Universal Packaging, a family owned, full line supplier to the wine industry, recently announced its continued support of the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame, a program of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. Universal will donate all the bottles, stems, and labels for the Clore Center’s 2010 Gala event to be held Saturday, August 28 at WSU-IAREC in Prosser, WA.
“Universal Packaging Inc. has been proud to partner with the Legends of Washington Wine event since its inception,” states Mac McLellan, President and CEO. “It is exactly the type of event we feel strongly about—where the real pioneers are recognized for their good work.”
The Legends Gala event annually honors an inductee into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame who exemplifies legendary status because of substantial commitment and contributions made to the Washington wine industry. 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; and John Anderson, a visionary and mentor who believed Washington would compete globally based on premium quality grapes. A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center to memorialize each inductee.
Tickets and sponsorships for the August 28 Legends Gala, supporting the Clore Center, are now available. Reservations may be made via Pay Pal at www.theclorecenter.org or by downloading a reservation form from the website. More information is available by calling 509-786-1000.
The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center, named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, will be a learning center that promotes Washington food and wine by engaging visitors to experience the diversity and quality of Washington’s food and wine 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 the Washington Wine Industry.”
Currently in the construction phase, the Clore Center’s site sits on 24 acres in Prosser, WA (off Interstate 82 at Exit 82). Overlooking the Yakima River, the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain, Prosser was chosen as the official site because of the town’s distinction as the home of the largest irrigated agricultural reserach center in the United States (WSU-IAREC) where Dr. Clore began his research.
Designed to complement its natural surroundings, the center will offer several indoor and outdoor venues for conferences, meetings, business and social gatherings and events. There is also a 2,000 square-foot Outdoor Event Facility that is due to be completed by Fall 2010.
For more information, visit www.theclorecenter.org