Governor Gregoire will be honored at a luncheon hosted at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center on Friday, August 3, 2012. Presentations to the Governor and key dignitaries will focus on the success of the Clore Center and its partners as it reaches the completion of Phase III.

The Clore Center will be the showcase for Washington’s wine and agriculture. The facility will offer a brand-neutral tasting room as well as exhibits focusing on Washington’s world class wine and ag products. Meeting and teaching spaces are also planned, including a demonstration kitchen space. Programs are being developed for public participation.

Washington State’s Department of Commerce appropriated $2.25 million to the project in 2004. A portion of the State’s funds, combined with private donations and HUD grants, allowed for site development and construction of the Vineyard Pavilion, a 2,400 square foot satellite facility which opened in June 2011. The Port of Benton was instrumental in procurement of the project site and installation of the infrastructure.

The Port of Benton and the Clore Center were co-applicants for a $2 million Economic Development Administration grant which was awarded in March 2011. This grant, combined with the remaining Department of Commerce funds and private donations, will be used to construct the 15,000 sq. ft. Clore Center building. Construction will begin this fall and will open in 2013.

The Clore Center is named for the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, who was recognized as “The Father of Washington Wine” by the state legislature for his research and contributions to the wine industry.

The Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center site is located at 2140 Wine Country Road in Prosser, Washington.