Nominations are open for the 2011 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame.  Nominees are those who exemplify legendary status because of contributions and commitment to the Washington wine industry. To be eligible, candidates must be a Washington resident for 25 years and have been involved in the wine industry for 25 years.

 A selection committee considers 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 a representative from each of the state’s viticultural regions who independently review and rate nominees. 

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; and Bill Powers, pioneer of  low-impact and organic viticulture. A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center to memorialize each inductee.

The Legends Gala honoring the 2011 inductee will be hosted at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center’s new Outdoor Event Facility on the evening of Friday, August 12.

Please go to ‘Events’ tab, Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame in drop-down list to find Nomination Timeline, Criteria and Nomination Form.

The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame is a project of the Walter Clore Wine and 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 food and wine by engaging visitors to experience the diversity and quality of Washington’s 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 off I-82 at Exit 82 on 22 acres overlooking the Yakima River, the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain in Prosser was chosen because of the distinction as home of the largest irrigated agricultural research center in the United States (WSU-Irrigated Ag Research and Extension Center) which is where Dr. Clore began his research work.

The main, 15,000 square foot Clore Center and grounds, designed to complement its natural surroundings, will offer indoor and outdoor venues for conferences, meetings, business and social events.

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