Walter Clore statue to be unveiled Nov. 12 in Prosser

The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser dedicates a statue of its legendary namesake at a public unveiling Nov. 12.

Clore, who died in 2003, was instrumental in transforming the region into a wine powerhouse. The Washington Legislature formally honored him as the “Father of Washington Wine.”

The Prosser Rotary Club began raising money for the statute to commemorate his legacy at the time of his death. The wine tasting and event center that bears his name was a work in progress, and the statue plan languished.

In 2014, the Rotary Club and Clore’s former colleagues, including Bob Early, took up the cause to finish the project. Malcolm Phinney, a well regarded sculptor from Joseph, Ore., received the commission. The statue is based on photos, with input from Clore’s heirs.

The dedication begins with a public reception at 1 p.m. and dedication at 2 p.m. The public is welcome.

Following the dedication, the Clore Center will conduct a tasting to compare Washington vintages with their counterparts from Argentina. The tasting begins at 3 p.m. Nov. 12. Cost is $15 per person, plus tax. Space is limited.

The Clore Center is offering two blind tasting events this week.

• Nov. 3: It will sample Merlots at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, plus tax.
• Nov. 5: It will sample “bubbles” at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, plus tax.

Go to theclorecenter.org for ticket and event information.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Walter Clore statue to be unveiled Nov. 12 in Prosser."