Prosser, WA — Registration for tickets and table purchases for the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center’s annual Legends Gala are now available. Each year the Legends Gala inducts a new individual of legendary status into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame for their significant and lasting contributions to the Washington wine industry. This year’s inductee is Allen Shoup.
Shoup is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Chateau Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company’s CEO for 17 years. Shoup is founder of the Washington Wine Institute and the Auction of Washington Wines. He helped create the Washington Wine Commission and was instrumental in organizing the American Vintners Association. Currently, Shoup is managing partner of Long Shadows Vintners, which he established in 2002, as well as managing partner since 2008 of the Benches at Wallula Gap, a 650-acre vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills.
Legends will take place Friday, August 8th at 6:30pm in the newly opened Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. The re-styled event will now include a social hour on the patio and in the center’s Tasting Room, followed by an elegant three-course dinner by Castle Event Catering in the banquet room. The program for the evening will include the induction of Allen Shoup, followed by a live auction. All proceeds benefit the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center.
Registration and sponsorship details are available at www.theclorecenter.org or by calling 509-786-1000.
About The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is 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 is located on 16 acres of scenic view property overlooking the Yakima River and Cascade Mountains. 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. 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.”