London-based The Drinks Business magazine is counting down its “Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Wine” on its website, and Oregon native Zelma Long earned a spot on the list at No. 35.
Viewed as one of the world’s top winemaking consultants, Long grew up in The Dalles, Ore., graduated from Oregon State University in 1965 and became just the second woman to enroll for a master’s degree in winemaking at University of California-Davis. She went on to historic roles at Robert Mondavi in Napa and Simi in Sonoma.
The Bookwalter family in Richland, Wash., first hired Long in 2000, and the red wine program at J. Bookwalter Winery soon became as stylish as its trendsetting tasting room/bistro. The relationship with Long extended through 2008. The list of Northwest wineries Long also has helped elevate includes Abeja (Walla Walla, Wash.), Buty (Walla Walla) and Gino Cuneo (Walla Walla).
Christina Kelly wrote this profile of Long for Avalon Wine Inc., in Corvallis, Ore.
More of the list is expected to be unveiled next week.
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