, a visionary and mentor to the Washington wine industry.
When is the 2010 Legends event?
Saturday, August 28, 2010, beginning at 6pm
What does the evening consist of?
– Wine and Seafood Reception hosted by Anthony’s Restaurant, in the Willmsen Memorial Rose Garden.
– Professional photos with original Walter Clore vines will be available as guests mingle.
– Wine Quest! For $50, guests may purchase a glass of Washington sparkling wine in a commemorative stem for an opportunity to win one of nine specially selected prizes, plus one exclusive grand prize item!
– Gourmet dinner by Chef Dave Martin—from Bravo TV’s inaugural “Top Chef”
– Sip a glass of the Legends red blend crafted by Milbrandt winemaker Gordon Hill
– Guest emcee (to be publicly announced in August) encourages audience bidding on select live auction items
– Highlight of the evening includes the formal honoring of the 2010 Washington Hall of Fame inductee (to be announced soon!)
– Limited number of commemorative bottles of the 2010 Legends red blend will be available for sale to memorialize the evening compliments of sponsor Universal Packaging.
Where is it being held?
In the Willmsen Memorial Garden, on the grounds of the WSU-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, 24106 North Bunn Road, Prosser, WA (directly in front of some of the vines planted by Dr. Walter Clore).
What is the cost to attend?
$885 for a table of eight or $145 per person
What is the attire for the evening?
Garden attire is welcome!
How do I make reservations?
On the Clore Center website, www.theclorecenter.org via Pay Pal or by downloading a reservation form.
Who is the 2010 Legend winemaker and what did he create for this event?
Gordon Hill, longtime Washington enologist and winemaker with Milbrandt Vineyards Winery, was selected as winemaker for the 2010 Legends of Washington Wine event. For the 2010 Legends wine, Hill created a 70% Petit Verdot Red Blend, tamed by 28 months of barrel aging with the addition of barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. A dash of Merlot was added for smoothness, with a splash of Malbec, contributing up-front character. Read his full bio.
Past Legends winemakers include Co Dinn from Hogue Cellars; Ray Einberger from Columbia Crest; and Rick Small from Woodward Canyon Winery.
Tell me about the chef and the dinner!
Millions of fans around the country recognize Dave Martin as the inimitable and beloved chef from Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” Season One. Undeniably the most popular chef on the show, he won viewer’s hearts and palates with his intense layering of flavors and vivid descriptions of his dishes. His approachable yet sophisticated take on old classics, like his signature Black Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese, made him a hit from the streets of NYC to the shores of St. Tropez.
Martin enjoys modernizing and revitalizing old school comfort foods, sometimes even with a lighter and healthier approach thanks to his many years of Southern California coastal living. Martin’s Legends menu will include a selection of delicious and tasty summer salads along with his Signature Smokey Rubbed Hanger Steak, an Asian Pork Tenderloin and Hand Rubbed and Oven Roasted Free Range Chicken.
Thanks to underwriting by the Prosser-based Desert Wind Winery, Dave Martin will bring his talents to the Clore Center.
I’d like to support the Legend or the Wine Hall of Fame, but I am unable to attend.
Donations are appreciated and warmly accepted through the reservation process, or by check made payable to The Clore Center and mailed to: 2010 Legends, Attn: The Clore Center, POB 1228, Prosser, WA 99350
Legends of Washington Wine is seeking sponsors.
A range of sponsorship opportunities are available. One is sure to fit your company! More information is available on the Clore Center website, www.theclorecenter.org, or by contacting Kathy Corliss at 509-786-1000.