Nomination deadline near for Washington Wine Hall of Fame

PROSSER, Wash. — The  deadline to nominate someone for induction into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame will arrive Dec. 22.

The program honors individuals who have made a lasting impact of at least 25 years on the Washington wine industry, and a new Legend is inducted each year based on the nominations.

Allen Shoup, former CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and founder of Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, earned induction into the exhibition last year at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser.

A Legend is defined as a winemaker, researcher, educator, philanthropist, journalist or other individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the industry.

Shoup joined the list of inductees that includes S.W. “Bill” Preston (2006), John and Ann Williams (2007), Jim and Pat Holmes (2007), Stan Clarke (2008), John N. Anderson (2009), David Lake (2010), Bill Powers (2010), Myles Anderson (2011), George Carter (2012) and Mike Hogue (2013).

Each Legend receives a bronze plaque, which is mounted and displayed in the tasting room at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. The center, which opened earlier this year after a decade of fundraising, is open each day to visitors.

The 2015 inductee will be chosen by Jan. 9. Nomination materials can be found at www.theclorecenter.org under “Events.” Individuals nominated in 2014 are not eligible again until 2016.

Next year’s inductee is scheduled to be announced in early March, and induction will take place 6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7 at the Clore Center. The celebration event will include a social hour on the patio and in the tasting room, followed by a three-course dinner. The program will include the induction, followed by a live auction. All proceeds benefit the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center.

The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center promotes Washington state wine and food. It was created on 16 acres near by Desert Wind Winery and overlooks the Yakima River. The property and buildings are owned by the Port of Benton, and the project is operated by the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center Board of Directors.

Clore began his career in 1937 after studying vinifera grapes and their potential for growth in Washington soils. His research earned him official recognition from the state Legislature as the “Father of the Washington Wine Industry.”

Registration and sponsorship details are available at www.theclorecenter.org or by calling 509-786-1000.