Moments from the opening of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Wash., on May 30, 2014. The center, named for a pioneer in Washington’s wine industry, will showcase the quality and diversity of Washington’s wine and food products. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)

The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser, Washington, officially opened its doors May 30, a milestone in the growth and prominence of the Washington State wine industry.

Named in honor of a pioneer in Washington State’s wine industry, the center sits on acreage that overlooks the Yakima River and showcases historical and agricultural exhibits, a kitchen and tasting room, and various wine and food programs.

“I think this is going to be the hub of where a lot of our programs to engage with national and international trade and media about Washington’s wines will begin,” said Steve Warner, Washington State Wine Commission.”

As if to prove Warner’s point, the opening event was attended by about 150 people, including a number of prominent wine grape growers, winery owners and representatives from Washington State University, various organizations supporting the wine industry, the news media, and people who enjoy wine. The center is expected to become a major tourist destination. Admission is free, but for a $5 fee for tasting wines.

The opening comes after more than a decade of fundraising from public and private sources to construct the $4 million facility.

The facility will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about the center at www.theclorecenter.org Read Good Fruit Grower‘s coverage of the development of the center. See a Google map showing the center’s location. The Yakima Herald-Republic covered the opening with a page one article.