Gary and Nancy Figgins have been selected as the 2019 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame inductees. The Clore Center is pleased to honor them with this award during the Legends Gala to be held on Friday, August 9th, 2019.
Founded by Gary and Nancy Figgins in 1977, Leonetti Cellar is Walla Walla’s first commercial winery, and a tribute to the Leonetti Farm established in 1906 by Gary Figgins’s Italian immigrant grandparents. Leonetti’s prominence in the wine industry dates to the 1980’s when Wine & Spirits Magazine recognized the 1978 Leonetti Cabernet as the best in the nation.
With their early success Gary and Nancy were instrumental in encouraging and supporting many other burgeoning winemakers, fostering the development of Walla Walla as a premium wine destination. “I don’t believe it’s an exaggeration to say that without the many contributions of Gary Figgins, his staff and family, the reputation of Walla Walla wines would not have grown as quickly or enjoyed such a global reach,” says noted wine critic and author Paul Gregutt.
Gary and Nancy also played a large role in the establishment of the Institute for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. Gary helped design the winery and develop the curriculum, is often a guest lecturer, and is a major scholarship supporter. Gary and Nancy’s support and attention to the future of the industry leaves a lasting legacy and earns them induction into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
“Gary and Nancy truly embody the lasting and significant impact to the industry required for induction into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame” says Abbey Cameron, executive director of the Clore Center. “They have personally moved the industry forward, but always reached back to pull others up behind them.”
Nominees of the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame are individuals who exemplify legendary status due to their contributions and commitment to the Washington wine industry. Nominees must have been Washington residents involved in the wine industry for a minimum of 25 years.
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;
- Bill Powers, pioneer of low-impact and organic viticulture;
- Dr. Myles Anderson, founder of the Institute for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College;
- George Carter, research partner of Dr. Walter Clore;
- Mike Hogue, whose vision helped define the Washington wine industry;
- Allen Shoup, an industry leader who is committed to building the reputation of Washington wines;
- Don Mercer, Horse Heaven Hills pioneer;
- Dr. Charles Nagel, scientist and research partner of Dr. Walter Clore
- Mike Wallace, Prosser Winery Pioneer
- Doug Gore, winemaker for Columbia Crest, grower and mentor
- Dick and Wendy Shaw; Red Mountain grape growers and industry leaders
A commissioned bronze piece will remain on display at the Clore Center to memorialize each inductee. Tickets and sponsorship options for the Legends Gala on August 9th, 2019 will be available soon at theclorecenter.org.