REINVENTING WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL
HERITAGE
2010 APA Fall Conference – Session T2 October 5, 2010
Geographic Setting Elevation, Blue Mountains, Soils, Water & Distance from Markets
Historic Crop Production Wheat, onions, peas, asparagus, fruits, and other row & field crops Wheat, apples, potatoes & cherries continue to be predominate crops Estimated wine grape harvest value in 2008 was $6,720,000 Asparagus, barley & green pea production has declined significantly
Factors Influencing Decline of Historic Crop Production Difficulty in storing fresh produce such as asparagus & green peas Closure of processing plants in favor of regional facilities Increasing transportation costs Resulting in reduced production
Conversion of Land to Vineyards From 1 acre of commercial vineyard in 1974 to more than 1,800 acres in
2008
WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY
Mid to Early Italian immigrants planted grapes in the Valley
Late 1800’s
1974 Gary Figgins planted a modest acre of Cabernet Sauvignon
1977 First bonded winery (Leonetti Cellar) established
1984 Walla Walla Valley designated a unique American Viticulture Area (AVA)
1990 Modest early growth to six wineries and 100 acres of vineyards
2000 Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture Program founded
2001 The Walla Walla Wine Alliance was formed, representing over thirty wineries and 800 acres of vineyards
2008 Industry had grown to over 100 wineries and 1,800 acres of grapes.
WINE INDUSTRY CHRONOLOGY
RELATED INDUSTRIESMobile Crushing,
Blending & BottlingCustom Blending &
BottlingWine Storage
• Graphic Design & Printing• Website Design & Maintenance• Web Blogs• Packaging & Shipping
SPIN OFF BUSINESSES
Transportation Tour Buses Limousine Services Private & Charter Aircraft Bicycle Rickshaws
Lodging Accommodations
Hotels & Motels Bed & Breakfasts Vacation Rentals Second Home Market
Restaurants & Dining
Restaurants Catering Services Culinary Programs Wine & Food Pairings
Other Associated Businesses
Guided Tours Art Galleries Music & Entertainment Community Events
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Primary SupportLandEducation & LaborFinanceInfrastructureSupport IndustriesMarketing
Secondary SupportRetail OutletsTransportationLodging &
AccommodationsRestaurants & DiningOther Tourist
Activities
KEY SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
OrganizationsPort of Walla Walla*Walla Walla
Community College*Walla Walla Wine
AllianceWalla Walla
Downtown Foundation*, Tourism Walla Walla & Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce
Role(s)Land & infrastructure
Education & Labor
Marketing
Secondary Support
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