Nominations are now open for the 2013 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame. Nominees are individuals who exemplify legendary status because of contributions and commitment to the Washington wine industry. Eligible candidates must have been Washington residents for 25 years and involved in the wine industry for 25 years. Nomination forms and criteria are available at www.theclorecenter.org on the Legends of Washington Wine drop-down list under the ‘Events’ tab.
A selection committee will the nominee’s impact on the wine industry, contributions to the community, and their historical and lasting significance for future generations. The selection committee includes representatives from each of the state’s viticultural regions. Committee members independently review and rate the nominees. The Legends Gala honoring the 2013 inductee will be hosted at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center’s Vineyard Pavilion on the evening of Friday, August 9, 2013.
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; and George Carter, research partner of Dr. Walter Clore. A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center to memorialize each inductee.
The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame is a project of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center. Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Clore Center 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.
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 Washington Wine”.
The Center’s site, located in Prosser off I-82 at Exit 82, overlooks the Yakima River and offers views of the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain. Prosser was chosen because of its distinction as home of the largest irrigated agricultural research center in the United States (WSU-Irrigated Ag Research and Extension Center) where Dr. Clore conducted his research.
The main, 15,000 square foot Clore Center and grounds, designed to complement its natural surroundings, will feature a demonstration kitchen, tasting area (wine and food) and retail space and will offer indoor and outdoor venues for conferences, meetings, business and social events. The Center is currently under construction and scheduled for completion toward the end of 2013.