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Photos courtesy The Walter Clore Center

Education and Beyond at the Walter Clore Center

by | Mar 8, 2017

The world of wine can seem so overly expansive that beginner wine drinkers may feel intimidated or overwhelmed. There is an myriad of intricacies in understanding the different aspects of wine, from various styles and varietals to simply why the palate prefers one wine over the other, not to mention the classical wine regions and producers. Thanks to education communities, such as the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington, the process of becoming wine educated is no longer a slog in the dark but a journey of excitement. Whether you are completely new to the world of wine or a renowned sommelier, the Clore Center focuses on its staff being knowledge enough to allow all visitors the opportunity to learn about the drink they love: wine.

Named after the “father of Washington Wine,” Dr. Walter Clore, the Center has been a place of learning for all consumers since its opening three years ago, perched above the flowing Yakima River. With more and more people recognizing the brilliance of Washington wine, in addition to new, exciting classes offered at the Center this year, there has never been a better time to visit the heart of Washington wine.

The classes vary in subject but maintain a prowess of informality, welcoming guests to attend in a small, and comfortable learning group size, with affordable tickets sold online for easy accessibility. One class that April Reddout, the Center’s wine program director, is particularly excited about is the new “Straight to the Source,” a seminar that brings a different vineyard and vineyard representative into the Clore Center to be the star of the show on Saturdays. With all eyes on the fruit, the class discusses how different producers are tweaking the same varietals to execute unique wines.

“It’s a chance for visitors to see that it’s the same fruit from the same vintage, but to understand how three producers worked with it,” Reddout explains.

So what is the first step in becoming a wine connoisseur? For those who are anxious to jump on the wine bandwagon, Reddout advises to ask questions and acknowledge the fact that you may not be on the same page as others. Demystifying the mystery, the Clore Center encourages guests to engage with all the Center has to offer, from wine tasting to sensory evaluation exhibits and a study of the state’s viticultural areas.

“We love it when somebody comes in for their first wine tasting because we create a very friendly environment where not any one type, varietal or brand is being pushed,” Reddout explains. “It is important to us that people feel comfortable because wine tasting can be incredibly intimidating.”

If you find yourself in south-central Washington and lucky enough to be participating in one of the popular, sell-out Clore Center classes, the passionate staff will be ready and willing to talk wine with you.

“A lot of times, first timers, who have been dragged along to participate in a class, will say, ‘I know this sweet Riesling, I think I kind of like’, and that gives us a lot of information,” Reddout says. “We can meet them right there on that level.”

Whether gushing about the Washington 2011 reds in true wine geek fashion — some of Reddout’s personal favorites right now — or find out why you prefer the taste of a chilled Chardonnay over a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, the Walter Clore Center’s all-are-welcome atmosphere makes learning about Washington wine a truly special experience.

 

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