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College Cellars of Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA
Sometimes winemaking is more about the human investment than anything
else, and College Cellars of Walla Walla proves that. The nonprofit teaching
winery is making a big impact on Washington's wine industry, as well as
internationally. Its goal is to go beyond research and train industry-ready
viticulturalists and winemakers—and it's succeeding. Roughly 30 students
per year graduate the program, and more than 175 have entered into the
industry or started their own wineries. Students of all ages and backgrounds
enter the two-year program and learn their craft on the eight-acre property
located at the Center for Enology and Viticulture on the campus of Walla
Walla Community College.
Founded in 2000 by Dr. Myles J. Anderson, College Cellars of Walla Walla
is run by people who have a passion in viticulture. The advisory committee
is comprised of some of Washington state's top winemakers and industry
experts, including Elizabeth Bourcier, Chris Figgins, Rick Small, Dan Wampfler,
and Victor Palencia. Their interest is always what is best for Washington wine,
and it shows in the graduating student body. All proceeds from the winery go
toward equipment, student needs, and scholarship funding.
College Cellars has events year-round, local release weekends, pouring
events, and participates in festivals like Celebrate Walla Walla.
FACING PAGE: Grand Crew statue by artist Jeffrey Hill stands
outside the Institute for Enology and Viticulture.
Photograph by Don Fleming
TOP : The staff of College Cellars of Walla Walla; Sabrina
Lueck, Joel Perez, Marcus Rafanelli, Danielle Swan-Froese, Tim
Donahue
Photograph by Steve Lenz
