Newsletter
Issue: 2011 Q2
In this issue…
♦ EDA Grant Award
♦ Washington State Wine Commission Hosts International Buyers
♦ Outdoor Event Facility Grand Opening June 30, 2011
♦ Moteur de Vine Benefit Motorcycle Ride Raises $19,000
♦ Upcoming Events
♦ EDA Grant Award
A $2 Million Public Works Grant was awarded by the Federal Economic Development Administration to co-applicants Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center (WCWCC) and Port of Benton (POB). The grant award represents the final grant capital required for construction of the $4 Million agri-tourism and education Center. The $2 Million EDA Grant award complements the long-standing public-private partnership integrating resources and expertise of Federal Housing and Urban Development, Washington State Department of Commerce, Port of Benton, Benton County, City of Prosser, Prosser Economic Development Association, Hanford Area Economic Investment Fund Committee, Washington State University, Washington Wine Commission, private companies and individuals over the last six years. The building design process will begin immediately with construction scheduled for early 2012.
♦ Washington State Wine Commission Hosts International Buyers
The Washington State Wine Experience (WSWE), hosted by the Wine Commission, is the state’s largest international wine trade and media event. Over a four day period that began on the 5th of June, the group of 60 international buyers and media from over 20 countries visited Seattle, Walla Walla, Red Mountain and Prosser where they attended a seminar and tasting at the Outdoor Event Facility focused on the Yakima Valley and Rattlesnake Hills AVAs.
♦ Outdoor Event Facility Grand Opening
A ceremony to recognize the Grand Opening of the Clore Center’s new Outdoor Event Facility was held on June 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Organized and presented by the Port of Benton, the new facility played host to at least 150 attendees. Representatives from Senator Maria Cantwell’s and Congressman Doc Hasting’s offices were on hand to convey congratulations to the Clore Center’s board of directors and the Port of Benton for their combined efforts. State Senator Jerome Delvin also offered words of encouragement. Other speakers included executive director of the Port of Benton, Scott Keller: Co-Chairman of the Clore board of directors, Mike Hogue; daughter of the late Dr. Walter Clore, Nancy Dexter; and Port of Benton Commissioner, Jane Hagarty. To culminate the event, Commissioner Hagarty presented a toast thanking the efforts of all who have been instrumental in bringing the Clore Center project to this point.
A satellite building to the future Clore Center, the 2,400 square foot building features indoor and outdoor assembly areas, a catering kitchen, office space and restrooms. The facility is available to rent. To view the floor plan and images, visit Outdoor Event Facility. Please direct inquiries to info@clorecenter.org or call 509.786.1000.
♦ Moteur de Vine Benefit Motorcycle Ride Raises $19,000
The fourth annual Moteur de Vine ride raised more than $19,000. The fun began on Friday evening, the 24th of June, with a social and barbeque sponsored and hosted by Willow Crest Winery in Prosser. On Saturday morning, riders and those who traveled by shuttle bus, visited Gamache Vineyards in the Columbia Valley appellation followed by a tour and lunch courtesy of Milbrandt Vineyards and Winery in the Wahluke Slope appellation. Cold Creek Vineyard, one of Washington’s oldest and most celebrated vineyards, was the last stop prior to the evening filled with festivities at the Outdoor Event Facility including an auction, dinner and dancing.
Since its inception, Moteur de Vine has raised more than $87,000. All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
♦ Upcoming Events
Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame – Save the Date!
Join us on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 6:30PM for the annual Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame celebration. For the first time, this casual event will be held at the newly completed Outdoor Event Facility on the grounds of the future Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. The evening program includes the announcement of the 2011 Legends inductee, live and silent auctions, sampling and purchase of the 2011 Legends red wine made by winemaker John Freeman of Waterbrook Winery. You will not want to miss the delicious Northwest cuisine food stations and unparalleled Washington state wines.
An on-going fundraising program in support of the Clore Center, Legends honors those whose contributions to the community and the wine industry are of historical and lasting significance.
Be a part of the fun. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and be a part of history in the making!
Tickets are available on-line @ Clore Center or through the office @ 509.786.1000. Individual ticket price is $45 or A Table for a Party of Eight at $475. All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
Prosser Wine and Food Fair – Save the Date!
Join us Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 2 – 8 PM at our new permanent home on the grounds of the future Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center! Bring your friends to enjoy an afternoon of fine wine from 30 Washington wineries, food specialties from 20 local vendors, beer from two hometown breweries and local music.
Tickets went on sale the 1st of May @ $20 pre-sale or $25 day of the event @ www.tourprosser.com and include a tasting glass, four script and event program. Additional script available on-site the day of the event.
Minors (under 21 years of age) and pets are not allowed on the grounds.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center
509-786-1000
info@theclorecenter.org
Prosser, Washington — Registration is now open for the 2011 Annual Moteur de Vine fundraiser ride. This year’s ride begins on Friday evening, the 24th of June, with a social/BBQ sponsored and hosted by Willow Crest Winery in Prosser. On Saturday morning, June 25, riders, and those who prefer to travel by shuttle bus, will begin their journey to three unique viticulture sites in two appellations. The group will depart Prosser and travel to Gamache Vineyards north of Pasco in the Columbia Valley appellation. Roger Gamache will give an overview of the vineyard and local terroir. Next up, a tour and lunch will be provided courtesy of Milbrandt Vineyards and Winery near Mattawa. Jim McFerran will provide an overview of the Wahluke Slope’s unique attributes. After lunch, the riders will travel to Cold Creek Vineyard where Kevin Corliss will talk about one of Washington’s oldest and most celebrated vineyards. Interested participants will have an opportunity to taste wines produced from each vineyard. Upon returning to Prosser, the group will have a short respite prior to enjoying the evening festivities including an auction, dinner and dancing to Black Market Revue at the Clore Center’s new Outdoor Event Facility.
Now in its fourth year, the ride provides a close-up look at Washington State’s grape-growing regions known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The 2008 inaugural ride featured the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs followed by the 2009 ride exploring the Walla Walla AVA. Lake Chelan AVA, Washington’s eleventh and newest appellation, was the destination in 2010. To date, Moteur de Vine has raised nearly $60,000 in support of the Clore Center.
The annual ride is the creation of long-time wine industry veterans Bill denHoed, Scott Pontin and Dick Beightol. The ride is intended to provide people who may not be involved in the wine industry with an in-depth exposure to Washington’s AVAs and a better understanding of what makes each region unique. The ride grows each year as it moves around the state.
According to Scott Pontin, “Whatever you ride — Ducati, Harley, BMW, Yamaha, Honda — you’re welcome to ride with us. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, have fun and benefit an excellent cause.”
“We have a great ride planned, and we hope that everyone will join us for a fun and informative day,” said denHoed. “Moteur de Vine gives participants an exclusive chance to visit the vineyards and meet the viticulturists and winemakers who have created some of Washington’s award-winning wines.”
Riders will pay $125 for all events, while shuttle bus participants pay individually for the Saturday bus ride ($75) and/or the Saturday night reception, dinner and dance ($50). All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
Participants must be at least 21 years of age. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Welcome to the inaugural quarterly newsletter!
A lot is happening at the Clore Center site, a beautiful location off I-82, at Exit 82 in Prosser. Set on 22 acres overlooking the Yakima River, the site also offers spectacular views of the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Mountain. Come by the site to see the progress and save-the-date for the summer events!
In this issue . . .
Outdoor Event Facility
The Outdoor Event Facility, a satellite building to the future Clore Center, is nearing completion and will open in May. The 2,400 square foot building features indoor and outdoor assembly areas, a catering kitchen, office space and rest rooms. The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame event and the annual Prosser Wine and Food Fair will permanently re-locate to the grounds this August.
The facility is available to rent. To view the floor plan and images, visit Outdoor Event Facility.
Please direct inquiries to info@theclorecenter.org or call 509.786.1000.
Moteur de Vine Benefit Motorcycle Ride – Save the Date!
The 2011 ride begins on Friday evening, the 24th of June, with a social/BBQ sponsored and hosted by Willow Crest Winery in Prosser. On Saturday morning, June 25, riders, and those who prefer to travel by shuttle bus, will begin their journey to three unique viticulture sites in two appellations. The group will depart Prosser and travel to Gamache Vineyards north of Pasco in the Columbia Valley appellation. Roger Gamache will give an overview of the vineyard and local terroir. Next up, a tour and lunch will be provided courtesy of Milbrandt Vineyards and Winery near Mattawa. Jim McFerran will provide an overview of the Wahluke Slope’s unique attributes. After lunch, the riders will travel to Cold Creek Vineyard where Kevin Corliss will talk about one of Washington’s oldest and most celebrated vineyards. Interested participants will have an opportunity to taste wines produced from each vineyard. Upon returning to Prosser, the group will have a short respite prior to enjoying the evening festivities including an auction, dinner and dancing to Black Market Revue at the Clore Center’s new Outdoor Event Facility.
Tickets will go on sale April 8, 2011 and can be purchased on-line @ Clore Center or through the office at 509.786.1000. Riders will pay $125 for all events, while shuttle bus participants pay individually for the Saturday bus ride ($75) and/or the Saturday night reception, dinner and dance ($50). All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
Now in its fourth year, the ride provides a close-up look at Washington State’s grape-growing regions known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The 2008 inaugural ride featured the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs followed by the 2009 ride exploring the Walla Walla AVA. Lake Chelan AVA, Washington’s eleventh and newest appellation, was the destination in 2010. To date, Moteur de Vine has raised nearly $60,000 i
n support of the Clore Center.
Prosser Wine and Food Fair – Save the Date!
Join us Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 2 – 8 PM at our new permanent home on the grounds of the future Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center! Bring your friends to enjoy an afternoon of fine wine from 30 Washington wineries, food specialties from 20 local vendors, beer from two hometown breweries and local music.
Tickets go on sale the 1st of May @ $20 pre-sale or $25 day of the event @ www.tourprosser.com. Admission includes a tasting glass, four scrip and an event program. Additional script available on-site day of event. Minors (under 21 years of age) and pets are not allowed on the grounds.
Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame – Save the Date!
Join us on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 6:30PM for the annual Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame celebration. For the first time, this casual event will be held at the newly completed Outdoor Event Facility on the grounds of the future Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. The evening program includes the announcement of the 2011 Legends inductee, live and silent auctions, sampling and purchase of the 2011 Legends red wine, Northwest cuisine food stations and fabulous Washington state wines. Previous vintages of Legends blend red wine will also be available for tasting and purchase.
An on-going fundraising program in support of the Clore Center, Legends honors those whose contributions to the community and the wine industry are of historical and lasting significance. Legends nomination forms and information can be found on the Clore Center web site beginning the 1st of April and through the AVA offices. Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2011.
Be a part of the fun. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and be a part of history in the making!
Tickets are available on-line @ Clore Center or through the office @ 509.786.1000. Individual ticket price is $45 or a Table for a Party of Eight at $475. All proceeds benefit the Clore Center.
Board of Directors Appointments
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Board members each possessing a unique set of skills to contribute at this pivotal point in the on-going development of the Clore Center. Ceil Blaine, Culinary Director and Executive Chef for Precept Brands brings a rich culinary background and hospitality expertise to the group. Randy Hageman, President and General Manager, Milne Fruit Products (retired) is a seasoned business executive with more than 30 years experience in the Washington state agriculture sector and Dave Wyckoff, President and CEO, Wyckoff Farms, a large, diversified farming operation.
They join fellow Board members Jack Chapman, Owner, Wine Country Consulting as Co-Chair; Mike Hogue, Hogue Ranches and Mercer Wine Estates as Co-Chair; David P. Berthon, Jr., Tax Senior Manager, Berntson Porter & Co. PLLC, Treasurer; Deb Heintz, Executive Director, Prosser Economic Development Association, 1st Vice Chair; Jeff Gordon, Gordon Brothers Winery, 2nd Vice Chair; Robert Stevens, PhD, Director (retired), WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Secretary; Scott Pontin, Pontin del Roza Winery; Charles P. Bush, City Administrator, City of Prosser; Francois X. Forgette, Attorney, Rettig, Osborne, Forgette, LLP; Jane Hagarty, Commissioner, Port of Benton; Thomas Henick-Kling, PhD, Director, Viticulture and Enology Program, Washington State University; and Kelly Tucker, General Manager, Reininger Winery.
Revised Business Plan
Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will be a centrally located, must-see learning center that promotes Washington state wine and food by actively engaging visitors to experience and realize the quality and diversity of Washington’s wine and food products.
A revised business plan, adopted by the Board in December 2009, is based upon the principles of no debt load upon opening and a sustainable operating budget. An Executive Summary and the full plan are available through the Clore Center office.
Contact Information:
Kathy Corliss, Director of Administration
The Clore Center
509.786.1000
kathy@theclorecenter.org
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.
###
The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers will hold their Annual Meeting at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick February 8-11, 2011. Take time to stop at the Clore Center table for an update. We look forward to visiting with you!
Fundraising has resulted in $5.3M including $3.4M in
state & federal grants.
To date, $1.7M has been spent on site infrastructure and the Vineyard Pavilion, a satellite building to the future Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center.
