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