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Walla Walla Wine Incubators

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Success Fostering Success

Architect Ed Luebben was my companion last Saturday in Walla Walla. I've known Ed for almost 20 years. We worked for the same company for twelve years and still keep in touch. As an Architect, Ed has designed many Washington wineries. He even moved to Walla Walla to keep in better contact with his winery clients. Ed now lives in the Tri-Cities and continues to work on a variety of architectural projects - including wineries.

Architect Ed Luebben.
 
Some of the facilities Ed designed include, Garrison Creek Cellars, Northstar Winery, the Enology and Viticulture facility at Walla Walla Community College and the Walla Walla Wine Incubator. Ed and I planned to make the trip to Walla Walla two years ago, we made good this year. Not only did Ed drive, he also introduced me to some of the best winemakers in the industry (more in my next couple of posts).

Adamant Cellars.

Wine Incubator

If you've spent any time talking with me about Washington wine, then you know I'm a firm believer in supporting our local wineries and promoting the Washington wine industry. Not all communities take it to the next level, but in 2006, the Port of Walla Walla, with the assistance of a state economic stimulus grant, constructed three buildings to serve as space for new start-up wineries. By 2008, two more buildings were constructed.


5 for 1 Success

The five wineries in the Incubator program are working wineries with tasting rooms. They take on a reasonable lease which increases as they progress in their business. The lease maxes out at the end of six-years. At that point, it is time to find a new place. The Incubator program provides each winery the opportunity to fund necessities such as grapes, crush equipment, tanks and barrels, the five wineries also share a crush pad.

The first two wineries to occupy the incubators were Adamant Cellars (see post below) and Trio Vintners, then Lodmell Cellars and in 2008, after the last buildings were completed, Cavu Cellars and Kontos Cellars (see previous post) joined the family. Stop by the Walla Walla Incubator and meet some talented winemakers, while enjoying some beautifully crafted Walla Walla wines. I call the the Walla Walla Wine Incubators a success, fostering success. Way to go Port of Walla Walla, kudos.

Five for one, if you do anything in Walla Walla, visit the Incubators. Thanks for a great time Ed, let's do it again.

Ed Luebben, Meier Architects - Engineers: http://www.meierinc.com/
Port of Walla Walla: http://www.portwallawalla.com/

Hospitality Index: ***
Cheers!
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