Shaws Named Legends of Washington Wine HOF Inductees

Dick and Wendy Shaw have been selected as the 2018 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame inductees.  The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center will honor the two with this award during the Legends Gala to be held on August 10^th.  Dick and Wendy's started working in the Washington wine industry back in 1981.

With the support of the local community, encouragement from Dr. Walter Clore and their own certainty in the future of the Washington wine industry, they planted 100 acres on the Wahluke Slope near Mattawa, WA. Over the next three decades they would significantly develop their vineyard operations and establish a reputation as one of the most efficient, reliable, and quality wine grape growers in Washington State.

Today the Shaws own approximately 2,800 planted acres in eastern Washington, 520 of which are located on Red Mountain, and they sell grapes to over 55 wineries in Washington and Oregon. Beyond vineyard operations they are involved with their own wine brands Henry Earl Estate Wines and Russell Creek Winery in Walla Walla, and are partners in J & S Crushing, a 20,000-ton facility in Mattawa, WA. Most recently, the Shaws established the Shaw Island Event Center in the Puget Sound, a venue for weddings, receptions, and wine-related events.

At the Auction of Washington Wines Dick and Wendy were selected by their peers as recipients of the 2015 Honorary Grower of the Year Award, a prestigious honor representing the state's more than 350 wine grape growers and over 700 vintners.

Dick and Wendy's influence on the wine industry reaches far beyond their vineyards, wineries and enterprises. Through strong partnerships with wine industry contributors and agriculture service providers they have leveraged their business successes to provide positive social impacts. Their belief in giving back and dedication to civic causes has supported numerous organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest including Seattle Children's Hospital, the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center at Washington State University, and others.

"Dick and Wendy not only grow grapes, they also bring a great business sense to the industry. To this day, I trust their business judgement. They can cut to the chase at the table and understand that both parties need to win. They believe in the industry and have stayed with it through thick and thin," says Doug Gore, vice president of vineyards, operation, and winemaking at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the 2017 Legends inductee.

With over 35 years' experience, the two show no sign of slowing down as they continue to invest in the industry's growth and development. They are true examples of what it means to be a Legend of Washington Wine, and the Clore Center is thrilled to recognize them in this way.

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