Nomination period for wine awards open
Imbibe owner Rani Tudor pours selections of Washington wines at the downtown Moses Lake business in February. Local wines and the people behind them have a chance to be in the spotlight as nominations are open for both the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame and the Washington State Wine Awards.
MOSES LAKE - There are only about two weeks left to get entries and nominations in for the 2014 Washington State Wine Awards.
The awards, formerly known as the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, were established in 2002.
It's the state Wine Commission's way of recognizing industry leaders who exhibit strong support of Washington wines and high professional standards in wine service.
Awards include the Washington State Restaurant of the Year, Retailer of the Year and Tourism Champions of the Year.
Community members can also nominate industry members for the Peoples' Choice Awards, including the Walter Clore Honorarium, Salesperson of the Year, Tourism Concierge of the Year and Distributor of the Year awards.
Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 15 and winners will be announced in January.
Award winners will receive a mention in a full-page print ad in regional magazines like "Food & Wine" and "Wine Spectator," a mention in the 2014 Washington State Wine Tour guide, a custom award and window cling display at their business, use of a digital "Washington State Wine Award Winner" badge for websites and social media and promotional ad space on the Washington State Wine Month website.
To submit an application for the 2014 Washington State Wine Awards or nominate for the Peoples' Choice Awards, visit www.wawineawards.org.
Nominations are also open for the 2014 Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
Nominees are individuals who exemplify legendary status because of contributions and commitment to the state's wine industry.
The award is presented by the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser. Nominations forms are available on their website at www.theclorecenter.org.
Eligible candidates must have been Washington residents for 25 years and involved in the wine industry for the same 25 years as well.
Candidates could be winemakers, vineyard developers, retailers or other industry members.
The selection committee will consider the nominee's impact on the wine industry, contributions to the community, and their historical and lasting significance for future generations.
The selection committee includes a representative from each of the state's viticultural regions who independently review and rate nominees.
Nominations are due by Dec. 2 and an inductee will be chosen by Dec. 16.
The 2014 inductee will be honored during the Legends Gala in August.
Previous inductees include Preston Premium Wines founder Bill Preston, organic viticulturist Bill Powers and Walla Walla Community College Institute for Enology and Viticulture founder Dr. Myles Anderson.