Prosser, WA – The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center is pleased to announce Greg Lipsker, owner of Barrister Winery in Spokane, as the 2013 Legends blend winemaker. Lipsker is the seventh winemaker to make an exclusive blend to commemorate this year’s inductee into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
The Legends blend will be released at the 2013 Legends of Washington Wine Gala on Friday, August 9, 2013. An annual 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. This garden party style event features the induction of the newest member of the Washington Wine Hall of Fame (to be announced soon), release of the newest Legends blend, and a live auction. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.theclorecenter.org or call 509-786-1000.
Barrister Winery is honored to have been selected to provide this custom Legends blend. This multi-vintage blend includes fruit from seven different vineyards bringing unique characteristics from five growing areas. The 2013 Legends blend is 38% Merlot from Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, Wahluke Slope, and Columbia Valley, 33% Syrah from Wahluke Slope and Columbia Valley, 20% Cabernet Franc from Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain and Columbia Valley.
Greg Lipsker’s career as a winemaker started in 1997 when he and Michael White, co-owner of Barrister Winery (both of whom are attorneys), started making wine in Greg’s garage with a five gallon kit. What began as a hobby for both of them eventually turned into something much greater. In 2001, both Lipsker and White took the leap from home winemaking to becoming a bonded winery. As a result, Barrister Winery now resides in a 100-year-old brick building in the historic Davenport Art District in Spokane.
Barrister’s Cabernet Franc has won Best of Show at three different events. It won Best of Show first at the Los Angeles World of Wines Competition, again at the Northwest Wine Summit, and a third time at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival. Although Barrister Winery initially only produced red wine, they have since ventured into producing white wines but have maintained red wines as their focus and specialty.
About the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
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. The Clore Center site is located in Prosser, Washington on 24 acres overlooking the Yakima River and is easily accessible from I-82, Exit 82. The site also offers views of the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Ridge. Prosser is home to the largest irrigated agricultural research center in the United States (WSU-IAREC) where Dr. Clore performed his research.
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”. Still in its infancy, Washington state has much more to reveal in planting areas and suitable varietals.
The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center is being developed in partnership with the Port of Benton, as well as a large contingency of private supporters. Fundraising for the Clore Center is ongoing and contributions are welcome and appreciated. To make a donation, or for more information, call 509.786.1000 or visit www.theclorecenter.org