Prosser Winemakers Mourning Two Industry Giants

The wine industry throughout Central Washington are in mourning today with the loss of two winemakers in the Prosser area.

Mike Wallace, owner of Hinzerling Winery, died over the weekend due to complications from pneumonia according to the Tri-City Herald.

Wallace was one of the earliest winemakers to settle the Prosser area and planted the vineyard that is home to the oldest Chardonnay grapes in Washington and spent many years working with Walter Clore.

Scott Pontin, the owner and winemaker for Pontin del Roza in Prosser, died from a heart attack in a report by the Tri-City Herald.

Pontin was a long-time board member for the Clore Center, and started making wine as an FFA project in the mid-80s.

Wallace was 75, and Pontin was 53.