Winemaker, grower, and mentor, Doug Gore has been selected as the 2017 inductee into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame. The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will honor Gore with this award during the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame Gala to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11th, 2017.
Native to San Jose, Gore grew up knowing he would spend his life working close to the land. The notion that he would do this through winemaking would come much later. Gore originally studied food science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the early 1970’s. After graduating in 1976, he worked first as a laboratory technician and later as enologist for renowned winemaker Myron Nightingale at Beringer Winery.
In 1982 Gore brought his California wine experience to Chateau Ste. Michelle and two years later began making Columbia Crest wines. Gore’s accomplishments are manifold and include his ability to make a fresh, consistent style of Chardonnay that appeals to new wine consumers and connoisseurs alike. In the late 1980’s, his Merlot not only caught the industry’s attention but also established Washington State’s penchant for the varietal; and his innovative spirit led Columbia Crest to become the first U.S. winery to introduce Semillon-Chardonnay.
In 2009 Columbia Crest landed in the No. 1 spot on The Wine Spectator’s Top 100 for the 2005 vintage of its Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Under Doug’s direction, Columbia Crest has become one of America’s most popular and fastest growing premium wineries.
As the executive vice president of winemaking, vineyards & operation for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Gore leads the largest winemaking and grape growing team in the Pacific Northwest. His leadership has enabled many Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ brands to grow beyond 1 million cases per year, and has set the tone for the evolution of Washington as a grape growing region.
“Doug Gore is a terrific Legend of the Washington Wine Industry. He is one of the longest serving employees of Ste. Michelle, tirelessly building the reputation of Washington wine. His accomplishments are many, particularly guiding Columbia Crest to the number 1 wine in the world according to the Wine Spectator. Doug has a great legacy, quietly propelling the Washington wine industry to greatness,” says Ted Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
Beyond Gore’s winemaking accolades, his role as a mentor for winemakers and viticulture teams is what truly makes him a Legend. During his time at Ste. Michelle, Gore has helped cultivate several notable winemakers who have further grown Ste. Michelle Wine Estates labels, or who have spread their talents throughout the industry, including: Darrell Allwine, of Col Solare; David “Merf” Merfield, of Northstar; Marcus Notaro, of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa; Daniel Wampfler, of Abeja; Charlie Hoppes, of Fidelitas Wines; Mike Januik, of Novelty Hill Januik; and Bob Betz, of Betz Family Winery.
Gore’s leadership has, and continues, to support the growth of his Ste. Michelle Wine Estates colleagues, Rob McKinney, vice president of operations, and Kevin Corliss, vice president of vineyards, and many others.
Tickets and sponsorship options for the Legends Gala on August 11th, 2017 will be available soon at theclorecenter.org/legends.
About the Nominees of Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame:
Nominees 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;
• Mike Hogue, whose vision helped define the Washington wine industry;
• Allen Shoup, an industry leader who is committed to building the reputation of Washington wines;
• Don Mercer, Horse Heaven Hills pioneer;
• Dr. Charles Nagel, scientist and 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.